I put Gabriels on my 220D, big mistake. Rides VERY hard, and handling isn't that much better.

A new set of Bilstiens would surprise you. They are very soft on wheel rise -- this is to absorb bumps. They are quite stiff on extension, though, and with the substatial anti-roll bars these cars have front and rear, you get a quiet ride with superb handling. Not sports car, but unless your's were so far gone the nitrogen was out of them (not likely) you didn't have a floaty ride. Bilstiens usually knock and bang when the rod piston hits the compensator piston rising up from the bottom (to keep air out of the shock as the oil leaks out) giving a harsh ride. Very rare for them to go mushy.

Don't confuse the ability to smoothy ride over bumps with a wallowy ride. The suspension doesn't have to be harsh to handle well.

My German friend recommends you leave the worn out Blistiens on if you want to use aftermarket shocks -- unless totally crapped out and non-working, they ride less harshly that the aftermarkets!

Now, if you REALLY want a rough ride, get some 20" wheels with 1" tires....

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!