For the small sum of $340 I have a new W210 E320. You read it right. That's the pittance I paid for new Sachs shocks. I eagerly picked them up after work and installed them within 3 hours. Then I set the pressure in the new-ish Michelins (5k miles) to 28/34 per the door jamb.

On the test drive, I was astounded. I guess after 180,000 miles and 12 years the original shocks were tired. I cannot believe what new shocks have done to my car - it handles like new from the factory. No more bobbing, swaying, or rocking. No more floating at high speed. No more leaning and squealing tires on turns. No more delay when braking. The car is taut, agile, and controlled. I took it to some severely sharp turns that I throttle steer through in the Miata. I think this E320 might almost keep up with it. Almost.

I am glad I went with the Sachs over the Bilstein HD. I know, I know, everyone here swears by the HDs, but in the end I just wanted the original factory ride back. From everything I read, either Bilstein Comforts or Sachs touring (what originally came on this car) would deliver that. The Sachs were available locally and were a bit less expensive (sorry Phil).

I remember the day I got this car, I cursed it. It wallowed and lunged and handled sloppily compared to my W124. I had no idea.

If you have a higher-mileage W210 (or any higher-mileage MBZ for that matter) do yourself a favor and install new shocks. You won't be sorry!

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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