What's the take on the KYB Gas-adjust shocks?
 

I have an acquaintance that likes them better on his old 5 series. Any opinion for our old cars (i.e. 76 280C)?

I have KYB Gas adjust and excel g on two w124 chassis cars. They substantially improve handling and ride over oem in my opinion.

Thanks for your input!

My 300CD had KYB shocks when I bought it six years ago. They looked new. I drove them about three years/30k miles then changed to Sachs, (MB OE). It transformed the handling on my old car. The wheels are much more planted to the road.

All worn suspension and steering components were replaced within about six months of buying the car.

I once put them on an Opel Manta. Handling was much better but they only lasted about 40,000 miles.

I then replaced them with some BOGE's and everything was better. But then by that time the KYB's were shot.

What's the saying? KYB = Keep Your Bilsteins.

My only personal experience is with a set of standard ones on the rear of my present daily driver. Have lasted OK but in the cold weather it sounds like there is a log in the trunk.

Not MB, just a data point. Some time back I put a set of Gas adjust shocks on my 1980 SAAB 900 ( non turbo ) , the ride was unbearable. . . .And I've driven many stiff race cars.

I removed a set of KYB’s installed by the previous owner on my ‘78 280ce. They seemed fine to me, until I replaced them with a set of Bilstein Sport shocks. Where the KYBs were adequate, the Bilsteins turned the car into a joy to drive. That said, if you’re looking for a low-mileage set of KYBs for the front of a w123, I have them.

For lightweight cars, I feel they earn their reputation of Kill Your Back, but a Benz doesn’t fall into that light-weight category...

I've had them on W114 and W123 chassis.

They are a cheaper alternative to the original shocks, but as has been noted, they do not have the longevity.

Not as nice as OE shocks, but better than worn out OE shocks.

Jim

I would love for the gear pros on this forum to explain just how Bilstiens and other shocks differ. I understand that MB OEM shocks are different in that they dampen on the return more than on the compression.
Brad

I put KYBs on my '75 W115 240D. They're pretty good, but I don't know if I would ever buy them again. I did the front first, then the rear one afternoon. When I lowered the car and put weight on them, the right rear dumped all its fluid out. Maybe it was my fault, but I've never had that happen before or since.

It's been close to a month since I did the rears, so far so good.