What are the best shocks for an 85' 300D

[mbenzgoodyear]

I am looking to get new shocks on the Red Fox and was wondering what would be the best. The current shocks are KYB but I am looking at replacing them with Bilstein. I am also unsure as to the difference in the Heavey Duty shocks or the comfort, I am guessing it is the stiffness but would like some input on which would give the smoothest ride.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

Smoothest ride would be the comfort shocks from Bilstein. Also, from what I've heard they're the closest to the original MB shocks.

BTW, how much are you paying for them?

Thanks
David

[mbenzgoodyear]

I have found that the local shock places think it is cool to charge $600 to do all 4, no alignment but just parts and labor. According the MB you only have about 3 bolts to take out and jack the car up and put the new one in. I have found em online for about $75.40 for the Heavy Duty and $70ish for the comfort here:

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh3.asp?Model_Index=198&Make=Mercedes&Group1=Cars&Make_Long=Mercedes&Manf=Bilstein

[suliot1]

A few days ago replaced the NEW Monroe sensitracks (very heavy duty, harsh ride) with Bilstein comfort in the back. Left the monroes in the front. Great combination of handling and comfort. If I had the extra $, I would consider Bilstein HD's in the front. Comforts all around a bit mushy, HD's all around a bit jumpy.

84 300SD Blue-Green

[phantoms]

Originally Posted by mbenzgoodyear

I have found that the local shock places think it is cool to charge $600 to do all 4, no alignment but just parts and labor. According the MB you only have about 3 bolts to take out and jack the car up and put the new one in. I have found em online for about $75.40 for the Heavy Duty and $70ish for the comfort here:

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh3.asp?Model_Index=198&Make=Mercedes&Group1=Cars&Make_Long=Mercedes&Manf=Bilstein

Blistens $57 front and $68 rear, though you may want to contact Phil here at Fastlane and see if he can hook you up near that.

[mbenzgoodyear]

I will do, thank you very much for the information, it will help me save some money for other items for the car.

[tangofox007]

If $49 each sounds better, check this out:
http://www.adsitco.com/catalog/default.asp?CID=1303

[t walgamuth]

i have tried other brands but nothing is as good as a bilstein that i have found. i have used the hd and the standard. i dont see a lot of difference. after a while i cant remember which car has which. my shop that i go to charges either 2 or 300 labor, cant remember which. so the 600 doesnt sound that bad. on a 123 it isnt that hard to do but takes maybe 3 hr using all hand tools... me doing it.

[mbenzgoodyear]

Well thanks to tomm9298 for the sweet hook up on the rear shocks for the 300D, I have replaced them as of today. Very simple....took about 20 min for the first one, 10 for the second so 30min total, and was done only with a jack and a 17mm socket. The front will be replaced next week, but I do have to say that the ride in the back seat of the benz should be how every seat in a car should feel.

Oh yea forgot to mention, the old shocks were the orginal, Boge, 20 years old, well over due for replacement.