shocks for a 96 E300 D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Biglex · #1 09-07-2008, 10:13 PM

what is the general consensus here about shocks for these cars. I have heard alot about really tight ones and some soft ones. Basically, since this isnt a sports car, I just want the smoothest ride I can get. A true Benz ride. Any suggestions on what shocks to use?

compress ignite · #2 09-07-2008, 11:08 PM

"Buy Parts" @ top of page

aklim · #3 09-07-2008, 11:17 PM

Bilstein

Jeremy5848 · #4 09-07-2008, 11:37 PM

In Bilstein your choice is "Heavy Duty" or "Sport." I put the softer of the two, "Heavy Duty," on my '96. It was a fairly easy DIY job. The ride is still stiffer than what I like but "oh well," that's what Marketing said the customers wanted.

Hatterasguy · #5 09-08-2008, 12:13 AM

Bilstein or Sach's.

Anything else is a waste of money.

Biglex · #6 09-08-2008, 12:25 AM

even monroe are a waste?

Hatterasguy · #7 09-08-2008, 12:26 AM

Keep your originals, they are better than those!

I made the mistake of putting one of those on the SD because I got it cheap. Felt like I replaced the shock with a 2X4.

aklim · #8 09-08-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biglex

even monroe are a waste?

It depends on what you are going to do. I am going to keep my vehicle so I would spend the extra coin. That way, when it goes bad, I have recourse. With the limited warranty ones, when they go bad, you are out in the cold.

To make a long story short, some fumes got on my shock and the seals and caused it to leak. Took out the shock and cleaned it and it started again. Ride got worse. Bilstein changed it for a new one. Rides fine and no leak. If I had Monroe shocks, I'd be buying a new one.

OTOH, if you are fixing it up for a sale, buy the cheapest.

TMAllison · #9 09-08-2008, 12:18 PM

Bilistien "Sports" on the rear will look AND feel like a ricer tuner car going down the highway. Sports wont fit on the front unless it came with the sport package from the factory.

I'd go with the Sachs/Boge if you can find them.

KarTek · #10 09-08-2008, 05:41 PM

I put Bilstein sports on my car. They feel great, especially compared to my relatively suspention-less Corvette...

TMAllison · #11 09-08-2008, 06:07 PM

Evan - Did you change the springs and/or the pads to accomodate the shorter lenght for the fronts?

EdzBenz · #12 09-08-2008, 07:20 PM

I DIY'd Bilstein HD's on my car. Great ride. A little stiffer than stock, but very tolerable and relatively quiet.

KarTek · #13 09-09-2008, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

Evan - Did you change the springs and/or the pads to accomodate the shorter lenght for the fronts?

No, I didn't realize they were shorter. I used two jacks - one on the body and one on the suspension to move it up and down.

I did this job in a hurry, in the dark, before a long trip so I might have otherwise noticed a difference...

TMAllison · #14 09-09-2008, 01:29 PM

Evan - Interesting. I tried to put sports on the front of mine and they were too short to get the nuts on top, just barely poked through; that after jacking the LCA's up to the extent the car came up off the jack stand.

Maybe the individual factory spring pad installed in each vehicle makes a difference?

KarTek · #15 09-09-2008, 04:16 PM

Terry, I see some part sites make a distinction between certain build dates for the '98's and '99's. That may be a factor. Also, and I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, make sure the parts are stacked on the shock rod in the proper order. IIRC it goes: bumper, dust cover, lower cup, metal bushing, lower rubber mount, through the body, upper rubber mount, upper cup and finally, the nut and cover.