Are new old stock shocks good to use?
 

I recently purchased a set of new Bilstein shocks. They arrived in their old original Bilstein box. The shocks are new and in excellent condition. My only concern is that they're old stock. I don't know exactly how old, but they're embossed "Made In Western Germany."

So, I'd like to know if new shocks deteriorate over time. The ones that I have seem to have been in good dry storage since they were manufactured. They have absolutely no rust on them and the original box is very clean and dry without any moisture stains in it.

The shocks seem to operate as they should, but I just tested them by compressing and releasing them. I don't know if there's anything in particular other than a lack of resistance and the return from a compressed position that I should be looking and/or listening for.

They should be fine.

Thank you for your reply.

Well, I installed the new obsolete stock Bilsteins in the rear of my 1990 300SE. There was no discernable difference between the old and the new. That may be because my old original shocks were still good. They have no leaks. There isn't even any rust on them.

As long as your not bouncing and swaying after dips, they should be good. When mine were shot, my back end wanted to bounce around and taking exit ramps that curved was also an adventure. Now, it hugs and rides great.

No, it's not bouncing at all. It was actually fine with the old shocks, but I just wanted to change them because I knew they were originals.

It took me an hour and 15 minutes to change them which I don't feel was too bad since I had never done any before. Since I changed them in my garage I had to jack up one side at a time. That's obviously more time consuming.

The "feeling" whilst driving can be influenced by the shocks but I get the impression on most Mercedes cars there's a lot of rubber bushings in the suspension that can do more for that feeling.