stickyfingers

Any tips or pics on my rear shock replacement would be appreciated.

Maj. Dundee

The rear struts are replaced as one unit, spring and strut. Some just replace the strut alone but the strut must be remove and then taken to a shop where it can be separated with a special spring compressor.

stickyfingers

Maj. Dundee,

Thanks for the information. The top attach bolts look a bit challenging...but I will give it ago as soon as the Bilsteins arrive.

Felipe Alves

I was curious. I know this is an old post. I am looking to purchase bilstein rear shock and strut assemblys. Did you find them easy to install? Was the brand worth the money or better just to buy Mercedes Original? I have to do my fronts as well. Seems like online its only Struts. Not sure if you have had to do those yet or the control arms / ball joints. Just finding the everything I have been viewing on videos / reading has been really difficult and time consuming to change. Appreciate the feedback. Thank you.

art_arev

They all are the same, when it comes to installation. The rear ones you are better of to buy the complete strut assembly. If you buy separate shocks & the springs, then you will have to fit the spring onto the shock. This is very difficult & dangerous venture. Or you will have to find a shock shop were they can fit the spring onto the shock.
Brand wise......It is matter of choice. I have SACHS installed. They are great.
Bilstein is a very good brand. Original Mercedes is going to be SACHS. If you want original, you are better of buying SACHS (in SACHS packaging). Don't buy from the dealer. You will get SACHS in MB packaging for twice the price.........