Reading some of the posts about shocks got me to thinking about mine. I have Bilstein HDs on a 450sl. After recently increasing the tire pressures to the recommended presssures, I now find the ride somewhat "busy". What do most people prefer? The mechanic who installed them about 1 year/12,000 miles ago strongly recommended the HD shocks.

Also, do the shocks soften up over time?

And, what were the original equipment shocks? Did Mercedes use HD or something similar? What do they use with sport suspension options?

I just looked at the Bilstein web site. For 450sl, it show 2 shock applications: HD for front and rear, or "Damper" for front and N/A for rear. I assume this means the HD is always for the rear, but the front may be either HD or "Damper", which means "comfort". I'm not sure however. Does anyone use comfort up front and HD for the rear?

I was mistaken. I looked up some other cars on the Bilstein site, and they do show a "c" application, which I guess means comfort. I'm not sure what "damper" means. At any rate, I guess the HD is recommended for 450sls.

Now that I think about it, Damper must mean the steering damper, which I guess Bilstein also makes.