Shocks
 

I have a 1982 300SD that needs new shocks. I'm looking at the Bilstine line. Can anyone give advice as which one to go with--the heavy duty or the heavy duty comfort? How much different is the ride with each?

i would go with the comforts if you are looking for oem ride quality. if you have larger wheels and tires or want a "sporty" ride, go with the HDs.

I installed the Bilstein comforts last year on my 81 300SD, they're soft. Reasonably controlled, but a soft ride, which is appropriate for that car (I still have the 14" bundt cakes, but even if I went to 15" I'd still keep them). I also installed Bilstein HDs on a 93 BMW 525i a couple of years ago, and it rides firmer than stock, but (with a few other mods) it handles amazingly well. I also drove a W124 with Bilstein HDs recently, and it also rode very firmly. For a W126, I wouldn't bother with the HD's - the other mods you'd have to make to make the handling difference worthwhile would cost a lot more, and would change the ride to something out of character for the car. It's a cruiser, install the comforts and enjoy it.