89 560 sl shocks, shocks, shocks?
 

I am due for some suspension service. In looking in the parts ordering section under Shocks, I see choices of Heavy Duty or non Heavy Duty. Now I understand there is a third option of "comfort" I would like to understand the diffrence one might feel in both day to day bumps and sharp manuvering advantages. How apparent are the HD's?

A search will show that the non heavy duty Bilstein shocks are the "Comfort" or OEM shocks.

The Heavy duty units will improve handling somewhat but many have reported that they feel they are too stiff and wish they went with the Comforts.

It is also mentioned that the current Comfort units are 15% stiffer than the originals.

As a result of this board I went with the Comforts.

Please keep in mind that others DO like the ride provided by the Bilstein HDs.

Thank you for your responce Rick. I have read (in the forum) several comments, but nothing clearly stated without prejudice. There is even a referal as to the HD being standard on the 1989 model. I have not been able to confirm that as a fact.
I would like the best of both worlds. I am not willing to give up "commuter ride" quality and at the same time any handleing improvements (with out sacrafice of ride) are a +

Bilstein Shock Absorber Specifications
From the Bilstein home page catalog, they only list one application for the 85 to 91 350 through 560. I am sure that this includes the euro models. The 86 to 89 560 SL came standard with the heavy duty as part of the suspension changes for the model. It received parts from the 124 chassis as well as anti squat upgrades on the rear. Many suspension parts are unique to the 86 to 89 series.

BD


http://www.bilstein.com/specs.html
Search Results
Note: Multiple results indicate different settings, different shocks for right and left, or both.
1 Match
Make: MERCEDES BENZ
Model: Series R107 - 350SL/560SL
Year: 9/85-91
Blank: HD
Front: B36-0524
Rear: B46-1184

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http://www.bilstein.com/specs.html