Is there any reason to change the rear sway bar links on a 123 if they are not broken. Do they wear with age?

If their anything like the ones on the W126 they make an expensive sounding clunk when they go bad. But they only cost $10 each and take a few minutes to change.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The links on my ( now deceased) '82 240D had to be replace in order to pass inspection. They were not broken, but they were so loose as to be nearly useless. Its a very easy job.

Under what conditions does the clunking sound occur?

anything that will cause one rear wheel to rise or drop below the other.

In effect uneven pavement potholes etc.

Anything but a smooth road surface

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

When you go over bumps you can't miss it. When mine went bad the clunk was easy to hear.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Just replaced mine about 3 months ago, very easy. When I went over the gutter coming into the driveway at an angle, the rear end would squeak. The links were dry as a bone and worn out.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

Replaced them on my daughter's 240D a couple months back. The new ones were plastic (newer style) and her old ones were metal.

Thanks to everyone who responded. New links are on order.