Norwichdelta06

Who is the maker of the struts and shocks of the 2007 C230? Also are all the C230 Sports comptabile. I really want to replace them in the near future with KYB's.

glocati

Sachs/Boge is OEM supplier. There are definitely many aftermarket suppliers that are compatible. I have limited experience with KYB. I have them on my 66 Ford and they are soft in my opinion, but not quite apples to apples as it is a huge Galaxie 500.

dmatre

From my personal experience, I would recommend to avoid KYB, and look to Bilstein or Koni instead.

The KYB's are just about as soft as stock, and wore out in about the same distance/time.

I'd put them in the same category as Gabriel/Monroe/etc.

Norwichdelta06

thx for the advice. I would nver buy monroe unless i own a buick or something along those lines. But what would u recommend for changin them? 75K?

dmatre

I swapped my stock shocks at 75k. They weren't dead, but I was itching to put the C32 springs/shocks on the C230. Glad I did. The car is still comfortable, but more precise in its handling. I would bet that you could get 100k safely from the original shocks, but I'm a little picky, and once the car starts to 'float' on rebound, it's time to swap the shocks.

The handling with the factory C32 suspension isn't as good as it would be with Konis/Bilsteins, but better than before, and easy on long drives. Overall, not a bad option - unless you're looking for vastly improved handling (for track, etc.).

XenonBenz

OEM Sachs/Boge front struts generally seem to last between 50-80K miles (3-5 years). You will begin to notice over time that the car "bounces" more after hitting bumps and the car won't track as good while cornering. Often times your struts won't be bad, but will have severe diminished dampening response.

I have a 2004 C230 Sport Sedan with 125,000 miles. Both my front struts and rear shocks are due for a replacement. While mine aren't bad or leaking yet, I definately notice they are getting to the point of being VERY worn. I am planning on getting KYB's for both the front and rear.

IMO, the KYB will give you the same type of ride as stock, but I think they will last longer than Sachs/Boge. If you shop online, the Sachs/Boge and KYB are almost exactly the same price ($186 each for front, $85 each for rear). I personally love my car having the cushy MB stock ride (after many years in a 97 Integra GS-R lowered 4 inches on 19's and a 02 BMW 325Ci lowered 2.5 inches on 19's, I have grown to love my stock ride on stock 17's with the granny auto tranny ).

However if you want a stiffer performance orientated setup, then Koni & Bilstein will be your best options (more expensive also). You might also want to look into coilovers at that point.

Just keep in mind that when you change the strut, there are a few items you should replace that won't come with the new strut. It is suggested you get a new strut top hat (or at least the bearing assembly), a new bump stop (make sure you order the right height), and replace any other wear & tear parts. There is also a special MB socket needed to take the bolt off of the top of the strut if you are doing a DIY.

Dr.Fox

I've had a really good experience with my Eibach Pro System. It comes with springs, struts, and sway bars for roughly $1200 (Usually the sways are separate, but Eibach has been running a special where they have included them for a minimal price increase). The shocks/struts are made by Sachs for Eibach, and fit perfectly as stock replacements. The drop isn't too aggressive at about 1-1.2" all around. The ride is firm, but not jarring - however, if you are looking to transform your car's handling, I'd recommend it

jkowtko

On the question of which OEM brand is recommended -- should I stick with Sachs/Boge? I want to retain the original stock ride characteristics. KYB is brought up a lot as an option for OEM replacement, however does it stiffen the ride?

Question on the rear shocks -- I have noticed two price points listed on available product: $60-80, and $140-150 ... and there are references to sport or non-sport suspensions. Are the cheaper ones for the non-sport suspension and the expensive ones for sport? And, does anyone have an explanation for the price difference? (I assume the sport suspension needs some sort of variable damping rate which leads to the higher priced shock ...)

Thanks. John

Prowla

What's the part # for the kyb that fit w203???