I can either get Sachs front/rear for $335 or Bilstein HD front/rear for $352. I realize most folks prefer the Bilstein HDs for the softly-sprung W210, but I almost prefer using the original equipment. Isn't Sachs original equipment on my car?

Also, I can get the Sachs by tomorrow, whereas the Bilsteins would arrive in about a week. I prefer to have the job done by Saturday when we pick up my father-in-law at the airport; I plan on loaning him the car for the duration of his stay here. Though I haven't crawled under the car yet, I'm pretty much betting that all 4 shocks are blown. Despite new Michelins and tight steering components with good alignment, the car floats pretty badly on the highway, leans hard in corners, and does the rocking horse thing when starting and stopping. He currently drives an Infiniti G35 and I hate to lend him my car in this shape.

I hope this doesn't turn into an oil thread...

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I did a search and answered my own question. I'm going with the Sachs which it seems would get me closest to the original ride. I understand Bilstein Comforts are probably similar in ride quality, but they cost more. I can get the HDs for the same price as the Sachs but am not willing to go "stiffer" in ride. The warranty on the Sachs is lifetime, just like the Bilstein.

This W210 is a seldom-used passenger car, not a canyon carver - I have the Miata for that.

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

With a lifetime warranty, how is it that your original Sachs broke down then?

FWIW The original struts on my W124 were Sachs - Now Bilstein.

MB uses Sachs more often than any other shock as OE fitted equiptment.

That doesn't mean they are better...just less $$$ for a quality product.

I'd go with Bilsteins when ever possible!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

My goal is to get as close to factory original ride as possible, and the Sachs are satisfactory for me.

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280