After attending the diesel meet in NJ this past weekend, I am taking the plunge for new shocks, all the way around.

Any recommendations, Boge, Bilstein?????

I am just a normal commuter, a combination of interstates and local roads. I prefer a tight feel rather than comfort. Finally, roads in NJ are what you would think.....rotten.

Thanks in advance

JCD

One word - Bilstein - comfort of HD is up to you. I put new comforts on my 300D at 225,000 - rides like a new car.

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Jim

Agreed, go with Bilsteins. I installed some a few months ago and it completely transformed the ride of my car. Easy installation too.

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

I put a set of KYBs on my 300se and it rides very nicely. Good as bilsteins at half the price.

I cannot say anything about brands other than Bilstein as I have only put Bilsteins in my cars when the time came. By the way I have never had to replace one, and I always get the HD models. While replacing shocks is not a difficult job it is not pleasant either, so buying a set that will last over a hundred and fifty thousand miles is worth the extra twenty bucks to me. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

My SD had a new set of KYB's on it when I bought it thought about Bilsteins but the KYB's seem to do the job .Guess I will live with them and replace the winsheild that has many pock marks.....
william Rogers...

How difficult is putting on rear shocks? My uncle's 84 300D is in desperate need of them.

John

I replaced my struts last November with new Bilstein comforts. Loved the way my W124 handled.

--Craig

Bilstein

None of the reply's have dealt with Boge. Any opinions?

My assumption is that Boge is in the middle price point wise, and if you're going the spend the $$$ get Bilstein, if not get KYB.

JCD

I also go with Blistiens

If you are going through the trouble of repairing this stuff yourself you dont want to regret not putting on OEM parts. It is not so much a question of money but time and aggravation.

If we were talking about which paint to use on your house most folks would not look for the cheapest way out. I feel that if you are going to do it yourself that you should have high quality materials so that you can limit the amount of things that can go wrong.

I put new OEM blistiens on my 240K 300d and it drives nice and flat without being too rough.

I am pretty happy with it.

good luck

bob


PS if you do not intend on driving the car for more than 2 years the KYB may be a reasonable choice. I can tell you however I dont want to replace those shocks again at least not for a long time.


good luck

bob

Rear shocks aren't too bad as long as you have jack stands so you can get enought clearance to remove them easily on the 115 and 123 chassis. Probably easier on the W124. Just remember that there is a locking nut in the box for a reason -- you only need to screw the top nut down enough to compress the rubber about 1/8", no more. Lots of people think the replacement shocks ride too hard because they screwed the top nut down until it was tight, taking all the cushioning out of the rubber instead of just snugging it up a bit and using the lock nut to hold it in place. I've been guilty of this myself -- the proper way works better!

I bought aftermarkets for my 220D. Will buy Bilsteins from now on.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

I vote Bilstein-if for no other reason than the original struts are still in the front of my TE, and that's at 180k miles. And they still work great-can't see to change them

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

I don't know much about these imported shocks you guys are talking about. Are Monroes or Gabriels any good? Has anybody tried them?

I don't think Monroe or Gabriel make shocks to fit a Benz. If you try your local auto parts store, they will either not have anything, or have to order special with the most likely shock being KYB.

I stuck KYB's on the 280 just because at the time I didn't know any better (and when I changed them out, I pulled out KYB's the PO installed). If they should wear out and I still have the car, I will probably spring for Bilstiens.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.