shock absorber differences
 

Could anybody enlighten me about the differences in the rear shock absorbers fitted to the 129? Some models are fitted with part number A1293200031 while others have part number A1293200131. There is no obvious rhyme or reason (eg models or years). They look the same. What is the difference, if any? Thanks in advance.

MB "softened" the ride on those cars in 1996 by changing the shock absorber rate. The earlier (129-320-00-31) shocks were slightly stiffer.