W203 Rear Shocks

[dbanbery]

ok, so my dad wants to replace his rear shocks, and has bought a replacement pair. just to clarify, you need to access the shock tops from inside the car? it seems to be one bolt on top of the shock, but when he's looked there has been no sign of it from inside the boot. its an estate model. on BMWs when i have done this before it has been two bolts on the bushing then a bolt through the bushing on the end of the shock. is this similar? or is it only accessible from under the wheel arch. i have checked the online etk from russia and havent got any clarity.

 

[television]

You have to remove the side lining, and just the 1 nut on top
I have Emailed you the current EPC picture

 

[dbanbery]

awesome

top marks once again Malcolm

 

[Mr Greedy]

I've added to this post rather than a new one to help fellow forum members in future looking for this info.

I need to replace the rear spring(s) on my W203 C320 coupe. It has sports suspension and the standard 17" wheels that come with sports suspension. This is a DIY job (unlike the fronts) and so I will replace the shock absorbers at the same time. Due to the apparently large selection of spring/suspension set ups, I will be purchasing the springs directly from MB. However, I am in two minds about the shock absorbers. Everywhere on the Internet only seem to sell one type of shock absorber for the rear. Also, for example, looking through OEM product catalogues such as KYB or Sachs only reveals one shock absorber option for all W203 models. Does this seem correct if cars with the sports suspension (which is very common) are lowered at all. Can anyone provide me with an appropriate OEM part number for suitable shocks e.g. Bilstein, Sachs, KYB?

 

[Mr Greedy]

Popped in to local MB dealers today to pick up a replacement handbrake release lever and housing. Asked about shocks (and springs). I need to check the colour coding on the spring to match. Three blue marks A210 324 34 04. Two yellow marks A210 324 36 04. One blue mark A203 324 05 04.

Only one option for rear shocks; 203 326 3300. Is Sachs 553 870 a possible aftermarket option? Plenty of these available online for about £30 instead of the £65 plus VAT for the ones direct from MB.

 

[Cole@MBS]

Popped in to local MB dealers today to pick up a replacement handbrake release lever and housing. Asked about shocks (and springs). I need to check the colour coding on the spring to match. Three blue marks A210 324 34 04. Two yellow marks A210 324 36 04. One blue mark A203 324 05 04.

Only one option for rear shocks; 203 326 3300. Is Sachs 553 870 a possible aftermarket option? Plenty of these available online for about £30 instead of the £65 plus VAT for the ones direct from MB.

GSF sell Sachs shockers for around half price of the dealers........a phone call to them might save you a few quid.........

 

[Mr Greedy]

Bump.

GSF didn't know if they would fit. Anyone else got anything to offer?

 

[Marcel-Anthony]

I am also looking at rear shocks for my Clk which I think are the same fit for the C Class. When I was in Euro Parts yesterday they said, the ones they do are no good for sports suspension, they also said the rear shocks for Sports suspension will be a main dealer part only.

So if you do find some after market ones let me know please.

Marcel-Anthony

 

[dbanbery]

Bilsteins?

 

[Mr Greedy]

The bilsteins are ones I was thinking about. According to the bilstein website, the shock they list for standard suspension is also the same part number for sports suspension. However, the bilstein shock sold by Eurocarparts states standard suspension only, hence my uncertainty.

 

[Benzworx]

Standard shocks will do as its the spring rate that is the main on sport susp,
Bilstein shocks are all the same AMG or not they list part no's but truth be told
they are not that different

 

[Mr Greedy]

You can find Sachs shock 553 870 on ebay for about £30. I ordered one to do a side-by-side comparison. It's absolutely identical to the MB part I removed (which also has Sachs stamped on it). Quite an easy change and came with new nuts, rubbers etc. Changed rear spring and spring pad whilst at it. I'll order another one and do the other side next weekend. Happy spannering!

 

[Mr Greedy]

As a useful note, to find the colour coding on the rear springs, just lay on the floor behind the car and look. It was so easy to see the colour coding on my springs of three blue stripes.