Replacing shock absorbers.... and what else ?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Replacing shock absorbers.... and what else ?
thanks to our horrible road condition, my 2011 E350's shock absorbers only has about 20% of serviceable life remaining with less than 80K miles on the clock, and my Bilstein B6 is on it's way from German now,
is there anything else in the neighborhood that I should replace while the shop is replacing the strut?
I also got the lower ball joint and shock mount bearing
any advice is appreciated, thanks.
is there anything else in the neighborhood that I should replace while the shop is replacing the strut?
I also got the lower ball joint and shock mount bearing
any advice is appreciated, thanks.
#2
Member
Replace the shock mount bearings for sure. B6's are great for German roads and track use however they are not going to make your horrible road conditions any more compliant, if anything you'll feel it more.
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cx876 (04-20-2019)
#3
Super Member
The strut mounts, for sure, in addition to the strut mount bearings. They're a rubber insulator that wears out and tears over time.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
only reason why I order B6 is because they seems to have better built quality and the price different is very minor.
That's my first time on replacing the shock on any car, I'm only planing to keep the car for another 4 to 5 years then move onto the next E Wagon,
however I may consider to pass it onto one of my family member because by that time it's gonna worth almost nothing in trade in anyway.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
is this the one you're talking about ? thanks.
#6
Member
I have no experience with B4's, I have with B6's. The degree which some think a suspension setup rides like a coal cart vs. an ideal setup can be a very personal matter. Unless you plan to track or race cones with your vehicle the OEM setup MB designed is the way to go. The B6's will last the life of this vehicle most likely and if the next buyer does not share your tastes for what some may say is a "firmer" ride that may be an issue too. I don't know if you mentioned your current tire size, however if your roads are that bad consider a second set of factory wheels that have a taller sidewall.
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cx876 (04-20-2019)
#7
Senior Member
Thanks for the input, in that case do you think B4 will be a better option ?
only reason why I order B6 is because they seems to have better built quality and the price different is very minor.
That's my first time on replacing the shock on any car, I'm only planing to keep the car for another 4 to 5 years then move onto the next E Wagon,
however I may consider to pass it onto one of my family member because by that time it's gonna worth almost nothing in trade in anyway.
only reason why I order B6 is because they seems to have better built quality and the price different is very minor.
That's my first time on replacing the shock on any car, I'm only planing to keep the car for another 4 to 5 years then move onto the next E Wagon,
however I may consider to pass it onto one of my family member because by that time it's gonna worth almost nothing in trade in anyway.
Good luck,
Bob
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#8
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks Bdevil82 and mercy-me for the info, I have the OE size PS4s (245/40-18 + 265/35-18) but running on Enkei Raijin wheel (OE AMG rim got destroyed by pothole)
in this case I'm probably gonna switch my order to Bilstein B4 and save myself $270, TireRack mentions the B4 is 10% firmer than stock so I think that would get the job done.
on the road condition ok maybe I'm exaggerating it a little bit here, but San Francisco is far from ideal and comfortable,
especially right after the raining season, dodging all the potholes is more intense than playing Mario Kart.
in this case I'm probably gonna switch my order to Bilstein B4 and save myself $270, TireRack mentions the B4 is 10% firmer than stock so I think that would get the job done.
on the road condition ok maybe I'm exaggerating it a little bit here, but San Francisco is far from ideal and comfortable,
especially right after the raining season, dodging all the potholes is more intense than playing Mario Kart.
Last edited by cx876; 04-20-2019 at 07:16 PM.
#9
I think he was taking about this two things need to be change during the strut replacement.
1) https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
2) https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
1) https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
2) https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
#10
Super Member
Thanks Bdevil82 and mercy-me for the info, I have the OE size PS4s (245/40-18 + 265/35-18) but running on Enkei Raijin wheel (OE AMG rim got destroyed by pothole)
in this case I'm probably gonna switch my order to Bilstein B4 and save myself $270, TireRack mentions the B4 is 10% firmer than stock so I think that would get the job done.
on the road condition ok maybe I'm exaggerating it a little bit here, but San Francisco is far from ideal and comfortable,
especially right after the raining season, dodging all the potholes is more intense than playing Mario Kart.
in this case I'm probably gonna switch my order to Bilstein B4 and save myself $270, TireRack mentions the B4 is 10% firmer than stock so I think that would get the job done.
on the road condition ok maybe I'm exaggerating it a little bit here, but San Francisco is far from ideal and comfortable,
especially right after the raining season, dodging all the potholes is more intense than playing Mario Kart.
Good call , indeed B4 are slightly uprated .
I've famously comfortable Eibach Pro kit springs on a VW with B4 and I wouldn't want it any firmer .
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mercy-me (04-21-2019)
#11
Member
Thread Starter
I think he was taking about this two things need to be change during the strut replacement.
1) https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
2) https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
1) https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
2) https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
I'm still not very sure about the part number for the strut mount,
the site above says it's not for cars with sport suspension,
and FCP Euro says it will not fit 2011 E350
#12
Super Member
The one I bought for my car (and replaced recently) was this guy, but the part you pictured is the same type of part, yes.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ein-2123230020
If you're in doubt about what part number is the right one, contact FCP. They'll ask for your VIN and verify based on that. They're generally pretty responsive too. Unless I already know exactly what it looks like I've learned to ask them before buying.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ein-2123230020
If you're in doubt about what part number is the right one, contact FCP. They'll ask for your VIN and verify based on that. They're generally pretty responsive too. Unless I already know exactly what it looks like I've learned to ask them before buying.
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cx876 (04-22-2019)
#13
Member
Thread Starter
The one I bought for my car (and replaced recently) was this guy, but the part you pictured is the same type of part, yes.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ein-2123230020
If you're in doubt about what part number is the right one, contact FCP. They'll ask for your VIN and verify based on that. They're generally pretty responsive too. Unless I already know exactly what it looks like I've learned to ask them before buying.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ein-2123230020
If you're in doubt about what part number is the right one, contact FCP. They'll ask for your VIN and verify based on that. They're generally pretty responsive too. Unless I already know exactly what it looks like I've learned to ask them before buying.
I am able to find a new part number 212-323-00-20-64, it seems to replaces the old one
https://www.mboemparts.com/oem-parts...g-212323002064
#14
Super Member
I wouldn't let that deter you, Rein is actually a great brand. I've used them for lots of things and have always had great luck. Do some looking around on what other European car enthusiasts think about them.