I am replacing my front end shocks on an 85 300DT. I am a bit confused by my options.

Fastlane offers the standard Boge shock for about $67 and the Bilstein HD for about $90.

Performance Parts offers a Bilstein shock (model unspecified) for $57 and a standard "KYB" shock for $35.

Why wouldn't I just go with the KYBs, or, spring for the Bilsteins from Performance? Either way cheaper than the Boge. Anyone know about the relative qualities of these shocks and why such a big price differential?

Thanks in advance.

Call Phil and ask if he can match PP's price on the Bilsteins. Bilstein is widely regarded as the best, and KYB is widely regarded as junk. KYB has even been referred to as an acronym for "Keep Your Bilsteins."

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Bilstein

__________________
Jim

Here's the way I look at it, Bilstien for any car made in Germany, KYB for any car made in Japan...

Boge was used for most years on the bmw e30s, so they are seemingly a bit more sporty. I am pretty sure they are gas shocks.

Bilstein seems to be the only way to go. I am currently upgrading to HDs on the front of the MB and all around on my BMW. They will run cooler, stay correct and problem free for longer, and they hold a lifetime warrantee. Since a set of shocks is almost guaranteed to go at 100k, bilstein seems to be a good way to go, since 99% of the cars on here can probably last another 2-300k.

JMH

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

I had KYB on my '79 300D and it fel like a boat compared to my previous '74 220D. My mechanic said that the shocks were the problem. He was right!

I had all four relpaced and the ride and handling was GREATLY improved. Not a cheap proposal to replace all 4 but was worth it for the "ride & feel".

__________________
current Benz
'87 300TD (white) 168K (on the odometer as of 15 April 2004)
past Benz owned & miles I put on them
'62 190D 20K (white)
'63 190D 20K (beige)
'65 190D 35K (white)
'73 220D 175K (metalic green)
'79 300D 135K (metalic blue)

driving a Benz diesel since'77

You got the straight scoop.
Don't even think of KYB. Just keep what you got. If this is the option.
On both of mine I have HD Bilsteins. A little more money than the Comfy but damn the ride is nice.
Easy job.
Charlie

rbrookc,

WholesaleImportParts.com has Bilstein heavy duty shocks for $81.00 and if you order over $250, shipping is free. I've just ordered my second complete set because I'm so happy with the first set on my 240D/300. I ordered the 300DT heavy duty because of my 300D engine and they are great. You can really throw the thing into curves without the scary lurch that normally developes with the 300DT suspension.

Ben

__________________
www.reproduce100s.com