Originally Posted by Graham

When I was still working and used my W123 300D as my work car, putting on 800+ km/week, I had a shop install new shocks. The guy was a great MB mechanic, but also a racing guy - mostly bikes. He decided to put heavy duty shocks on my car. I noticed right away the much harsher ride, especially on some of our rough local roads. I put the standard Bilsteins on my 350SL and it now feels like a modern car - smooth as silk. That is what I prefer - no narrow windy mountain roads to navigate here. Just smooth straight highways mixed with not so good rural roads.

When our 300D was much newer, it would drive as if on rails. Probably the best of the cars we owned at the time. But now, like Paul Lefebre, the car feels loose on the road and has harsh ride over bumps.

I need to check the steering/suspension linkages for wear (Have probably been replaced just once in 440k km). I suspect new front sub-frame mounts would make a difference to ride. On my 350Sl they made a big difference. Need to check front wheel bearings for play too. All when I get time. But at least the old girl IS on the road and my daily driver of choice once again

Finally Paul - Seems trivial, but check your tire pressures. Set them exactly according to the numbers on the fuel fill flap. Too high a pressure on my front tires makes the car feel like it is "floating"!