Do I need shocks - 107 Sl - What brands are best 107sl

[Dave Hannon]

Can anyone tell me how I should know if the shocks on my Sl280 need replacing.  The handling is a bit vague and there is a shudder on the left side on any little bit of rough road ( when the hard top is off ) and goes away almost completely when there is an adult passenger in the car.  Apparently all the steering parts and bushings, bearings etc are fine but I have to say the handling does not inspire confidence on bends as the car seems to lift and shift.  when you push down on the boot or bonnet it is slightly soft.-- is this normal or should it be stiffer.   Finally, are the bilstein shocks as good as Koni or other known brands.    Would appreciate some advice

Dave - Ireland

 

[Matt Crooke]

Do I need shocks - 107 Sl

Have a good bounce of all 4 corners of the car, if when you let go there is more than 1 further bounce up and down, then shocks are omn the way out.

 

[Andy]

Do I need shocks - 107 Sl

Hi all

Matt in this case you are incorrect. For MOT purposes. You are correct. But in the real world you are not. A damper (shock) can have travelled 200000k, not leak and when you bounce it will beat the test you have discribed. But in reality that shock would be knackered. In my opinion any FRONT damper  which has covered in excess of 90k will almost certainly require replacement. When they are replaced and compared with a new one there is significant difference in the resistance between the new one and old. Various tests have shown how new dampers can reduce the stopping distance of a vehicle. My own experience is that they significantly stiffen the suspension giving better handling characteristics. Most of you out there will say. There is nothing wrong with my vehicle. But I  would say to you. That if you replaced those worn dampers that have done in xs of 90/100k you will notice the handling improve.

You may be wondering why havn't I mentioned the rear. Again when ever we have replaced rear dampers even on higher millage cars. There isnt the same difference in resistance. I put this down to the fronts are under considerably more weight and work harder due to the engine weight at the front.

To answer your question Dave. If in doubt replace with Bilsteins. Don't bother with the rest. Although I doubt that will cure the vagueness. That is probably the steering box. XS free play. Also a 107SL is never going to handle well. In comparison to the newer vehicles with more sophisticated suspension.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Dave Hannon]

Do I need shocks - 107 Sl

Thanks Andy and Matt for the advice.  I was thinking is it possibly the shock mountings that could be worn since there is absolutely no play in the steering at all.  Also, someone told me that the vagueness is caused by the chassis sub frame bushings which support the floating section of the chassis.   I think it's time I took a spin in another 107 to compare.

Dave Ireland

 

[Shude]

Do I need shocks - 107 Sl

Looks like I need new shocks as well as springs then...

 

[Matt Crooke]

Do I need shocks - 107 Sl

Snap!!!

150k now, on what, as far as i know, are the original shocks.

Might be why the missus keeps telling me to check the tire pressures as something dosent feel right!

 

[Shude]

Do I need shocks - 107 Sl

well mine's done nearly 118000 miles on the stock shocks and springs.  I keep wondering if a tyre is down or something but the pressure's always right on them.  I also get a rumbling noise over rapid bumps, and I think it's the shocks catching up with themselves or something.  I also get a lot of bodyroll on corners and dive when braking.  Lowering springs will help this.

I got a quote from EuroCarParts for the Bilstein "Sprint" shocks (shorter, designed for use with lowering springs):

Sprint Fr - B36-1854 @ £82.20 each + VAT
Sprint Rr - B36-1855 @ £82.20 each + VAT

That's for my w202.  Sounds steep but "she's worth it"

 

[Matt Crooke]

Do I need shocks - 107 Sl

Any idea on bog standard ones for me 190?

 

[Dave Hannon]

Do I need shocks - 107 Sl

Shude

If you lower the 107 any more than it is it would look like a wafer on wheels and would slide under a truck no bother.  It would be nice to eliminate some of the roll and dive and improve handling.  There must be a way since these cars are so highly regarded

Matt

A mechanic friend of mine has areally nice 190 with high mileage.  What do you want to know about it?

Dave Ireland