w116 300sd Shocks

[xaliscomex]

Own a 1979 300sd that is in need of front shocks.

Wanted to stick with Bilstein but I am having trouble finding the right Bilstein shock?

Not sure if Heavy Duty shocks are needed at the front.

Willing to go with whatever shock gives me the best ride and handling.

Please advise

[w123fanman]

The Bilstein part number for the standard duty front shocks is 24-007061. Since Pelican doesn't offer them, try AJ-USA. They generally have the best prices on shocks.

[xaliscomex]

Any recommendation as to using the Heavy Duty Biltstein vs. the Standard Biltstein for the front?

[clacker]

The Bilstein's for the Mercedes are different from the yellow product line that Bilstein offers. These are valved specifically for these cars, and not overly stiff for lowering suspensions or track use. The Heavy Duty is fine, it is just a bit stronger over the factory comfort shock not 100% stiffer. We have tried them all over the years, they all seemed fine to me driving the car. I would always go with HD over comfort for that bit of extra handling/load carrying. I don't think you will find them terribly stiff or regret buying them. Boge also has a nice line of shocks for these cars too (Sachs is the same product).

[xaliscomex]

Originally Posted by clacker

The Bilstein's for the Mercedes are different from the yellow product line that Bilstein offers. These are valved specifically for these cars, and not overly stiff for lowering suspensions or track use. The Heavy Duty is fine, it is just a bit stronger over the factory comfort shock not 100% stiffer. We have tried them all over the years, they all seemed fine to me driving the car. I would always go with HD over comfort for that bit of extra handling/load carrying. I don't think you will find them terribly stiff or regret buying them. Boge also has a nice line of shocks for these cars too (Sachs is the same product).

Thanks for the info, might just go with the Heavy Duty ones

[xaliscomex]

Originally Posted by w123fanman

The Bilstein part number for the standard duty front shocks is 24-007061. Since Pelican doesn't offer them, try AJ-USA. They generally have the best prices on shocks.

thanks for the part number and the website link

[w123fanman]

Standard will give you something closer to original ride, heavy duty is a bit stiffer. What you want depends on how you drive the vehicle and if you load it down or use it to tow stuff. IIRC, AJ-USA had the HDs for the 300SD for quite a bit cheaper than the standard so if you want to save money, go that route.

[PARSHOOT1]

FWIW, I just put a set of Sachs (the above mentioned Boge) on one of my V8's because it's a somewhat heavy car and I also knew Sachs was OEM. Rides great. You should be fine with Bilsteins too. That was my second choice, but I was going to go with the Bilstein Comfort version, which under Bilstein's new naming system i believe is known as the B4's.