If anyone has replaced front and/or rear struts on a 86-95 E-class, would you post your experience, esp brand of strut preferred, any special tools required, and install tips? In one of my manuals, it says that one could support the lower control arm, and remove the strut without using a spring compressor. Any comments?

Bob,

I've been through this. I thought that since they termed these as struts, they would require spring compressors, etc. However, since the spring is not surrounding the shock, it turned out to be a relative piece o' cake.

It's been awhile since I put them on, but all you really need are wrenches and a floor jack.

As for brand, it's difficult to go wrong with Bilstein's, although the KYB's are not bad.

Good Luck


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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Hi Bob,
I've been very happy since switching to Bilstein HD shocks - the firmer ride and better handling make a big difference - and this even after installing sport springs (Eibach).
Nick

In the front, they are struts. IE no upper control arm...In the rear they are shocks. I use only the OE Bilstien units. HD are OK too.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Stay with the Bilsteins although another option is Boge. As far as installation without a spring compressor I'd be extremely careful. All the 190s and 300s I've installed struts on needed alignment to be correct. Good luck fellow Hoosier!

Rocket,

You have my curiosity going. How does changing the strut change wheel alignment? As I recall, it bolts in a very precision mounting to the steering knuckle or somewhere at the top of the spindle. The top mount of the strut also has a precision mounting. How does this effect alignment. I'm not doubting you, I'm just curious.

Thanks


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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Just a note. Sachs is the OE on the 300E, not Bilstein (unless MB switched to Bilstein in the nineties). The OE struts had hallowed shafts to reduce unsprung weight. I am not sure if Bilstein is the same way or not. So if you want an original ride get Sachs. If you want to improve the handling then get Bilstein or Koni (my favorite). Sachs makes a sport setting for your car but they have really bad valving (I had them) so I would stay away from that. Good luck.