Correct Shock Absorbers

[arthurk]

Hi,

I know one of my shocks is on its way out and I need to buy some new front ones. My car is an 97 SL320 (non hydralic suspension)

vehicle ID No is 1290632F1556169

I have called a few places for prices and there seems to be some confusion as to the shocks fo the car.

Some places have quoted me around £80 + VAT for Bilstein. Others started to quote me on Bilsteins but when pushed if they were the correct ones, they went on to check further and have said needs to be Mercedes OEM- £143 +VAT. Loathed to pay more if I don't need to as the difference will be around £100. Can anyone tell me any manufacturer that makes shocks for this car or do I nned to go with OEM.

Thanks
Kenny

 

[Richard Moakes]

Bilstein or Sachs is OEM, just need to make sure you get Heavy Duty or Comfort type to match what is already on the car.

Cheers,

 

[jibcl500]

Are you shocks wet with oil, if dry and no signs of leakage then there isnt anything wrong with your shocks. Shocks fail when they weep.

Have you tried MB dealers for prices?
jib

 

[arthurk]

Thanks for reply guys,

N/S shock was diagnosed as having a light misting of oil on MOT advisory note recently, and that explains wooly steering and its just not as sharp as it should be.

Kenny

 

[wireman]

Shock absorbers can fail internaly, their gas bellows can rupture and their valves can become leaky both have no external symptoms.
A ruptured gas bellows will cause harsh ride.
With a faulty/ageing valve they may only be deficient once heated by being cycled during prolonged driving.

Check the front hub bearing end float since this to can help make your steering wooly, yet still pass the mot.

 

[arthurk]

Thanks Wireman,

I've got the car booked on the ramp tomorrow. I'll let you know how this goes.

Kenny

 

[arthurk]

Shopped round the Merc dealers and best price is £140 a shock(inc VAT). Euro car parts can only supply OEM Mercedes part at slightly more than this. GSF cannot supply this part.

Could not get car on ramp today need to wait till Monday. Can't wait to get this resolved. Owning an older car can be frustrating!!!

Kenny

 

[jibcl500]

Give me the part numbers I might be able to get them cheaper than the price you have.

jib

 

[arthurk]

Thanks jibcl500,

When I have called for quotes I have stated model and Vehicle ID number. The Merc guys are not sure who makes the shocks, although they think blistein or sachs. I have called 2 dealers for quotes.
Is there anywhere I can get the correct part numbers? Vehicle ID is 1290632F1556169


Kenny

 

[Richard Moakes]

My EPC says A1293201430

Good Luck,

 

[arthurk]

Hi,

Sorry for the delay in getting back. Had the car up on the ramp and there is defn a slight oil mist on shocks. On the plus side thay are not within the spring, so they look fairly easy to replace.

Been in contact with a company called Proven Products and they have quoted me £92 each inc VAT for Bilstein V36-0232. They have checked with Bilstein against the vehical ID no., so I think I am going to bit the bullet and go for this.

Kenny

 

[Richard Moakes]

Hi,

Make sure when you change them that you put the car on axle stands and then put a good reliable trolley jack under the suspension arm. If you have the proper spring compressor then there is no need, but if you do not, then under no circumstances let the arm drop, it will release the spring which will fly out and potentially injure you.

Good Luck,

 

[arthurk]

Richard,

Thanks for the tips. Shall order the parts tomorrow and won't recieve till next week. Shall probably get round to this late next week or following week.

Thanks again
Kenny

 

[Bolide]

Make sure when you change them that you put the car on axle stands and then put a good reliable trolley jack under the suspension arm. If you have the proper spring compressor then there is no need, but if you do not, then under no circumstances let the arm drop, it will release the spring which will fly out and potentially injure you

I wouldn't have thought the shock absorber would be used to limit the suspension droop. I could be wrong, though

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[kth286]

when the car is up in the air or on axle stands, on the front suspension the shock/strut limits the amount the spring can expand. So the wishbone does need to be suported when the shock/strut top nut is undone as the spring will force the wishbone down. Although there is some reactive force exerted by the antiroll bar, as long as it is still bolted to the wishbone of course.

 

[arthurk]

Thanks to all who helped me.

New shocks fitted successfully today. What a difference! Thats how a Merc should ride and handle.



Kenny

 

[Richard Moakes]

Hi Kenny,

Pleased to hear you have sorted it, always good to hear feedback when people are successful

 

[Jetset]

I'd just like to revisit this topic as our post major refurbishment SL 320 has a leaky nearside damper strut. Her first outing, after being off the road for nigh on 6 years, was a 2,500 mile trip to France, Italy and Monte Carlo and although she didn't skip a beat throughout, I noted the leak from the strut on our return.

The VIN is very close to Kenny's car - 1290632F155179 - which I note he's now sold. Doing some research online the Bilstein part number he quoted above seems to have changed from V36-0232 to 22-002327, but I'm seeing different listings for the same number of B4 and B6; B4 seems to be close to OEM and B6 seems to be a harder, sportier version.

EPC is giving 3 numbers for the strut: A129320.....1230, 1330, 1430, all with code 787 which is for AMG 19" wheels, (ours has 18" AMGs) and the number given by Richard above - 1430, appears to have been replaced by 1330.

Could someone with a little more knowledge of EPC than I clarify the correct number, and also confirm if the OEM struts are Bilstein or Sachs. Current prices online seem to be around the £130 mark, I haven't had a chance to speak to Mercedes to get their current price.

I already have the top rubber mountings on order from Mercedes as I noticed these were looking a bit tatty just before we went away.

 

[Jetset]

New struts bought, Bilstein 22-002327, £266 for a pair from Spring Loaded.

 

[chardF]

Hi Jet Set.

Did the new shocks help the ride much? Mine aren't actually leaking and when I changed the top mounts they seemed to expand well. I just have the feeling they're past their best.

I was thinking of Sachs.