My 1987 420 SEL has 230,000 miles and runs great, but rides harsh over bumps. The shocks pass the test of pushing up and down on the fenders and watching for excessive rebound. I don't have the original service records so don't know when shocks were last replaced. What is the average life of W126 shocks? Any recommended replacements other than OEM?

Most MB shocks will last 100K+miles around Georgia, but we have really good roads. Both Bilstein & Sachs(Boge) offer lifetime warranty with replacement shocks, why go anywhere else?

Ga has some of the best roads in the world.
engatwork
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

thanks!

I notieced a bit of harshness/banging in the front end of the 300SD, so I had it checked.

The Tech report says "right idler arm bushing bad, steering damper marginal, right lower ball joint boot bad." They also recommend AC and PS belt replacement. I'm planning/budgeting for these parts soon.

I also got rid of a lot of harshness in the Audi by having rear bushings replaced. The techs said these are don't usually wear out, but they did, and I replaced them, and it's a new car again! :cool:

It might not be the shocks, there may be something else. Have it checked by the techs, it's money well spent.

BCingU, Jim

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'96 E300D 60k mi (wife's daily ride)
'95 Audi 90 120k mi
'92 GMC Suburban 139k mi
'85 300SD 234k mi (my daily ride)