Replacing suspension - very confused

[VenomX]

Looking to change my coils and shocks at the front because the front passenger has what I believe to be a very worn shock absorber ( really rough if one side hits a bump ) someone on YouTube with a similar Mercedes fixed it by replacing the shock.

I have looked up the VIN code list, and nothing is mentioned regarding sports or increased ground clearance - so I think that the suspension is standard and not " sport "

The current coils have two yellow blobs on them ( two on each coil ) which apparently matches this OE number "A2033214104" - according to a Mercedes parts site.

Looking at my usual supplier, they stock " standard " or " sport " suspension.
Will my car drive OK if I buy standard shocks ( most likely Napa/Apec or NK ) and standard coils ( KYB ) ?

Car is a 2002 C240 Saloon Avantgarde. Here are the codes..


I know there is a points system, which is even more confusing, but I understand this is because certain options will affect the weight of the car and therefore coils have to be fitted accordingly.

 

[VenomX]

All I want is mid-range comfortable soft suspension at the front to replace the worn shocks. May as well get the coils whilst I'm at it, aftermarket is fine.

 

[whitenemesis]

I would say go to Mercedes if you want a stock suspension. All others will be a compromise in one respect or another.
Using your VIN a dealer's parts dept can spec the correct springs for the car's options.

 

[VenomX]

I would say go to Mercedes if you want a stock suspension. All others will be a compromise in one respect or another.
Using your VIN a dealer's parts dept can spec the correct springs for the car's options.

Thanks for the info. Merc shocks are way too expensive for a project car. So I will have to get them aftermarket.

I have found identical genuine coils on eBay ( with the two yellow spots ) but they are just over three times the price of KYB coils. Question is, is it worth it to get Genuine coils, or go cheaper with KYBs ?

 

[Gazwould]

When Mercedes spec any choice for any part it's a financial one not entirely a quality one .

 

[VenomX]

When Mercedes spec any choice for any part it's a financial one not entirely a quality one .

Ok thanks, so you are saying just because a part is genuine Mercedes part, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better quality than the aftermarket equivalent ?

 

[colinallcars]

Thanks for the info. Merc shocks are way too expensive for a project car. So I will have to get them aftermarket.

I have found identical genuine coils on eBay ( with the two yellow spots ) but they are just over three times the price of KYB coils. Question is, is it worth it to get Genuine coils, or go cheaper with KYBs ?

I fitted Eibach from Autodoc a few years back, good quality, good price and the car handles fine.

 

[markjay]

Eibach are good quality products, but not necessarily of identical spec to the genuine MB item. If restoring the original ride quality is important to you, then I would opt for genuine MB springs, as this will ensure that the car's original ride and handling characteristics are maintained.

Regarding dampers, if the genuine MB items are unaffordable, then you can opt for Sachs (who are one of the major suppliers to MB), or Bilstein (as long as you stick to 'OE replacement ' grade and avoid the sporty variants)

KYB, incidentally, are a budget brand, it's fine if you want a quick fix on the cheap, but otherwise I would avoid it.

 

[ALFAitalia]

KYB are OEM with lots a makers though. In my experience as long as you avoid the cheap Twin tube models and fork out for Mono tube variants you wont go far wrong. The original KYB where about 130,000 miles and 12 years old when I replaced them on my ALFA....damping was still ok (although the improvement was noticeable after replacement).....but the spring perches were rusting away.

 

[VenomX]

Eibach are good quality products, but not necessarily of identical spec to the genuine MB item. If restoring the original ride quality is important to you, then I would opt for genuine MB springs, as this will ensure that the car's original ride and handling characteristics are maintained.

Regarding dampers, if the genuine MB items are unaffordable, then you can opt for Sachs (who are one of the major suppliers to MB), or Bilstein (as long as you stick to 'OE replacement ' grade and avoid the sporty variants)

KYB, incidentally, are a budget brand, it's fine if you want a quick fix on the cheap, but otherwise I would avoid it.

In regards to shocks it's either Apec or Napa ( both a total of £100 for the two ) from my usual supplier Partsinmotion
Sachs are way too expensive at £142 each, on EuroCarParts

I am happy to get genuine coils however, in order to keep the car as stock as possible.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I think Id rather have quality dampers and cheap spirings....as long as the springs are close to factory weight of course. The damping affects body roll and control more than the springs which only really affects firmness, although overly stiff dampers will affect that too of course.

 

[VenomX]

Handling is not overly important. It’s an old c240 which I drive slowly and sensibly everywhere. As said im happy to get genuine coils but the shocks will have to be mid range aftermarket as they are way too expensive otherwise.

 

[Supernoodle]

I struggled to find correct dampers for my S211, the rod on top was too long on parts that were supplied, more than once. Anyway I found this place by far the cheapest for Sachs parts, that were identical to the parts that came off.

They weren't the quickest in shipping, but still arrived within a week

Shock Absorbers - ARKS 4 Auto Parts

arks4autoparts.com

 

[VenomX]

I will stick to the genuine coils then, to keep as much OEM parts as possible - especially as these older Mercs apparently run best with them

Shock absorbers -- Sachs are going for £100 each, however I can get mid-range Apecs for £50 each. Providing it is not a performance car but I do want a soft ride, I don't want to spend an excessive amount.
Any advice ?

 

[ray_hennig]

I don't want to spend an excessive amount.
Any advice ?

Sachs.

Never heard of Apecs.

I will stick to the genuine coils then, to keep as much OEM parts as possible - especially as these older Mercs apparently run best with them

Maybe you answered your own question?

R

 

[VenomX]

Sachs.

Never heard of Apecs.



Maybe you answered your own question?

R

Sorry for the misunderstanding.
I meant I will buy genuine MB coils.
But in regards to shocks I am undecided.

Apec is similar to Napa from what I can see.

 

[Gazwould]

I didn't buy genuine and no regrets either.

Same ride height and feel .

 

[StMarks]

Looking to change my coils and shocks at the front because the front passenger has what I believe to be a very worn shock absorber ( really rough if one side hits a bump ) someone on YouTube with a similar Mercedes fixed it by replacing the shock.

I realise this is rather "off topic", relative to all the posts subsequent to your original,,,,
,,,,,but,,,,

Before you head down the expensive rabbit hole of replacing the front shocks & springs (based on your impression from a Youtube video), have you had all the suspension bushes, anti-roll bar bushes, drop links etc VERY thoroughly checked.?
Bushes/links etc do deteriorate with age and wear, and lead to harsh responses when encountering poor road surfaces.
Fwiw may I suggest an alternative approach?
At the very least, it would be far cheaper to drive your car to a suspension specialist & ask them to "check to see if there are worn bushes in the front suspension, because,,,,,,," If there is an issue that the MoT tester hasn't picked up on, you can be fairly certain they will find it (because it will be finding work to charge you for).
Furthermore they may well not find any issues that I'm proposing are the cause, but may instead lay blame at the shocks/springs as you suspect. That in itself would be confirmation that you are not going to be wasting a lot of time & money unnecessarily. Just don't lead them with any mention of the shocks etc, and if they do find what they believe is the cause, ask them to show you.!

 

[VenomX]

Thanks @StMarks
That was the plan, i was going to check myself tomorrow before buying anything. Car in the air and I’ll have a thorough check in the morning

 

[VenomX]

The previous owner was elderly and regularly parked on the kerb, most likely quite aggressively. It’s the same side that is harsh ( front passenger )

Links have been done months ago.
I will check conditions of bushes, shock and coil tomorrow