Hi all,

I need to replace the shocks on my 72 280SEL. I should probably replace some bushings as well, at least in the front. My question is, where should I buy these? I know their sold here, but that brings the question....KYB or Bilstein? I also see there are 2 versions on a different website for pre and post 9/72 manufacture date.

Any help is appreciated.

Jason

I've used Bilstein on my cars and cannot complain.

__________________
With best regards

Al

billys all the way, and wherever you can get them cheapest. Though buying form the board sponsor is good karma. KYB is hit or miss and usually don't last too long, but are cheap. Boge/Sachs are not what they used to be, at all, if you run across them.

__________________
One more Radar Lover gone...
1982 VW Caddy diesel 406K 1.9L AAZ
1994 E320 195K

kybs work fine for about 30K miles.

Bilsteins last at least 100K.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

However, a stash of New Old Stock Boge & Sachs parts might prove to be useful. I'm not quite ready to put these on the market yet. The first picture shows the entire stash --- the rest are just a few samples.

__________________
daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

Bilstein HDs, they offer much better control with no difference in ride quality. I suspect they are the standard fit for euro-delivered cars. MBUSA always seems to "tailor" the imports to suit the tender US fanny. I have HDs on all my MBs and would never use anything else. Your price from the site sponsor will be good and hard to beat. Give'em the business...they are giving us this forum.

That is a really neat collection of NOS stuff. We have a bunch of worthless Porsche junk like that at work, no Mercedes though.

__________________
One more Radar Lover gone...
1982 VW Caddy diesel 406K 1.9L AAZ
1994 E320 195K

I had good results with Billstein, far superior to the Koni they replaced.

I see Spax is doing some adjustable shocks for these cars, I feel tempted. Anybody has experience with them?

Bilstein USA will rebuild their shocks for about what the wholesale price is, call them,
The good thing is that they will "re-valve" them to 3 green stripe performance. You will enjoy the ride.
The West store is local and I have had many rebuilt perfectly.
KYB's last about 6 months with a lifetime guarantee?. from leaks? not performance.?

HEADQUARTERS - WEST
14102 Stowe Drive
Poway, CA. 92064
1-858-386-5900
AFTERMARKET & MOTORSPORTS - EAST
293 Timber Road
Mooresville, NC. 28115-7868
1-704-663-7563

I never knew the east coast HQ was so close, neat..

__________________
One more Radar Lover gone...
1982 VW Caddy diesel 406K 1.9L AAZ
1994 E320 195K

That's where I bought mine. They unconditionally guarantee their shocks or they'll replace them free - no time or mileage limit. I got a replacement set for the '83 300SD that way. Heck of a good deal - two sets for one low price.

I was wondering if Bilstein's still came with the lifetime warranty. I've never had to use it.

Couldn't find em, Link?

And there in UK. Anyone know a state side distributor?

http://spax.motorsportworld.co.uk/frame-detail.asp?PAGE=/manranges.asp

http://spax.motorsportworld.co.uk/frame-detail.asp?PAGE=/manranges.asp

Youre absolutely right, and their price is very good. I will probably give them my business. This information on this forum is PRICELESS!

Jason Keith