'93 300E 2.8 -- Has anyone changed the rear shock absorbers themselves? ... the set-up looked very simple ... I am contemplating buying the shocks over the internet and changing them myself ... any hints will be a great help -- thanks!

Piece of cake
 

Brother of the Benz, George
As you see it that's how simple it is.
You can use your car jack and a safety stand, a bottle jack to hold the lower control arm in position after the wheel has been removed.
Probabley the hardest part is removing and replacing the trunk lining.
Use the OE shock for comfort.
The Bilstein Comfort is what I used.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

When I changed mine the new shock was not compressed and I had lots of fun dealing with it. If your new ones are not compressed try to compress and retain it with a easly removeable strap or something before you mount them.

You old shockers
 

Brothers of The Benz
Most shocks, especially Bilsteins come compressed and retained with a tie-wrap.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!