Well, just finished changing both the front and rear shocks on my 1976 230. Through reading some of the posts on this subject, I decided to go with the comfort shocks (I understood that these came with the car, standard) because of some negative feedback with regards to the HD's (too rigid).

I must say, so far, I'm disappointed with my comforts. Maybe it's because I'm only 26 and I'm used to the feel of newer cars (i.e. Honda's) but when driving on these bumpy side streets here in T.O., I find that there is way too much rattling going on.

Maybe it's not the shocks at all? I have no clue what to check with regards to the suspension, but I know that I haven't changed anything since I bought the car a year ago.

Any ideas ?

AARON ROCHARD

1976 230.4 W115

Aaron, it is a 25 year old car!! Bilsteins are good but, they don't do miracles. Rattling does not sound like a shock problem to me. Come on, be realistic, all the rubber pieces in your car must be dried by now even if the car was stored all this time. Just take your time to check and repair all rubber around your car (specially the suspension)a few parts at the time. OTOH, the HD bilsteins would have made your rattling more noticeable.
Good luck!

I agree with J.H. The noises you are hearing have got to be suspension bushings. With age, these components dry out and cause the rattling, squeaking and creaking that you are hearing. Frankly, Bilstein shocks are one of the best shocks you can put on a car. And yes, you would hear even more rattling from your bushings if you had put on the HD.

Shocks not enough
 

I had the same feeling after changing shocks in a '82 300D. I had the ball joints and tie rod links checked. I need two ball joints, a steering damper and front wheel bearings adjusted.

The front end is now very solid.

Jeff

What a relief ...
 

That's good news to hear. I've already purchased a sway bar bushings kit and I'll go from there.

Thanks,

AARON.

1976 230.4 W115

You chose the correct shocks for the car so they are undoubtedly doing their job to control the energy stored in the springs. I'd look elsewhere for the rattles. On one hand it can be a pain to systematically replace the rubber in the suspension of these older cars...on the other hand when you do, the car feels brand new. You may want to check and make sure all your exhaust hangers are OK; they are cheap and easy to replace.