I have a 1999 C230 Kompressor. My first Benz. I needs shocks all around and I am researching which ones to go with. I don't do any high performance stuff or hotrodding around so I am looking for a good solid replacement. I like a sporty ride without being harsh. I don't want to sacrifice quality for price. I have seen the Bilsteins for about $75 dollars per corner (in both HD and sport versions) and KYBs for under $200 for all four. Anyone have any input of what might be the best choice. Is there any discernable difference? Thanks a bunch!

JB

Just curious, how did you determine that you needed new shocks?

__________________
2012 E350 Bluetech

You should always use Bilsteins but not for 5 or 10 years.

As someone once said in this forum, KYB just stands for Keep Your Bilsteins. I personally did not like the ride quality of KYB's installed on a friends 400e, there were not half the ride of the Bilstein's he later installed.

i have the original bilsteins on my CE..... i have rear replacements to do some day.... the car handles well now.....

we replaced the rears on my son's 300e.... that and a few other rear pieces stopped the floating in his car...although it still doesn't handle as well as mine... we need to do the idler arm on his and maybe that will do the trick..

to answer your question.... the rear of his car floated and wandered before changing the shocks and rear arms.... i had never experienced a float like that...well maybe in my dads 66 buick le sabre... ha-ha-ha

anyway... i like the bilstein comforts.... not the hd's

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

The car has 100K miles on it and the shocks are seeping. I figured they were due.

Thanks for the info directing me toward the Bilsteins. That was my gut on it but I wanted to make sure. In the looking around on the internet, I have see Bilstein Heavy Duty and Sport. I have not seen anything described or stated as comfort. I didn't even see that on the Bilstein web site if I recall. Would those be the factory shocks?

Jeff