J, we recently replaced all four shocks on my father's 1998 W210 diesel (approx 115k miles). It was obvious to me the shocks were completely gone....you could bounce the car excessively by pushing on the bumper.

Replacement on the sedan is very simple. Don't know about the estates.

T

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1998 W210 diesel (wiped out by a texter)
Baum spring compressor "for rent"