OK, OK, I know that an '85 300D has no place on the "performance paddock", but I am looking to put Bilstein shocks all the way around on my car and I need two bits of info. First, where is the cheapest place to find them? Second, I am thinking to put the HD's on with the stock suspension to try to firm up the ride a bit and stop some of that initial body roll(beings that no one makes anti-swaybars for it!!!) Am I looking for trouble with firm shocks on a mushy car or can they only help? Thanks for the help.

Hi Zachv,
I'm not sure about the cheapest source, but I think you'll find the HD shocks very satisfying. They will clean up the excess body motions and get rid of that 'mushy' ride (within reason...). Not many know that the HD shocks are part of what MB called the "Africa package" on vehicles intended for the African market. Absolutely horrendous roads, but the upgraded suspension on those cars could keep up. I'm not sure if they still do this, but every MB my father ordered when we lived there was so equipped, including a 123.
Good luck, even if you don't rally the car.
-Nick

Nick..Are you keeping the stock springs? I just put Bilstein "Sport" along with Eiabch's on my 190.....huge difference! My only concern might be that the HD's would be too firm? Best place, I've found for the shocks is Shox.com. Good luck


Dave Browning
89 190 E 2.6

OOOOOps my reply was to Zachv...sorry about that!

Thanks gentlemen for the replies. I sure do wish that there were some more aftermarket support for these w123 cars. I cannot believe that no one makes anti-sway bars for these. Maybe I should think about having some produced as it is evident that these cars will be around for a while.
BTW, www.macneilauto.com has the correct HD part number for $62 front and $58 for the rears. I will check shox.com before buying.

Oh, you're goin' to hell, Bill.

Repent your sins, Bill, and send them the extra money. After all, that $100 or so bucks made the CEO have a lousy vacation that year! BTW, WHAT Autozone was that?? Might try that trick, too...

Think they will order a nice set of 18" Brabus wheels for me? I only need two...really...(just doing one side)