300E shocks, struts or springs ?
 

1987 300E, freeway at 60mph, rides along fine, straight and steady, when I accelerate the front end rises a little, the steering seems light and the rear end seems a little squirrley, is this front struts? rear Shocks or something else ?

Does squirrely mean that the rear doesn't track straight? Steering feeling lighter could be due to the weight shift towards the rear (unloading the front a little); could be rear shocks or springs.

Do you notice the body go up-down-up-down-up-down (vs. up-down one time only) after going over speed bumps? Would indicate the shocks and/or struts are losing their damping ability.

not getting that up and down motion that would indicate worn shocks, when you push down on either the front end or rear end the motion stops right away

No, if the motion stops right away that means the springs' kinetic energy is being damped (absorbed) by the shocks/struts. Continued motion would indicate that the shocks/struts have lost their energy-absorbing ability.

Jerry

If it were my car these are the items I would check and confirm:

-Tire pressure on all four corners: I like to run 2-4lbs above cold MBZ recommendations.

-Upper front shock mounts: If you can see any cracking from inside the engine compartment then most likely they are shot.

-Rear suspension links: If they haven’t been replaced be sure and check them. It could be the lower diagonal one is allowing toe wandering under load.

-Rear suspension lower control arm bushings: As these wear the rear appears low and contributes to weird handling and a rumbling noise.

-Front suspension/Steering: Jack the front up and see by shaking side-to-side for looseness in the tie-rods etc.

-Front wheel bearings: Hold the top of the tire and shake. Do you feel any clunking?

-Front suspension steering dampener: Is it wet with oil? If so replace. Check by removing one end ( 17mm bolt/nut) and see if it has resistance on compression and extension.

-Alignment: Has your car been aligned recently? Ideally you want it aligned with the use of a spreader bar that preloads the front tires on the leading front edge to mimic natural toe-out forces from driving. Older car really benefit with an alignment done with a spreader bar.

Haasman

I had a similar problem with my 87. It was most pronounced going into high gear on heavier acceleration but the worst was on a wet road. It literally seemed to feel squirley ( like someone had grabbed the rear bumper and given the car a side to side shake. Several threads pointed me to the thrust links on the rear suspension. A quick check is to put the car on stands with the park brake applied, try to roll the tire front and back(don't drop the car on your hand it could hurt) on mine the whole wheel assembly move back and forth about 3/4 of an inch. It is an easy fix and not to pricey if you DIY.