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#1
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Which Shock Absorber
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 |
#2
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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 |
#3
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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.
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Rick '85 380 SL (sold) '85 Carrera Flatnose '71 280 SL Signal Red/Cognac |
#4
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HD
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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi. |
#5
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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.
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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) |
#6
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Bilstien Comfort shocks it is
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.
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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 |
#7
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Too late to appeal for HD?
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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi. |
#8
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csnow, how would you describe the difference in ride and in handling? Curious as I've not had a chance to sample both.
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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) |
#9
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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. |
#10
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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 |
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