OEM Shocks: HD or Comfort? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TCCBass · #1 02-15-2002, 06:41 PM

I'm going to get these Monroe's off of Blanche ASAP. It has a trucklike feel in the front end. The dealer has OEM shocks for $57 each. I can order Bilstein Comforts online for $47 plus shipping. All in all, not that much difference, and I don't have to wait for them to come in. I don't want HD's on the car as the roads in Dallas are SO rough. Will the OEM's be harder or the same as the Comforts?
I appreciate the input. If they are the same, I'll install them this weekend. The $15 savings isn't really worth the wait.

MarkM · #2 02-15-2002, 08:04 PM

I know for a fact that Bilstien comfort shocks were OE on the 300 D, 123 body. I assume it was the same for the SD, not definite, but if I were a bettin' man.......

mark

Capt Kirk · #3 02-16-2002, 10:08 PM

DON'T GET MONROE'S

they are evil. I had a set on my 300D that failed me (long story).

I went ahead and put in OEM Bilsteins (from teh local Dealer) and the ride has been excellent. As far as I know they only come with one type from a Dealer.

DieselHead · #4 02-16-2002, 10:35 PM

I put on HD Bilstein's a few thousand miles ago and think the "new" ride is great. I couldn't imagine it being any softer.

Alex

oldsouth · #5 02-16-2002, 10:58 PM

Before I purchased my shocks I called Bilstein and ask them what the difference was. They said the oem's were made to Mercedes valving specifications and the HD were made to their valving specs. I went ahead and got the HD because they had a lifetime warranty and the oem's did not. They ride a little harsher but at high speeds and when their is a side wind blowing they are much more stable. It's just what you are looking for, best ride or best stability. Before I got the HD's I thought high speed stability was good, but now it is better.

edge · #6 02-16-2002, 11:57 PM

I thought Oem's were "standard" Bilsteins which are NOT the comforts nor the HD's. I just had them installed and boy they feel great...makes the car feel like new.

oldsouth · #7 02-17-2002, 12:02 AM

Only 2 types of Bilsteins for the 140 not 3.

TCCBass · #8 02-17-2002, 10:23 PM

Ok. So I shouldn't just go by the service records. I took the wheel off, and lo-and-behold...there were Bilsteins on it. I don't know if they are heavy duty or not. The numbers on the side end with H1183. The numbers are almost the same on the OEM shocks...but they end with E1183. If they are HD Bilstein, they are coming off. It just doesn't ride like other S-Classes I've been in. I put new Yoko Axis tires on. It is MUCH more quiet now.

I've tried looking the numbers up on Shox.com. The comfort shocks show to have the 1183 number. I wasn't aware that the OEM had different valving. If they will be softer, that's definitely what I want.
Opinions? Thanks for the responses so far!

edge · #9 02-17-2002, 10:33 PM

Oldsouth, thie standard Bilstein shocks were for my 1984 300D.

oldsouth · #10 02-17-2002, 10:36 PM

Call Bilstein - They can give you the lowdown on the shocks they manufactor for your particular model.

#11 02-17-2002, 10:43 PM

Oldsouth, do you have a phone number for Bilstein? Thanks.

oldsouth · #12 02-17-2002, 10:49 PM

1-800-537-1085

www.bilstein.com

#13 02-18-2002, 12:44 PM

TCCCBASS,

Did you replace your shocks? Any difference?

TCCBass · #14 02-18-2002, 02:36 PM

I haven't replaced them yet. The Bilstein offices are closed today, so I'm going to ask them about the serial #s tomorrow. It may be that these cars are just more firm than I was expecting, but my 124 has a much cushier ride than the 126.
If these ARE HD's, I'll have an almost new set for sale. These are barely even dusty on the outside.

#15 02-19-2002, 12:03 PM

Had this issue a year ago... I elected to change my shocks along with the castor bushings and an independent told me the HD Bilsteins are virtually the same as the OEM in the blue and white box. I eventually had my dealer do it (the only ones I really trust for this stuff) and had the OEM Blue and White Box variety put on. This way, I *know* this is the right shock, and it comes with a warantee for parts AND installation. Great/firm ride will come out of it...

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HD Shocks or Comfort?	wolfwright	Diesel Discussion	16	01-01-2003 11:41 PM
For Sale: OEM Sportline Shocks (front) for W124	fhmajid	Mercedes-Benz Used Parts For Sale & Wanted	0	04-18-2002 11:41 AM
W126 Comfort Shocks FS plus...	TCCBass	Mercedes-Benz Used Parts For Sale & Wanted	0	03-22-2002 02:55 PM
OEM sl shocks	AAL	Mercedes-Benz SL Discussion Forum	1	03-03-2002 11:35 AM
HD vs. Comfort shocks	AAL	Tech Help	3	02-10-2002 10:27 PM