Hmmmm, I didn't think there was any price difference between the 'C' (comfort)and 'HD'? This renders redflash's comments of 'cost-cutting' mute. They are just different shocks for different applications. As told me by Stu Ritter (30-years MB-tech, trained in Europe), the HD's were designed for cars in heavier-duty evironments: under-developed roads in Europe, Canada, and various other locales worldwide where Mercedes are sold. It
does make sense though, that the larger cars would benenfit from the stiffer valving.
Of course the factory knows what they are doing, why else would MB have made cars that perform so well and last so long? Sure they're not perfect, but no car ever will be - I just think it is the opinion of many here that MB has come the closest so far
Regards,
- Ryan