OE v Sachs aftermarket shocks on a 211 sport

[Ian Donkin]

ECP only list one Sachs front shock for all 211's whilst MB have a specific variant for the sport. Given the current ones are likely very tired at 126k miles so I'm reasoning that anything new must be better, what's the jury's verdict on new OE v the (much cheaper) Sachs aftermarket equivalent?

 

[BlackC55]

I would put money on your shocks being made by Sachs from new.

 

[grober]

It's not so much the rating you have to be concerned about altho the dampers should be matched to spring rates but whether their effective travel matches the suspension design travel. If dampers are operated outside their optimum design travel they tend to wear out prematurely. Because the front suspension is the combined strut/ spring type I would be inclined to renew both springs and struts at the same time unless the springs are relatively new since the labour costs are going to be the same.

 

[EuroCarParts]

Hi Ian,

Give me a shout with your reg and I'll confirm the parts.

We would probably stock 2 brands, Sachs being original quality (and probably original fit on your car) or Anschler, being a cheaper replacement brand.

Pat

 

[brigadier]

Sachs should also be making shocks corresponding to mb sport shocks. Do you have the part number for mb sport shock?

edit: ok, i looked in tecdoc and it show sachs 312 564 specific for sport chassis and 312 562 for standard chassis, and 312 563 for avantgarde.

 

[Dieselman]

There will almost certainly be the manufacturers p/n on the tube, especially if made by Sach/Boge.
That should guarantee an exact replacement.
There will be an MB p/n as well, but a quick look on EPC would confirm that.

 

[markjay]

To be sure....

Go to:

ZF Friedrichshafen AG | Kataloge

and download:

'SACHS Stoßdämpfer für Pkw'

Or try the online catalogue:

http://webcat.zf.com/index.asp?SPR=1

 

[Ian Donkin]

Thanks all - I looked on the Sachs website and can see they list two front shocks for the 211 - one for everything except and one for the sport. They also cross reference to the correct MB part number (I've verified this).

ECP only list one Sachs offering and state it's for all 211's, but clearly given the above this wouldn't be THE correct shock for my car so I found a source willing to drop the MB part by 15% and duly ordered the genuine articles.

Okay, so this route isn't as cheap as ECP but I know I will get the correct dampers for my car and they weren't that much more in the grand scheme of things.

 

[EuroCarParts]

Hi Ian

Could you drop me a pm with your reg. I'd like to see why we don't list the choice of shocks (sports and non sports pack)

Cheers

Pat

 

[Ian Donkin]

PM sent Pat.

 

[EuroCarParts]

Thanks Ian,

I have found the missing shock (for sports package) and it'll be updated on our online lookup in the next few days!

Pat