How does the KYB or Boge sturt stack up against the Bilstein strut - for both front and back?

The car in consideration is an'86 300E.

TIA.

hs

These threads may help:

shock choice.

Besides Bilsteins...are KYB shocks any good?

KYB instead of Bilstein???

The consensus seems to be Bilstein is first choice, Sachs Boge next, and KYB a long step down from there.

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John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

Man go with the blistiens. They cost a bit more but last MUCH longer. Your wallet will thank you in the future.

I just put 4 new BOGE shocks on my 300 SDL. Rides like a new car. I feel it was a good investment. BOGE or Bilstein are OEM equipment, so you can't go wrong with them.

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99 C230K Sport
87 300SDL
81 300SD

When you get 10 more replies telling you not to gey KYB's I think you should get the hint. Boge are good as they are original equipment the Biltiens are good if you want a sportier suspension package.

__________________
1990 190E 2.6
1996 Grand Voyager 3.3
1985 Mustang GT 5.0 5 SPD
1982 Suzuki GS 750T

Bilstein all the way

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Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

I put the boge's on the rear of my S420...the car rides like new. They come with a lifetime warranty and take about a hour total to R&R. I had the front struts replaced by MB some time ago...I don't know what brand the factory uses.
Good luck..
CK

If you can afford them, go with the Bilstein HDs.
Stiffer than OEM, but not harsh by any means.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

When I helped my neighbor change his front shocks on his 1980 300SD, they were Boges. When I replaced the front shocks on my TD, I went with Bilsteins since that is what was on the car already.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Bilstein HDs=AMG sport shocks, about 25% stiffer than the non sport springs. Slightly tighter ride and improved handling. I have the Bilstein Sport shocks, which are for vehicles with lowering springs, H&R in my case. I had bilsteins in my last vehicle as well, and loved them. They hold up very well.

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2004 Ram 2500 Cummins HO
2000 Jetta TDI
1999 E300 (sold)

LightMan

I have not heard that the Bilstein HDs were only for cars with lowering springs .... are you sure?

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

You are correct. The Bilstein HD's are to be used with the standard sized springs.

The Bilstein Sportline Shocks are to be used with lower springs, specifically the Sportline springs.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".