Shock Absorbers

[gmask]

I've also been thinking about replacing the shocks all around but don't really feel like paying for the Bilstein's.. would it horrify anyone if I used the KYB's from fastlane? Any other suggestions?

[Mark DiSilvestro]

BOGE shocks may be a good, less expensive, alternative to Bilsteins. I've ridden in a couple of Mercedes, fitted with KYBs, and they were very stiff. A friend put KYBs on his '87 300SE and he liked the stiff ride. I Had KYBs in my '72 250 for awhile and they were so stiff that the front lower shock mounts eventually loosened and rattled. I switched them back to Bilsteins. (KYBs seem to work fine in my Isuzu pickup though.)

Happy Motoring, Mark

[240 Ed]

Much to my dismay, Gina is wearing Monroe on her backside!

Not quite Bilstein by any stretch, but fairly transparent.

I know of no better shock than Bilsteirn though. It creates a sort of magic in these suspensions which defines the Mercedes experience.

My 1963 220SEb Cabriolet had premium Monroe's already installed when I got it 10 years ago. Everyone comments on how comfortable the ride is. I eventually will have to replace them, and after the praise that I read about Bilsteins, I wonder what more they can offer at triple the price! My 1966 Volvo has KYB's and I'll agree that they are stiff.

[240 Ed]

Yeah Greg, I will grudgingly admit the Monroes are fairly right on.

and it is difficult to prove the difference that Bilstein provides, or even explain it. Hmmm...

If you have ever driven an Alfa with Spica shocks, you get a similar sort of feel. Or a Peugeot.

When you go over small stuff, or tar strips-the shocks react like year old GM shocks. But then you turn into a driveway to a parking lot WAY too fast, with a good sized swale/gutter which will bash the bottom of your bumper to bits, smash your oil pan, and change your alignment... The Bilsteins will cushion you like you just hit a mattress full of firm Jello!

But whether this is worth the extra money or not?

It is to me.

[gmask]

Originally posted by 240 Ed
When you go over small stuff, or tar strips-the shocks react like year old GM shocks. But then you turn into a driveway to a parking lot WAY too fast, with a good sized swale/gutter which will bash the bottom of your bumper to bits, smash your oil pan, and change your alignment... The Bilsteins will cushion you like you just hit a mattress full of firm Jello!

So then what is the difference between the Bilstein Comfort versus heavy duty? Is the heavy stiffer accounting for a heavier car?

[suginami]

I put KYB's on my old Nissan Quest and the ride was incredibly harsh. I wouldn't recommend them.

[240 Ed]

g,

There has much discussion on the two different shocks, and I can't remember which one was standard on the Mercedes, comfort or heavy duty...

Do a search for "Bilstein comfort" or "Bilstein heavy duty" and you should have some stuff to read.

I would say that the cars came with "comfort" Bilstein shocks.

BTW, these shocks rarely wear out, and you can find acceptable ones in the junk yards for $5 apiece !!!

[gmask]

Originally posted by suginami
I put KYB's on my old Nissan Quest and the ride was incredibly harsh. I wouldn't recommend them.

I don't know what is on my car currently but when I hit some rough pavement you'd think I was driving over huge chunks of granite of something like in one of those truck commercials.

[psfred]

Monroe's ride like they are solid -- I can feel every crack or bit of gravel on the road with the 280 and the 220D -- my fault on the 220D as I put on Gabriels. Big mistake.

Stay with Sachs, Boge, or Bilstein shocks. They are valved differently (soft up, stiff down) than American shocks (stiff up, soft down). The predictable result is that the European shocks allow the tire to rise with less resistance, but won't drop easily. American shocks transmit the entire upward force to the frame (bash!) and also allow the tire to plunge into any depression, then bash the car up into the air on the other side. Fairly dense of the designers, it's supposed to "prevent body roll" -- the job of those nice heavy anti-sway bars front and rear..... Watch an old Caddy on the highway for a demonstration -- when it crossed a dip, you will see the car rise up, the wallow. A Benz or Volvo will sort of drop down a bit and gently rise back to normal height.

Nuff said. If you have Monroes, try a set of Bilsteins or Sachs (S of F&S if you are old enough to remember them!). Brings a whole new appreciation of your car! KYBs are "performance" shocks and tend to be rock hard.

Bilsteins are also available for many American cars, too -- and since they usually go 150,000 miles (or more) they aren't that expensive, either.

When Bilsteins get low on oil, they will ride VERY hard because the piston move fast until it hits the oil....

A hint for ID -- Bilsteins are always black, usually with a color stripe. If it ain't black, it ain't Bilstein.

Peter

[gmask]

Originally posted by psfred
Monroe's ride like they are solid -- I can feel every crack or bit of gravel on the road with the 280 and the 220D -- my fault on the 220D as I put on Gabriels. Big mistake.

That what it feels like now.. The shocks are in there ar eblack.. I guss they are worn out Bilsteins.. Iwas quoted $60 a piece for Boge shocks all the way around... So I guess I might as well get Bilstein's unlss somebody knows where I can get a really goo deal on either. I may still try to get some salvaged Bilsteins.

[Holson Adi]

I originally had KYB's when I bought my 300CD.
The front shocks are still those horrible KYB's. They are so harsh (definitely) and now they are leaking badly.

When the rears were replaced the car was definitely more comfortable, and more stable when I drive over anything rough while taking a fast sweeper the tail would almost step out (terrifying).

The Bilsteins definitely cured that (I thought it was just the way these old MB's are....)

[240 Ed]

gmask,

Well, what brand did you buy? We are all on pins and needles here...

[gmask]

Originally posted by 240 Ed
gmask,

Well, what brand did you buy? We are all on pins and needles here...

I haven't yet.. sorry.. I've been slammed with work since the new year which is a good thing cause maybe then I can just buy the Bilsteins and be done with it

[gmask]

So I finally can buy the Bilstein's whoohoo! I need em' too the car is really funny looking with a payload in the trunk.. I put my tools in there and the front end is sticking up like one of those street cars that hop.