Shock Absorbers
 

Hey guys,

While I got my car pulled all apart, I need to replace all four shock absorbers and the sagging rear springs. At fastlane, they have 4 shocks available for my W115 diesel: Bilsteins, Bilstein Comfort, Boge, and KYB Gas-a-Just.

The KYBs are considerably cheaper, and I am thinking of going with them. However, I talked with a Mercedes salvage yard owner who says he would NEVER put KYBs on a Mercedes.

Comments? What would you buy if money was tight?

don't tell anyone...
 

OK, I will admit, since money was tight at the time (wait, it is always tight...) I put a pair of KYB's in the rear of my 108 chassis. I must say, those Japanese shocks are excellent! Or maybe the old ones were so shot that I am being fooled by the pure newness of the KYB's...

In all seriousness, they fit perfectly, and really tamed the otherwise funky 108 rear swing axle suspension. I am glad I didn't spend twice as much for Bilsteins. And hey, if they wear out more quickly, I'll just change them out again myself.

-JAS

I installed a set of KYB's on a W115 and after less than 3 years parted the car out. On inspection, the shocks were found to be leaking, the rears particularly. I threw them out even though they were still functional. As for performance, I liked them! They were a bit more bouncy than the new Bilsteins I recently put on the "new" model 220/8. As someone once wrote, KYB = Keep You Bouncing. I think they are not that bad, a little more spirited than Bilsteins, which for a diesel might not be of importance.
Bilsteins have the edge for lifetime, and are my recommendation.
I knew someone that had a Boge fail, complete loss of fluid only a couple of years after purchase. That kinda thing can happen to any parts but leaves me thinking their Quality must be marginal.
Dieseldiehard
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 104041 or is it 204041?
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 288975
1983 300D 237300
1985 300TD 205437

Cazzzidy,

If you are keeping the car, I would go with the Bilsteins. If you are selling the car I would consider another brand to save money up front. Bilsteins should last until the rest of the car is really dead, while I can't say that for the other brands, and it restores the intended ride/comfort compromise the factory settled on when they built the car.

Good luck, Jim

Schpeaking of Bilsteins:
 

I just recalled recently hearing about an outfit in Germany that has Bilsteins on sale. I do not know whether the quoted prices (after currency conversion) plus shipping are really that attractive or not. You'll have to sort that out and decide-
http://www.dbdepot.de/englisch/

Be sure and read Andreas history on how he started this business /

Dieseldiehard
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 104041 or is it 204041?
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 288975
1983 300D 237300
1985 300TD 205437

Five years and counting on my Bilsteins. No regrets. (On the fronts only 'cause it's a wagon)

bilsteins last forever
 

I just changed shocks(front) yesterday and the old bilsteins (202K mi!) weren't really that bad. I have Koni reds which are adjustable in the rear. They are extremely high quality and seriously heavy duty. I wanted adjustable shocks in the rear to see if they'd help with both over/understeer tuning and also in attempt to correct ride height (I know that sounds foolish). The Konis are very expensive so I went with bilsteins in the front.

Bilsteins all the way around. I changed them on the 300D right after I purchased it at 217k miles (increased the value of the car 25%) and they actually had some life left in them.

I put a set of 4 Bilstein HD's on my 124 and WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! The ride was great especially after a new front end

Now my 210 seems so soft, I think I will need to do it all over again...maybe even this time with an e430 sway bar!!

My advice is to do the job right if you plan on keeping the car. There is no sence in five years from now saying, "I wish I..." First, use top quality products. Second do the tie rods, ball joints, sway bar bushings etc... You will not be disappointed with the final product

Okay guys,

Even after being told to get the Bils ... I ordered the KYBs. Having already spent hundreds on brake rotors, pads, and calipers, a valve cover gasket, motor mounts, injectors, lines, paint, etc... and the possibilty of ordering a complete Injection Pump coming up ($500+), I wasn't ready to part with $180 more for shocks. The KYBs will have to do...

Thanks for your replies... I really wish I could afford the Bilstiens. Right now, I can't.

I think you'll be happy- both with the money that remains in your pocket now, and the performance of the KYB's. On the older chassis designs, I think they work great.

On my 85 300sd (126) I just got Bilstein Comforts all around in October of 02.

The ride is without question, luxury soft, but not sea-sick soft like an old cadillac. I wonder what the more rigid ones would feel like.

When I need new tires I was thinking of getting rid of my 14" rims and moving up to 18". I wonder if this will be a good combo with the Comforts.

J

JPL, I don't think 18" wheels and tires are going to fit, and if they do that car is going to be harsh on bumps. True it might handle better but I doubt that you gonna like them even IF they fit without scraping the hell outa the backside.
I suggest you stick with 15 inch stock wheels, the flat face (15 hole) factory wheels are great on that chassis.
Dieseldiehard
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 104041
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 288975
1983 300D 237300
1985 300TD 205437

I would allways prefer Bilstein at the right price.

Boge often found at good prices, very good for my money.

KYB: I've tried them on 116 and 107, Great Price/Regret Trap ! FORGET THEM. WAY TOO SOFT. Their diameter is smaller than than Boge and Bilstein.

Mark Shinnick
www.mastertimer.com

dieseldiehard:

hey, I didnt even think about the BE scraping over bumps. Thanks for the tip. Luv this forum.

J