It turns out that I am missing both the protective boots/bellows for the front Bilsteins as well as the rubber bumper dampers that go inside along the shaft.

Can anyone describe what performance deficits result from those missing parts?

Thanks.

The rubber bumpers protect the vehicle/shocks from" bottoming-out" and the rubber boots protect shaft of the shock from water and dirt that could, potentially, shorten the life of the shock.

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J.H.
'86 300E

Well- I thought I'd update my helpful friends on this one.

Got the missing MB parts (ruber dampers and bellows/tubes), and they were installed last Wed. along with reversing the upside down top retention plates.

Big measurable difference. Car sways less, has more damping, less road shock, very noticeable. I'm pleased.

And the tech who did his work over again was telling me: these parts don't have anythingm to do with handling or road feel; just prevents car from bottoming out. What bull____!

Always, always make sure a job is done right - if you can obnserve and use some common sense. Parts are expensive; don't waste them with inept labor.