300TE to HD or Not HD (front struts) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

d2bernhard · #1 07-27-2004, 12:49 PM

Hello,

Car is '92 300TE (129k mi).

I will need front struts soon. Car has self leveling rear which is calibrated to the MB OE struts. I will put in Bilstein no matter what, and there are 3 choices of Bilstein: MB OE, Comfort and HD. I have HDs in my 300E, and like them. But, I am concerned that this may not be optimal with the existing damping system for the rear of the TE and perhaps I should stay with MB OE or Comfort.

Does anyone have experience or opinions on this?

Thanks!!!

d2bernhard · #2 07-30-2004, 02:37 PM

No Takers?

d2bernhard · #3 08-03-2004, 01:00 PM

Sorry, but I have to bump -- anyone?

Richard Eldridge · #4 08-03-2004, 09:01 PM

I put HD Bilsteins on my 90 300D (all four) and latest on my 85 300TD. In both cases, the ride and handling seemed tighter and more responsive and raised the car about 1.5 inches.

I like the HD's. They are great, and I suspect will wear longer. I doubt that the there will be any problems with the hydraulic lift apparatus in your TE's rear end. My 85 TD has the 85 version of this and as I say, rides great, not too hard or too soft and with observable higher ground clearance.

I know some will say that these cannot raise the height, but the fact is that mine did. My 90 used to scrape parking lot dividers with the spoiler to the degree that the foolish thing was cracked when I bought the car and had to replace it. With the HD's it clears the things by an inch or more.

They will cost you slightly more. ($20-30 per shock). Check the sponsor's site, Rusty or adsit.com, and take into consideration the total bill, including shipping. Some charge, others ship free if you buy over $100 or so.

Do a search on Bilstein HD and you will find tons of info.

Good luck!