The old questions

for the 1986 560SL, should I get the Bilstein standard or heavey duty shock absorbers?

Is there a reason to go to a different brand - Konic for example.

Are there and "Leasons Learned" regarding the replacenment of the shocks?

I'm figuring both front and rear.

Thanks for your continued help and suggestions.

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Thanks for the help
Bill Fisher

'86 560SL (186K) - Now a 'classic' : Registered as an Historic Vehicle
02 E430 in the stable
'14 LS460 (Lexus)
- - - - -
'95 E420 (198K) found a new home
'99 E320 (80K) (gave it's life for me as we hit a bumper)
'95 E420 (231K) Sold to a happy buyer, new to Mercedes
'90 300E (65K) Sold to an Mercedes Lover
'92 190E (215K) - retired to the salvage yard
'93 500SEL (214K) - Moved to another family, still runs like a young pup

Bill,

The choice is more dependent on your ride expectations/requirements than anything else. Bilstein makes excellent shocks and either one would be a fine choice. I prefer a more "connected" ride than some folks so I fit the HDs to my street cars. BTW, these shocks are pretty much a must when installing lower, stiffer springs.

If you are seeking a more comfortable ride that closely approximates the original shocks then the Bilstein Comfort model would most likely be the best option.

HTH,

///MikeR
'93 190E 2.6 Sportline

From what I've read here and elsewhere it seems that the Bilstien Comfort shocks are the way to go and that they are 15% stiffer than the original replacement part....as opposed to Koni.

I'll be replacing the shocks on my 380 within a week with these. I'm also upgading to 560 springs.

__________________
Rick

'85 380 SL (sold)
'85 Carrera Flatnose
'71 280 SL Signal Red/Cognac

HD

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

I didn't realize I needed to specify beyond Bilstein, so my shop installed the HDs. It's nowhere near the point of trying to negotiate a re-change after a couple thousand miles, but there's definitely more harshness over rough spots, and if I were to do it again I'd go for the Comfort version.

__________________
Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)

Thanks for the feed back

So the Bilstien Comfort shocks will be the ones I use. Just need to get to FastLane and find time on calendar.

Thanks.

__________________
Thanks for the help
Bill Fisher

'86 560SL (186K) - Now a 'classic' : Registered as an Historic Vehicle
02 E430 in the stable
'14 LS460 (Lexus)
- - - - -
'95 E420 (198K) found a new home
'99 E320 (80K) (gave it's life for me as we hit a bumper)
'95 E420 (231K) Sold to a happy buyer, new to Mercedes
'90 300E (65K) Sold to an Mercedes Lover
'92 190E (215K) - retired to the salvage yard
'93 500SEL (214K) - Moved to another family, still runs like a young pup

Too late to appeal for HD?

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

csnow, how would you describe the difference in ride and in handling? Curious as I've not had a chance to sample both.

__________________
Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)

Well, I suppose it is all matter of personal preference, but I have had excellent results with HDs in a wide variety of applications over the years. I find MBs of that vintage to be rather 'soft' by modern standards.

HDs are firm, but not harsh (IMHO), and consistently a good match for stock springs, so one does not lose any travel. I tried a similar SL with them once, and thought the ride was nice. Did not do a 'before and after' though.

Best of luck.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

The 560 came standard with the HD's. They do offer a comfort shock, you would be going with a 450 setup and still have the stiffer 560 springs. Stay with the HD's IMO.

BD

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87 560 SL
93 300E 2.8
91 300CE-24