Hi,
Does anybody know if the front struts on the 201 and 124 (1988 models)are interchangeable? Fast lane shows the same part numbers for both cars on the Boge and KYB brand.
Thanks,
Steif1

I beleive they will work, because the 124 and 201 chassis share many suspension parts. I don't recommend KYB products, have a bad experience with them as did many others in this forum.

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1990 190E 2.6
1996 Grand Voyager 3.3
1985 Mustang GT 5.0 5 SPD
1982 Suzuki GS 750T

Just another vote against KYB...
Boge is ok.
Bilstein (particularly the HDs) would be even better, though cost is certainly a factor.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

Thanks for the info. I guess the struts are interchangeable. Looks like Boge wins out over Bilstein for the price difference and it sounds like KYB is not the way to go.
Steif1

I had my rear shocks replaced because they started leaking. They were white KYB Gas-A-Just shocks.

I couldn't believe the difference in ride quality, stability, handling, noise, etc. especially from the rear end of the car.

Now it's time for the front KYB's to go. Maybe tomorrow actually.

BTW, the replacement for the rears were Bilsteins (Comforts).

Honestly I think that's probably because the KYB's were old. However they really didn't look that old..... (obviously they were put on the car at one point in its life by the previous owner)

BTW...

I have a dumb question... sorry..
What is/are the difference(s) between a strut assembly and a shock absorber?

Thanks

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

"What is/are the difference(s) between a strut assembly and a shock absorber?"

The term 'shock absorber' once simply described a standalone part that performed suspension dampening. That is all it did. It had no structural function(the springs held up the car), and was not exposed to lateral(horizontal?) loads (steering/braking/acceleration). It is very common for the rear suspension to have 'shock absorbers' in this sense, like on the 201/124, where the spring and various linkages take on all of the loads, and the shock absorber simply dampens upward and downward travel. Some cars, and even some newer MBs still have standalone shock absorbers on the front.

Typically, I have found that 'strut' is used to describe a structural assembly, meaning an assembly that supports various loads, and the "dampener" or "shock absorber" is one component of this assembly.
The more common setup these days being a "MacPherson Strut", where the shock absorber and spring are all part of a single structural assembly that supports both suspension and lateral loads.
The 201/124 front 'strut' assembly is a bit unusual in that it does not include the spring, so it does not suspend the weight of the car, but it does take on steering and braking loads. The 'shock absorber' part actually does double-duty as the steering pivot point, and rotates separate from its piston when you steer. It also acts as a stop when the downward limit of suspension travel is exceeded.

The terms are sometimes interchanged, or used differently, so it is confusing.
Sometimes the replacement 'shock absorber' portion of a strut is sold as a "strut insert".
For the 201/124, the term "strut assembly" is typically used to describe the replacement part for the front.

Best of luck.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

A strut is basically an EXTREMELY STURDY shock absorber. This is necessary because it serves as a suspension member as well as a damper.

I made the mistake of buying KYB's and I'm not now in a position to buy a set of Bilsteins, so I'm just suffering. I personally will never again spend my strut/shock money on anything but Bilsteins. At least for a Benz.

Good luck,