Replacing shock absorbers.... and what else ?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 25
From: San Francisco
W212, R171
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.
Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 26
From: NC
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon 2002 E430 2004 SL500
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 25
From: San Francisco
W212, R171
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 25
From: San Francisco
W212, R171
is this the one you're talking about ? thanks.
Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 26
From: NC
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon 2002 E430 2004 SL500
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 96
From: Just north of Detroit,Michigan
2012 E350 4Matic P2
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
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 25
From: San Francisco
W212, R171
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; Apr 20, 2019 at 07:16 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 104
Likes: 3
ml55 amg
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
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 882
Likes: 159
S204 C250 CDI Sport
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 .
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 25
From: San Francisco
W212, R171
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
Super Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 505
Likes: 288
From: Sammamish, WA
2011 E350 Wagon, 2010 GL450
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 25
From: San Francisco
W212, R171
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
Super Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 505
Likes: 288
From: Sammamish, WA
2011 E350 Wagon, 2010 GL450
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.
