Fishman

Does anyone have a link to a walkthrough on how to replace the shock absorbers on a 1999 E320? I tried the search function and couldn't find anything in this forum.

MARK CUMMINS

The Shock replacement is VERY simple on a W210...remove and replace....VERY Straightforward!..Simple hand tools will work!

smazur

I've heard that the front shocks are a lot easier than the rear... I have a 97 E320. Any further advice on tools needed or problems encountered for front and rear shocks for this project later this spring?

tony

Haven't done the fronts, but the rears are very easy. Peel back the liner in the trunk to gain access to the shock mounts. Remove the center nuts on the shock rod at the upper mounts. Jack the car up and the shocks should drop out of the mounts. It is a good idea to support the control arm where the shock mounts to the arm. Next gain access to the lower shock mount by prying open the plastic protective covers and loosen the nuts. You'll need a socket and a wrench because you are removing a nut from a free spinning bolt.

Install the new shocks by installing the bottom bolt/nut and then either jack up the suspension, or lower the car slowly while you guide the upper shock rod through the upper shock mount. At this point you can lower the car and tighten the lock nut on the center rod in the trunk and you're done.

okc329

Fronts are quite easy to do also - assuming you can get the the nuts on the stem loose without the special tool. They are a close fit in the well of the top mount. One trick that worked for me was to only turn the front wheels about halfway in the direction of the shock you're working on. Makes it much easer to drop the old shock and insert the new one than if you cut the steering all the way to that side.

raymond g-

So easy you really dont need instructions. But since I had my camera handy, I
just brought it with me into the garage. Hope it helps....

p.s. tnx to ThreeTwenty's wife who made him give up the 2 week old set of
shocks. My gain -- love the ride!

legomybenzo

I was just about to bring in my 97 E320 to my mechanic to swap out all 4 shocks for $160 (labor only), but found your guide Raymond. Just wanted to compliment you for the great tutorial and efforts. Now I'm debating on changing it myself or blow $160.

OceanView

Raymond,

That's awesome that you took the time to document this DIY.
I needed new rear shocks and was contemplating doing this myself or taking the car to a shop. Now that I've seen your tutorial, I will do it myself.

One question on the trunk liner removal. Did you only have to remove the floor liner or did you remove part of the side liner as well?

Thanks!

ProV1

i love DIy work but if the indy is only charging $160 for the work, let him do it. it takes probably 1 hr (prolly more on the first try) per corner, we're looking at at least 3-4hr of work. my2cents

OldNate

wow thanks raymond. That makes me want to get bilstein sport shocks and put them in myself I have eibachs and the oem shocks in right now. I probably will later buy bilsten sport shocks and install them with your directions. Thanks!

raymond g-

only need to remove the back wall. the sides stay in place. of course, you
remove the spare tire lid...simple piece of card/hardboard. then, you only
remove the back wall liner....though you may need to flex the sides a tad to
release the back liner.

when you're done with this, you'll feel like you're somebody because 'you did your
shocks by yourself'. LOL just dont tell anyone how easy it is. do *not* pay
the mechanic $200. if you have the tools listed, you'll be in fat city. if you
wanted to go for speed record, get a brace (for sockets) and ratchet box
wrench. the only real effort you'll expend is trying to compress the shock
while securing the twine....it's kind of a 2.5 hand effort. but you'll hardly
break a stride doing it.

i tried to make the DIY write up as simple and clear as possible. that way,
it'll give other folks who may have been apprehensive about this task a
clearer view of how simple it is....and with basic garage mechanic tools. if
you come up with more tips, fwd to me and I'll add to the PDF.

i'm about to do spring/lowering but that is prob even easier so may not do the
photos....i dunno.

Quadcammer

i've heard its more difficult for a 4matic 430, is that true?

jrbenz

Hi All,

I have a 1992 300TE-24v sportline. I also need to change the front shocks. Recently got the rear self-levelling ones replaced by the mechanic and want to do the front myself to A). reduce costs, B). Do a better job.

I have looked that 'raymond g-' tutorial, its fantastic, but covers the later model. Does anyone have experience in the older model? I would really need a tutorial on it.

Regards,

jrBenz.

fju2112

oliver, im also curious about the difficulty in a 4matic.

i will probably take it to an alignment specialist i know of in my area who is very good. are the rears more expensive thanthe fronts; my understanding is they are significantly more expensive?

Quadcammer

The rears (if you don't have a wagon) are cheap and a piece of cake.

I bought standard RWD shocks for about $62 each at azautohaus. Installation is about a 35 minute affair. Not difficult to do at all.

The front is more tricky because the spring sits on the shock, and the shock actually goes over the half shaft. Id imagine you have to either disconnect the haf shaft, or somehow seperate the upper links so that the ds and the lower control arm can lower far enough to get the whole assembly out.

Definitely a pain compared to the standard front setup.

fju2112

Interesting....when I go to autohausaz.com:

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ock%20Absorber

I'm only seeing front 4matic shocks and rear wagon shocks. I have a sedan...where are you seeing rear shocks for a 4m sedan?

Quadcammer

I bought the standard rear shocks.

Air Marshall Eldritch

Interesting. I was always under the impression that you needed to use a spring compressor.

fju2112

meaning you just selected E320, not E3204matic in the vehicle list? is that the right part for our 4m's...?

eazye1973

Does abyone have a copy of the attached PDF file? I tried dowbloading it but it wont open. I need to replace my shock absorbers and need guidance. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!
e

ohlord

diy on benzworld.org w210 diy section.
If someone claims that it takes an hour per corner,they are working in a different universe
Rear shocks on the 4 matic are standard shocks,the fronts are the costly ones.You do not need a wheel alignment after new shocks are installed.And no you don't need a spring compressor.
4matic front shocks diy wis is on alldatadiy.com or
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/
get a one day subscription

raymond g-

i just tried opening the file linked in post #6 and the PDF renders just fine for me. here is a more direct link to it, sans Benzworld link. is this any better?

LeeRod80

Thats perfect Ray! I'll definitley do it myself. I'm NO mechanic, but i'm good with my hands. Plus, you made it even easier. Great Tutorial!

Any clue as where to get a set of Bilstein HDs for a good price?

eazye1973

Thanks Raymond! I was able to download it. I was checking the tire rack and they have:

Bilstein HD Shocks for $108
KYB Gas-A-Just shocks for $64
Koni Sport Shocks for $168

Has Anyone used KYB before? I'm thinking of trying them.

ed

ohlord

just use oe or sport bilsteins if you are not lowering the car and bilstein sports if you are lowering it.Hd will make it very harsh and kyb are best for a car that you take to the track.You will not like the ride quality.

check autohausaz.com for oe shocks.