Are Sachs shock absorbers Mercedes Benz hi quality - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carrameow · #1 01-07-2003, 02:38 PM

I am considering buying Sachs shock absorbers as I cannot afford Bilsteins. Are Sachs shock absorbers Mercedes Benz hi quality? Are they OEM shocks? Finally, if not OEM are they better than other replacement models? What models do you recommend?

Potomac Pat · #2 01-08-2003, 10:04 AM

They are a rough ride at best. They are an extremely stiff ride & you compromise the comfort.

If you don't have the cash to buy Bilsteins, I would say just buy some KYB's. IMHO

timreid · #3 01-08-2003, 11:08 AM

Carrameow

I’ve just changed my struts/shocks front and rear on my 400E; I purchased MB shocks which in this case are Sach/Boge, and the original were Sach/Boge. In this particular application Bilstein does not offer a fitment. So I guess in certain application, Sach/Boge does offer MB quality and I have no complaints at all about the ride, performance they have provided for my 400E.

enjoy your drive,timreid

Potomac Pat · #4 01-08-2003, 12:07 PM

Are you saying that Bilsteins don't have a application for the 400E (W124)?

I seriuosly doubt it. You can request a set from them & they can even adjust them to any pressure that you request.

blackmercedes · #5 01-08-2003, 01:07 PM

In many MB cars, Sachs Boge are the OEM shock, and are of VERY high quality. For example, the OEM shocks in our 98 C230 are Sachs.

Sachs are generally not much less than Bilsteins price wise. Of course, there are exceptions.

BTW, check Fastlane. Bilstein makes applications for the W124 400E. Maybe your dealer had some Sachs in stock they wanted to sell?

md21722 · #6 01-08-2003, 02:14 PM

New dealer shocks for my 124 car were Boge Sachs front & Bilstein rear. OEM specs are far more important than the name on the shock from what I can tell. With original MB shocks lasting 180Kmi they can't be that bad. In contrast, VW shocks are Sachs and some are junk at 10Kmi - so clearly MB requires Sachs make a better product than VW.

timreid · #7 01-08-2003, 03:29 PM

Potomac Pat
Bilstein still does not have an application for the front on the 92-93 400E, I guess not enough 400E's produced?
I remember a few years ago (1997) I tried to order a sent Bilsteins for a friend and they had no fitment. So I order a set of the Sach/Boge strut, part 36612C, still the same listing today, and these struts did not fit properly, the upper strut mounting bolt hole was smaller than the OEM's. I called and explained the problem, at first customer service said no-no that not possible, then engineering got evolved, called me later, my-my your right, (I wonder if they made the correction?) That's why I went and bought a MB set, but (md21722) I'm curious about if the rears are Bilsteins (probably they are) I’ll just have to look.
enjoy your drive, timreid