123 Vs 126 Shock Valving Question
 

Has anyone ever tried the W126 HD Bilstein Shock 24-005012 on their W123?

It’s time to replace the front shocks on my 80 300TD Wagon. I really want to tighten and firm it up.

I have settled on Bilsteins based on the many comments here on the forums.
I also learned from the forums that 126 shocks will work on a 123.

This got me to speculating that perhaps the heaver 126 body would have firmer shock valving than a 123.

As I want to firm up the ride, I will be going with one of the HD versions that Bilstein offers.

So my choices are the Heavy Duty Bilstein 24-007047 for the 123 chassis and I am considering the Heavy Duty Bilstein 24-005012 for the 126 chassis.

If anyone has any definitive information on shock valving for the 123 Vs the 126 I would be interested in that information.

Thanks!

The 126 is not much heavier. I'd use the 123 shocks if they are known good, no hesitation.

Thanks for the information. I thought the 126 cars were much heavier than a 123. And that lead me to speculate that the shock valving might be firmer, which is what I desire.

The only way to determine shock valving is to dyno the shock or at least have access to both and give them a push / tug.

Compare actual dimensions, while one shock might " fit " in the place of another, there might be length differences that could be an issue at full compression / extension. A shock with a longer extended length might bottom out / be damaged when installed on a car that needs a shorter length if a large bump is hit and suspension goes full stroke.

It would be great to have access to that type of equipment, but even then like you said, I would have to have both shocks available. I really wanted the sport shocks, but bilstein has discontinued them. I tried a retailer here in the states and one in the UK and got the same answer. NLA. Well they have one in inventory, but one does me no good.

If you seriously want a better shock, use Koni's.

Does this car use a stud mount upper and eyelet lower? If so , that is a reasonably common setup and you might be able to find something from another brand of car.

Many who install the HD version regret it, the ride becomes really harsh. Stick with Comfort.

I've had hd and regular and cannot tell much difference.