1. How to tell that your shock absorber is nearing its life?

2. If I use sports spring with a standard Bilstein absorber on my W201, is it ok?

Thank you.
Rizami

The best indication of worn struts/shocks is poor quality ride. Also when going over bumps the car won't stop bouncing.
Stock shocks will work w/sport springs but sport version shocks would be better.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS M.B. TECH

The best rule of thumb is to bounce the suspect side of the car and let go it should not rebound more than 2 times.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I'd just put sport shocks on to match the springs. You might get some bottoming or "pogosticking" if the shocks don't have enough damping to deal with the (presumeably) higher rate springs. The stockers should work but if you are having doubts as to whether they need replacing just tell yourself they do and buy the sport shocks to match the springs. *EG*

Enjoy....Lee