W124 1987 vs. 1991 Shocks/Struts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bengoshi2000 · #1 09-02-2019, 10:07 AM

This may be a stupid question, but my a wise man once told me "there are no stupid questions, just stupid people."

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on new shocks/struts (and associated rubber) for my 1991 300D. Under Bilstein's online part look up for the 1991 year, they list a B4 set labeled as "comfort". For the 1987 year, they have two B4 sets, one is "comfort" the other is "heavy duty." (They also have a 3rd B4 variant for the '87 labeled as "off-road"... whatever that means).

To be completely clear these are NOT the yellow B6 HD shocks/struts.

The Stupid Question: Is there ANY difference in the '87 and '91 shocks/struts that make them incompatible?

The research I've done says, no, there's no difference/incompatibility I need to worry about.

Bengoshi2000 · #2 09-17-2019, 06:48 AM

FWIW, no fitment issues.

The B4 "heavy duty" shocks/struts for the 1987 are dang near perfect on my 1991. It's right on the edge of being too rough, but I think they will settle in just fine.

Also replaced all sway bar bushings (front and rear) and the rear end links. That's cured 80% of the rattle I was getting going over slight bumps. I think the rest will clear up when I replace the multilinks.

R.Diesel · #3 09-17-2019, 07:42 AM

The HD shocks are completely out of character with this car in my opinion. The magic w124 ride is supplanted by a near econobox experience.