VT 300TE

HI All,

i'm looking into replacing front struts, strut mounts & springs in the left & right side of the front end.

I'd like to replace with Bilsteins, i'm open to recommendations on what others have done here and had success with when they replaced their front end suspension.

If anyone has a specific Bilstein model name or model number that they can direct me to that would be helpful.

Any other insight or tips would be great as well.

thank you.

mikeypie

You can get Bilstein shocks from Tire Rack. If you don''t have the sport package (probably not, bc wagon version?) then the normal OE replacement is probably good. The sport package requires a different, less-travel model of a similar shock. I wouldn't go with other brands of shock just because I really think Bilstein shocks work so well with Mercedes long-travel suspensions. If you want to really firm up the ride or something, someone here might be able to tell you their experience with Koni or other "sport" shocks.

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product/bilstein-b4/
B4 OE REPLACEMENT SHOCK

Unless your springs are rusty or were damaged, make sure you really need to do them. I farmed out doing my strut mounts because that's a tougher job. I just had them use the MB OE part. Do replace the mounts as soon as possible if they are showing signs of deteriorating.

VT 300TE

Thank you Mikeypie. This is helpful info.

The springs may be okay, albeit aged quite a bit, some rust, but aren't broken.

The front end shocks are definitely blown out, i plan to replace the shocks & shock mounts.

The current shocks installed should be stock as far as i know, no sport suspension or anything that i'm aware of. This B4 OE replacement shock you've noted is probably what's i need.

thank you.

if anyone else has any other thoughts or insight, that is welcomed also.

VT 300TE

did some further research here;

information i've collected points to B4 bilsteins front struts, do not fit the 4matic specific variant of the 300te model. While they would fit a 300te non-4matic variation , to clarify.


Mercedes part # 1243204430 - is the only option, Either an OEM Mercedes brand replacement or SACHS, for the front struts. If anyone is able to debate this and has installed a different front strut brand please confirm. Again i have a '91 300te 4matic stock suspension height.

thanks all.

mikeypie

If I recall correctly, the Sachs and Bilsteins for the 300e are identical parts. Not sure if this helps or hinders things. I know nothing of the special world of 4matics of this era, though, so I might be wrong yet again

ds190

I rec you post that issue on benzworld dot org. There are two experienced 4Matic owners there that post often.

VT 300TE

thank you for the tip.

i did post and members have confirmed OEM mercedes struts or SACHS only, for the 4matic variant.

Springs - for those who are interested, seem nearly impossible to find. if anyone has part # for the springs it would be good to know for future reference. My springs are good, but they are old so they could break.

i plan to install some SACHS struts, bump stop, strut mounts on the front end in coming weeks. I'll report back once installed.

virtual_law

Hello, it's been a couple of years, but did you manage to find the right front struts and if so, how are they holding up?