are they halfway decent? Someone has a 79 300sd im working on and can get them new on craigslist cheap. They're adjustable shocks, he wants them on the front. I know there is a thread about some other Japanese shocks, I cant remember the manufacturer but they were crap. Are koni's ok?

__________________
1981 300SD 512k OM603

Konis are the best IMO, externally adjustable their best, the regular adjustable you have to take one end lose to adjust. They're factory/OE on many high-end cars trucks etc.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Koni's are just about the only shocks that they rave about. I'm (slowly) restoring a 74 VW bus and in the process of getting info, came across a huge online community. They've even gone so far as getting the Koni factory to manufacture small runs of these shocks for their (heavy) buses! In a large tall vehicle like the bus, shocks apparently can make all the difference in handling!

__________________
1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

You plan on autocrossing your Benz? They are great shocks. Very stiff. Last a lifetime.

Scott

__________________
Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)

Konis are generally aknowledged to be the best quality shocks around. The lifetime warranty is the best I have found. I had one go bad on my 84 280e and called and asked if i should send both in and they said sure, no questions asked. Fixed them both. It took a while but they did it.

Tom W

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Get thr "red's" , their regular sport shocks. After a break in period ( 2-3 weeks), they have a great, comfortable ride and great handling! Set them on normal. If they seem stiff, you have probably adjusted them wrong. Since this site didn't show them available, I got mine from The Tire Rack. They cost a little more, but, they are worth it if you are keeping the car for a while. I have had Koni's on three cars. Go to the KONIUSA web site to find the shock# for your model car.

__________________
Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

thesamba.com ?

Koni Shocks parent company is in Holland, with at least one plant in the USA.

__________________
Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

yea i guess i just assumed they were Japanese because the name "koni"

__________________
1981 300SD 512k OM603

Although not MB related but my two cents and I hope it helps.....I have Koni shocks on my Camry and they are great on that car - wouldn't use any other brand.

As far as my Benz is concerned, I have Bilstein comforts and I am very happy with them also. They replaced the worn out Boges.

__________________
1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

Read this thread and do a search on Koni. They're like the Holy Grail for bus users...

__________________
1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

ZU!, thanks for that very interesting thread. Koni makes shocks for many specialty applications. They even make shocks for the largest commercial trucks that are on the road.

__________________
Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

They were founded in Italy, don't know for sure, though.

__________________
1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!

I know that when I first used them in the early 1970's, they were from Holland. I don't know before then, however. They also had a factory in the north western area of Virgina at that time. They were used in sport car racing then.

__________________
Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

I prefer Bilstein HD or Sport personally.
Had a set of Yellow Konis on my quattro and did not like the rebound on them. Even though adjustable I could not get a setting that was great all around.
Replaced with Bilsteins and loved them... very nice firm shock without the rebound issues of the Konis.
Also, there were some quality issues on few other cars in our club (Reds).
Just my $0.02

__________________
1986 300GD, G-wagen with OM617A
1988 250GD, G-wagen with OM602A