I need to replace the rear shocks on my '87 300SDL. Is this normally a DIY project, any tips on type of shocks and how to replace them. thanks
Brad

Yes it is a DIYer and Bilsteins are the shocks to go with. Mercedes has been using Bilsteins forever, well 40 years at least. I am sure the procedure is the same for your chassis as it is for mine, W116. First, remove the back seat. This will allow you access to the top mounting bolt. Second, raise the car so that the trailing "A" arm is at it's lowest point. Put some jackstands in place, freeing up the jack. Remove the 2 lower bolts that hold the shock in place, I believe they are 17mm. With these bolts removed the shock will drop. If there isn't enough clearence to pull the shock out through the A arm, place the jack under the A arm, out towards the wheel. SLOWLY raise the A arm until there is enough room to pull the shock out. Installation is in the reverse, with one important safety tip. When you go to tighten the top bolt, hold the rod in place so that it doesn't turn. I used Vise Grips for this.
Hope this helps.

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Brad

Rick gave you good advice on those shocks. The hardest part is getting the seat out. One thing that I would add is to soak the bolts on the bottom with liquid wrench real good before doing the job. I soaked mine for about a week before I did my job. Although that Might be excessive I would spray them down when I got home at night. You dont want to brake those bolts. OTher than that it was a simple enough job. I used Blistiens and am satisfied with the ride.

good luck,

bob

also while your there it may be a good time to change the rear brakes if needed. At least check the parking brake adjustment. and clean out all of the water drains

If I need to get rear swaybar links done, is this also a good time to get the rear shocks done or aren't they related?

__________________
Bob Roe
Lehigh Valley PA USA
1973 Olds 88, 1972 MB 280SE, 1978 Datsun 280Z, 1971 Ford T-Bird, 1972 Olds 88, 1983 Nissan Sentra, 1985 Sentra, 1973 230.6, 1990 Acura Integra, 1991 Volvo 940GLE wagon, 1983 300SD, 1984 300SD, 1995 Subaru Legacy L wagon, 2002 Mountaineer, 1991 300TE wagon, 2008 Murano, 2007 R320CDI 4Matic 52K, some Hyundai, 2008 BMW 535xi wagon, all gone... currently
2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, 2014 E350 4matic

Swaybar links are even easier. They are not connected in any way to the shocks, but they do play an important part of the car's cornering. For the links, raise the vehicle by the rear diff., put in the jackstands, remove both rear wheels, remove the 2 nuts to each link, put on new ones, put wheels back on, lower vehicle, done. The links cost about $8 a piece. This was of course for my W116 chassis.

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member