Howdy gents,

So I was going through my service records today to check out when the last time my shock absorbers had been changed, and if my accumulators have been exchanged at all. Turns out EXACTLY 100,002 miles ago, my absorbers were changed, a quick looks showed Bilsteins, but no clue which type; I have to clean off the sticker tomorrow. Accumulators have not been done, and I suspect them to be shot.

Whats a good test for the accumulators? My ride isn't that bad; it doesn't hold a candle to an E38 or a W210, but it's not intolerable. Anyone whos driven in CT on I-95 will know that the road is awful, and each bump, the back takes a hit worse than the front, and if I go over a bump, she bounces maybe two or three times at about 2500 RPM. Also, my car is perfectly level with the ground, and the SLS 'works' when me and some luggage sit in the trunk.

Both are easy jobs, So I figure while I'm doing the brakes I may as well exchange the shocks and accumulators too.

So, which type of shocks should I get? I like the ride in the E38 over the W210, which seems too separated from the road for my liking. But I hate feeling too much shock from bumps, and CT roads are the worst. I was thinking based on the reviews, I'm stuck behind Bilstein HDs and whatever equivalent of comforts there are today. I just want the car to handle with a purpose; as little body roll stock springs can offer I guess.

Also, accumulators; easy to test; pretty sure they're blown anyways. Corteco the OEM manufacture? Or should I just go to the dealer to get them direct? Last I checked, Corteco was ~$102 a side.

LASTLY, which pads should I get? My wheels are eaaaasy to clean, so dust isn't an issue. SOUND is. I despise squeal or crunchy sounding brakes.

Thanks loads,

Carlen

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1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)