I am planning to replace the suspected original rear dampers on an '09 CLK350 with 113,000 miles. Pelican Parts has Bilstein for $59, Sachs for $109, and Mercedes for $205. A very big spread. Can anyone comment on the difference between Bilstein and Sachs?

Will also look at replacing the various bushings in the rear as these may also be original.

Doing the rear first as it is noisy, harsh, and the car sometimes moves sideways over a bump. Once the rear is settled, I'll move to the front.

thanks, everyone.

 

Check the condition of the springs. I've yet to come across a CLK with original set that wasn't snapped, usually toward the bottom. My front driver side and rear passenger side were both broken at 95k. On the rear the classic sign is sideways hop over rough bumps.

 

The difference between the original MB mount and after-market is that the original will "live" over 100k (mine were swapped at 180'000km after inspection showed <50% efficiency). The after-market will most likely retire earlier. But then, it's a quarter of the cost. It took me about an hour to swap rear tubes, time spent mostly removing the liner

 

Checked the springs - very easy to see down to the bottom coil once the shocks are removed, all good.
Replaced the shocks (with Bilstein) and all issues: noise, harsh ride, and hop were resolved.
BTW, the shocks (original?) were marked H16 in blue. The springs have 3 blue markings. The car has the sport suspension.

Will replace the front shocks next.