W204Motorsports

So my front struts are finally giving out on my 2008 c300 sport 4matic.

With 245 000km on them and a lot of city driving, they held up quite well but unfortunately, my passenger strut started making noise and Im debating which one to get.

I have 3 choices ;

First would be spoiling the car with these HD's, im curious if anyone has used them and if they are truly worth the extra cost;

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Suspension-Strut-Assembly-fits-2008-2014-Mercedes-Benz-C300-BILSTEIN-HD/112481990460?fits=Year%3A2008%7CModel%3AC300&hash= item1a3072f73c:g:4m8AAOSwQWxbGv7L:rk:52:pf:0&vxp=m tr


Second would be some Bilstein B4 which are more resonable and seem like a direct OEM replacement ;

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Mercedes-W204-C300-C350-w-Code-486-Pair-Front-Struts-Bilstein-B4-TC-22-193483/152786981535?fits=Year%3A2008%7CModel%3AC300&hash= item2392d0529f:g:4H0AAOSwdSRaCrNG:rk:94:pf:0&vxp=m tr


Third choice is to get them used. I have local MB scrap which has them in stock for 100$ each with 90 000km on them, so they say. My fear with this issue is, they seem like a pretty common failure on early w204's now that I have done research, even a TSB for "clunking struts" which is what mine is doing, is it worth risking getting another used one and did I just got lucky with mine lasting this long ?

xsever

When I replaced mine on my CLK, I went with the B4 and I couldn't be happier. They felt as a direct replacement to the OE SACHS ones that came from the factory.

Adi-Benz

2 weeks ago, so recent

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/724710-w204-sport-shock-opinion-oem-sachs-bilstien-b4s.html

gamma300C

I would double check with a place like FCPEuro to see if they fit...most of these aftermarket struts do not fit the 4Matic, RWD yes, despite the eBay listings suggesting otherwise.

W204Motorsports

So I ordered some B4 Bilsteins from Rockauto, which had the best price at 380$ shipped and import charges. Local german part store wanted 250$/ea+ tax for the same B4's .. I will report back once I install them.

superangrypenguin

I'd love to get your take on the new ride with the B4s!!

Nicholi2007

Please provide an update. I presume Sachs are what came with the car. I have a 2009 C350 and I'm hearing good things about the B4. I can't seem to find any feedback on B6s

W204Motorsports

Sorry, forgot to update.

I've had the B4's on for over two months and they are fantastic. Although when I removed the springs from my original struts, they were completely done, I'm surprised how well it still rode on such bad struts. They did last over 230k km and to say I drive slow and with care would be a lie.

Highly recommend the B4 Bilsteins, Il probably be changing out the rear original Sachs with Bilsteins as well. I have yet to be disappointed with a Bilstein product.

gamma300C

Any of the folks posting here have Bilsteins on a pre facelift C300/350 4matic ? If so, can they give part numbers. Much appreciated. I have asked FCP Euro and gotten different answers depending on who answers.

W204Motorsports

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...440466&jsn=465


This is exactly what I got for my 2008 c300 4matic sport.



https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ion,strut,7584

^ Here is the list for other options, as you can see, 4matic strut is obviously different from RWD models but they also have luxury and sport variation. You need to know if your car has a sport or luxury suspension.

nelson g

I just did my struts on my 20111 C300 I went with FCPeuro. I purchased the Sach's strut kit from them for $427 and new strut mounts for $38. I purchased new springs from MileOne for $158 and new boots and shims, the total for parts was $781 and I had an independent put them in. The total came to less than a grand. Everything fit and the car runs great.

ChazThePhoenix

I am a big fan of Rockauto!

Nicholi2007

I thought only the strut bearings go. Is this just a precaution?

nelson g

more precaution than anything. I did not want to find out the boot had a crack or the rubber shim was dried out.

Nicholi2007

What did you find when you took everything off?

I'm hearing differing opinions on the bolts and nuts. Some say don't reuse more than twice.

nelson g

I purchased the Strut Assembly Kit from FCP it came with the bolts and nuts. Seeing that Mercedes bolts are usually a one time use why not just replace them while you have everything apart. I figure I like do this one time and not have to go back because I was lazy or cheap. That is also why I changed the strut mount and a few other rubber pieces.

thanks

Nelson

gamma300C

Yet when I give FCP Euro the Bilstein part number of your first link, they say this is for a C300 Sport but not 4matic...same at AutohausAZ.


"This is exactly what I got for my 2008 c300 4matic sport".

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/22240675

nelson g

I did not put in Bilstein struts, I put OEM struts. The part number for FCP is # KIT-2043201330KT. They are Sachs struts which are OEM brand. I did not feel like spending the extra money on the Bilstein's. I use my car as a DD and felt the OEM worked well.

imncrxtc

Bringing this back with some CPR....i need some help.
I need to replace the front struts on my 2008 C230 4matic. I'm looking to go the oem used route. Will front struts from a 2012 C250 AMG package with electronic adapting dampers fit my car?
Aesthetically they look identical.

W204Motorsports

Why would you go used for a wear item such as struts? Unless you already have the Electronic adapting struts they will not work on your car. Seeing how rare and expensive those shocks can be, I'm glad I didn't buy one with that option so I can see why you would look for used ones but if you don't have the feature, do not waste your time and jsut get a replacement SACH or Bilsteins.

twiemann

C350 sport with 150,00 miles replacing front struts. Can I re-use the coil springs or should I replace? I am using all new parts except springs so far.

W204Motorsports

If your springs aren't rusted out or sagging, theres no problem with reusing them. Im running Bilstein B9s all around and I reused my stock springs all around with over 350 000km on them, rides perfect.

Gazwould

The stock are special dual rate dampers anyway , no need for anything else , it's a wonder why they did the agility option .


https://www.aftermarket.com.au/bilstein-b4-dampmatic/

​​​

NZ-Merc

I replaced my springs on my Sport it raised the front 1/2 inch not as much as I suspected it would but still happy I did replace them.

I would highly recommend replacing the 4 alloy suspension arms (caster and camber) also the sway bar link arms this made the biggest difference on how the car maintained a straight line on a long road and what happened when the car hit a pot hole, like night and day.