jbeditor

Hi all, I've got a 2001 CLK55. I just took it in for new front tires to my local tire shop and he informs me that my shocks are "leaking" and showed me how my shocks were "cupping" my previous tires. He offered me a replacement of Monroe shocks, but I thought I'd call my mechanic first. After speaking with my mechanic over the phone, he said that the car takes Bilstein shocks and that they are quite expensive. He says it's unlikely that it needs new shocks at only 70K miles and that the shocks are supposed to release some fluid during normal operation. He also says the "cupping" could have been due to the tires needing an alignment. Just wanted to visit the forum first before I take any action. Anyone need to replace their shocks at around 70K? If so, what brand did you use? Thanks for any input.

RDD

Bilstein is good. Please, don't put Monroe shocks on an AMG.

Chappy

+1

RDD

Also, FWIW, I'd prob trust your mechanic unless you feel the ride is too bouncy or rough. Some of those chain tire places and oil lube garages practice shady business. The tire cupping is probably from a bad alignment. Get an alignment done and get it done at a shop that works on high end cars like Porsches because the regular alignment shops have messed up my alignment in the past.

jbeditor

Thanks, he's a new mechanic for me, but he seems good -not a dealer mechanic. He tracked down a battery drain I'd been having for over a year that 4 other mechanics -including 2 dealer mechanics couldn't. He's very thorough. I thought it seemed odd that my shocks needed replacing so soon.

mistertonyn

Hello, my 99 E320 tires are also "cupping" on the outer edges of the tires. The uneven wear started around 60K. Typically how long does the original shocks last?