I have searched the archives and I am wondering if someone can verify what type of suspension my 90 420sel has? From the reading, I think it has just standard shocks in the rear. My rear seems to bounce a little more than I would like on the road in the rear, so I am trying to get some sort of picture of how much the repair will cost. If they are standard shocks in the rear, Importec.com has Bilstein Shocks for $69 per shock. Can someone verify my suspension? Oh, you can tell me your opinion of my rear suspension if you would like. I push down on the fender and the back end will bounce slightly 2-3 times after I let it go. It, of course, does not just keep bouncing like the shocks are completely gone. It is a slight bounce. But, when driving sometimes it feels like the back in bounces(gives you the feeling the car is hinged in the middle). Is this a sign the shocks are worn out or are going? The car has 106k on it. What do you think?

You have the standard set-up, as opposed to spheres in the 560SEL.

From what you wrote, sounds like you need new rears. Bilstein is a good route, a lot of people (including me) on this board have gone this route, look at the heavy duties too.

The bounce test is unreliable in determining shock condition, other than 'completely worn out'. However, make sure you are doing it right. Car on the level, shift level in neutral, and parking brake / ALL brakes off. chock the front wheels so the car doesn't roll away, or have someone in driver's seat ready to pull the brake on.

Then bounce on the rear fender.

Steve

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7