Doubts about parts

[Exp21]

Hi everyone I'm about to replace my shock absorbers on my w245. I have sport suspensions. I was looking for SACHS shocks, but sachs doesn't produce shocks for the sport vin version. So I have two choices: Bilstein B6 or TRW. My doubt is this: trw one costs about 60 euros, Bilstein about 200 euros.
Do you guys think that a cost of three times is justified or am I throwing away my money?
And also, do I have to replace the spring bumpers after 11 years? I suppose they are done, but I have no experience in strut jobs.
Thank you very much for help

 

[rayhennig]

What is the MB part number of your originals?

I have only ever had Sachs, Boge and Bilstein on MBs.

RayH

 

[mioba]

If you have no experience best left to a garage. Whats wrong with original MB parts.

Cheers.

60-200 is big difference in price and quality

 

[Exp21]

The number is A1693201830. My doubt is in fact about price. Trw is a high quality brand usually, I never had problems with trw parts. But a price that is three times seemed strange to me. Probably the technology of the two shocks are different.

@mioba: I'll avoid genuine parts because are 250 euros each (the comfort shocks, probably these sport ones are even higher price) , and car is old

 

[Mr Greedy]

I've only changed the rear shocks myself.
Armed with the Merc part number which was visible by just getting my head under the rear wheel, and I could see it was made by Sachs but no Sachs number. I was able to check that Merc part number on the ZF website parts catalogue. ZF owns Sachs, boge, Lemforder plus others. Get the OEM part number, and check Autodoc and eBay.

I found the rear shocks I needed (w203) were also coming up as advertised for an Astra van. £20-30 each or something silly.

At that price, I ordered one, and took the Merc shock off to compare. Seemed identical. Bought the other, changed them both with Merc springs and rubber bits. Never had am issue.

I'd be tempted to try the TRW. KYB are also worth a look on their website to get their part number. KYB are a good brand, but tend to be on more east Asian vehicles from new.

 

[mattkh]

...... I was able to check that Merc part number on the ZF website parts catalogue. ZF owns Sachs, boge, Lemforder plus others.

Brilliant.
What is ZF in full please..?

 

[Mr Greedy]

Brilliant.
What is ZF in full please..?

ZF


Just Google ZF online catelogue

 

[Exp21]

Thanks for your answers. I already checked on ebay and autodoc. The problem is the sport suspensions of my car. Many brands don't even produce these sport shocks, so my choice is only between Bilstein and Trw. I'd have a try with Trw. If it goes well I spared a ton of money, if it goes bad replacement it's not so hard so I'll put on another new set. I hoped someone knew the detailed difference between brands but I know it's a hard question

 

[mioba]

I've only changed the rear shocks myself.
Armed with the Merc part number which was visible by just getting my head under the rear wheel, and I could see it was made by Sachs but no Sachs number. I was able to check that Merc part number on the ZF website parts catalogue. ZF owns Sachs, boge, Lemforder plus others. Get the OEM part number, and check Autodoc and eBay.

I found the rear shocks I needed (w203) were also coming up as advertised for an Astra van. £20-30 each or something silly.

At that price, I ordered one, and took the Merc shock off to compare. Seemed identical. Bought the other, changed them both with Merc springs and rubber bits. Never had am issue.

I'd be tempted to try the TRW. KYB are also worth a look on their website to get their part number. KYB are a good brand, but tend to be on more east Asian vehicles from new.

Yes sadly thats often the case with such parts as they are not made by merc, but to merc spec when purchased from MB.

I replaced a drive shaft of my W251 last year. Mercs price was v high considering what it is and the price of drive shafts for other cars.

 

[Exp21]

Exactly. The only thing I know from a guy is that the bilstein b6 ones are really sporty in ride and feeling. Really hard on bumps.
Anyway if someone has more technical info about trw vs bilstein (justifying the price difference) is well accepted. Thanks again

 

[rayhennig]

ZF owns Sachs, boge, Lemforder plus others.

And TRW now, I think.

R

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi
Can I ask how you searched the Autodoc web site?
By MB OEM Pt.No.?
As I,m very surprised you didn't get other alternatives on there if using the MB OEM Pt.No.

 

[Exp21]

Hi, both. The Bilstein B4 (that I think is the original first equipment shock) is not available right now, but considering the cost I'll try a cheaper option.