Bilstein Shock Designations
 

If memory serves, a number of years ago when you wanted to get Bilstein shocks or struts you could get either (a) Comfort or (b) Heavy Duty. Comfort was the rough equivalent of what came standard on the car.

But now the designation, at least with some suppliers, is (a) Heavy Duty and (b) Sport. As far as I can tell the new HD corresponds with the old Comfort and the new Sport corresponds with the old HD.

At list that's the way it is with some suppliers. But other suppliers use different designations.

Then I guess for some cars they make a Touring shock. Is that what used to be called Comfort?

Can anyone clear up my confusion? :confused:

The names still mean the same. They have been using codes for a while like B4=Comforts/Touring, B6=HD, B8=Sport

Here is their catalog offering.
http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/BILSTEIN_Application_Guide_2014.pdf

Thank you for this very helpful info. Besides Bilstien, any other makers worth considering?

That's interesting. So it looks like I CAN get at B4 for my 98.

Sach/Boges are sometimes factory installed and is one to consider. Usually offered in one flavor.

Koni are shocks I really like, particularly the FSD. But are expensive.

Indeed I have Sachs comforts on my W201 for my old bones!

In the Bilstein catalog, there are actually three shocks designated B4 that fit my car. To add to the confusion, one of them is described as heavy duty.

the heavy duty ones are best suited for loaded car applications. (meaning you and some passengers)

the regular ones are great themselves, but make sure the rear subframe mounts and the rear outer joint is in good shape, this really makes the car behave on roads as the wheels remain where they should be.

I went through two sets of replacement Bilsteins on my 83 300SD. The original set that came on the car from new, then two more sets over 305K miles.

Both sets were from AutoZone, the 2nd set were free replacement for the worn and failed 1st set (one was leaking fluid) so the next set were free from A.Z.

The 2nd set - I specified HDs for the rear-end.

The price for the 1st set of Bilsteins was ever so right from A.Z., versus MB Dealer. This was over 20 years ago - so check with A.Z. to see if they still have this free full-replacement policy.

What your seeing in "Heavy Duty", is the type of suspension option from the Mercedes factory. Not related to the Bilstein shock line designation.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1432333358

So Bilstein model 24-021548 is from their B4 touring line, but is specifically made for the factory Mercedes w210 Heavy Duty suspension.

I have a set of front or rear Comforts that fit a 126 for cheap if anyone wants them. I'll have to look at PN to find what end they fit PO seems to fix 1/2 of a system - brake master while pads are on metal, shocks one end only while the other has no dampening. I bought a set of HD soon after I started driving the car and the 2 that came on the car are available.

So if I DON'T see Heavy Duty as an option on the data card, then the one for me to get is 24-108256, correct?

Yes, if you don't have ride height adjustment..