W126 Shocks and Struts - which to use...
 

OK so after a few hours on this one... I found an interesting tidbit posted somewhere, posted, one I have not fact checked. The EPC calls for the same part number shock on all W126's...Diesel or gasser. Again I have not check it, I'm too tired to do it now.


There are a few companies who make and many places that sell shocks for the car...the Bilstein, the standard, the tourings, the HD's....then some cheaper offerings, monroe, and at less than half of the Bilstiens, the KYB. There are fewer that sell springs.

Then there is the coup de gras, H & R. Again this thread I read, I think on STD, said something about the EPC having the same part number and H & R and the kit they have for the w126 not being tested / rated on a Diesel and therefor not passable by the German mv inspection TUV and therefor not listed as a diesel compatible spring....but since the EPC says same same, many have done so and enjoyed.

So the ? is... is it or not and if so then why the butt covering? Even here on fastlane/pp the springs are listed as "No Diesel"

Maybe I will be ambitious about this tomorrow and screenshot the EPC on this

I put Bilstein HD in front and comfort in the rear, no issues.

I didn't check with the epc, just ordered 'em, from where, I forget.

Most people around here will point you towards Bilstein HD shocks for the SD. Thats the route I went on my 300SD and 420SEL. Both got HD's.

I have KYB's on my 300D, installed by previous owner, so far they are doing alright.

I've only seen Lesjofors (or however its spelled) for springs.

Yup...EPC confirmed... OEM part numbers are the same in the 300SD or 560SE, I also checked the 560SEC...all same except for in the 560SE, there is a footnote and chart, from what I can determine they have higher part numbers for the heavier applications (more equipment) and the spring bearing part number that goes in the 300SD looks like middle of the road in the 560SE....

so I guess I'm going to have to call H&R :D

300SD
http://imageshack.us/a/img138/2493/w...gsepc300sd.jpg

560SE
http://imageshack.us/a/img39/4766/w1...gsepc560se.jpg

Here's the footnote on the 560SE as a PDF
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2ch5v0mdempf8vs/w126%20560SE%20-%20Front%20Spring%20Chart.pdf

From my 1986 W126 supplementary manual:

Front springs:
126.035 & 126.125 - 126 321 17 04
126.039 & 126.045 - 126 321 18 04

Rear springs:
126.035 & 126.125 - 116 324 08 04 or 116 324 11 04
126.039 & 126.045 - 115 324 27 04 or 123 324 06 04

Thanks Frank! My notes in RED


Note...I did call H&R they put me thru to a tech, he said the kit we're talking about has been around for 20+ years...he didn't know why they weren't "approved" for the diesels...said they either never tested them on the diesels or they DID and there was some other reason like because of the weight difference, they might not have gotten as much lowering as specified and therefor weren't made an official product avail for the diesel powered w126's. He did say that if there are people out there who have done it and it works so be it. :)

So...looking up an 1985 SEL on hrspring dot com
Applications. 1985 Mercedes-Benz SEL.


Find Other Applications

Suspension

Stage Chassis /
Drivetrain Notes Approx. Front
Lowering Approx. Rear
Lowering Part Number Sug. Retail
Photo Sport Spring W126 6 cyl, V8, not diesel w/o self-leveling 8 1.4 1.4 29559 $ 429.00 Kit http://www.hrsprings.com/application...mages/new0.gif Sport Spring W126 6 cyl, V8, not diesel w/ self-leveling 8 1.4 1.2 52759 $ 429.00 Kit http://www.hrsprings.com/application...mages/new0.gif Touring Cup Kit W126 6 cyl, V8, not diesel w/o self-leveling 8 1.4 1.4 31559T-1 $ 995.00 Kit


So it's CONCIEVEABLE - altho NOT DEFINITE that you MIGHT be able to use these springs / shocks in a 300SD, the non-self leveling of course.

And that the pricing we get here on PP is good :)

What a gamble to take....

Anyone done it?

Whats best solution? Bilstiens and Lesjofers?