cx876

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.

Bdevil82

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.

atraudes

The strut mounts, for sure, in addition to the strut mount bearings. They're a rubber insulator that wears out and tears over time.

cx876

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.

cx876

Couldn't find the strut mount on Pelican parts, FCP Euro listed one with part number 2043201273
is this the one you're talking about ? thanks.

Bdevil82

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.

mercy-me

I would get the closest to stock as possible. B4's are suggested by Bilstein. The suspension on these cars is stiff enough and any additional stiffness will definitely spoil your rough road driving experience. On my previous BMW E32 I put Bilstein sport struts on the front and regretted it from the beginning. Way too stiff for the third world "bomb pocked" roads here in Michigan. It is easy to get lured into putting on expensive performance mods on these mundane cars for bragging rights. Most times it is a waste of money and you wind up sacrificing in some other area. (Just my opinion)

Good luck,

Bob

cx876

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.

rohanpatel14

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

Gazwould

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 .

cx876

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

atraudes

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.

cx876

Great ! that looks really promising, but I don't have much faith on the made in China one that FCP is carrying,
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

atraudes

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.