W123 shock absorbers - recommendation

[chris846]

Just a quickie - need to replace the front shockers on my mate's 1984 230E saloon - any recommendations for brand/supplier?
I'm in Barnsley, but happy to buy over the web.
thanks
chris

 

[Levismerc]

Have a word with Brendan (known as Franey on this forum). He's supplied various, good quality parts for my W123. I'll pm you his number.

Levi

 

[markjay]

In the past I used Bilstein on several cars, they obviously have the sporty/race variants which they are famous for (i.e. Koni/Spax territory - if you are that way inclined...) but even the OEM standard ones are highly recommended ans they are very good quality.

 

[ray_hennig]

any recommendations for brand/supplier?
I'm in Barnsley, but happy to buy over the web.
thanks
chris

On my old W123 I fitted Sachs. These were original equipment and excellent. I got them at a discount price in South London so doubtless you could find them online for a good price.

I've now got Bilstein and they are good too.

RayH

 

[markjay]

On my old W123 I fitted Sachs. These were original equipment and excellent. I got them at a discount price in South London so doubtless you could find them online for a good price.

I've now got Bilstein and they are good too.

RayH

Oh yes... I did replace the front shocks on a 220 some years ago and the OE ones that came off the car were indeed Sachs (which are now part of ZF).


SACHS | Homepage

http://webcat-services.zf.com/index.asp?SPR=4

 

[jaymanek]

any OEM make is fine... I went for genuine MB on my W123's as they werent that expensive.

 

[chris846]

many thanks for the replies, & the 'phone number. Happy to go with Bilstein
chris

 

[KSD]

any OEM make is fine... I went for genuine MB on my W123's as they werent that expensive.

I recently replaced the shocks and springs on my coupe.

The MB dealer wanted £192 (inc)...for one shock! You can readily get Bilstein comfort shocks for half that price for two on the web and listed as appropriate for the car.

On removal, I found the originals were made by Boge.

I ordered the springs from MB (£56 each), quoting the chassis number. The originals had red paint on the bottom coil, which I understand is the shorter spring. The new ones are blue (longer). Looks like they don't have any red ones left...Car now sits higher due to new shock spring combo, and also doubtless higher than it was when new.

Steering shock was cheaper via MB than elsewhere.

Car now handles way better and steering is firmer too.