Replaced Struts and Shocks

[gjlockyer]

Although still handling and driving well, I've been aware for a while that the front struts and rear shocks needed replacing. An older friend, a MB Club member with a long experience of owning and working on W124 cars, confirmed this after inspection. And this is no surprise; my car is coming up for its 29th birthday, and even though its only travelled 190,000ks, age alone would indicate that the original struts and shocks were past their useful life expectancy.
I used Sachs components; 115 069 struts and 316 944 shocks. I ordered 106 878 shocks but was advised they are no longer manufactured and that part # 316 944s replaced them. I confirmed this by visiting the Sachs website.
I've just had them installed by my local Ind. MB mechanic. I would have done the job myself but I'm no longer able physically to handle the replacement of the struts so the mechanic did the whole project ... with only a little over 2 hours labour. The job was straightforward and the replacement Sachs rear shocks fitted perfectly.
Even though I thought that the handling / ride was OK, the car is now much improved; much less fuss over bumps, quieter, can take known corners a little more enthusiastically (no wife on board for that test!) and even the steering is tighter and has lost its minor pull to the left.
But more importantly, a safety issue. The strut mountings looked in very good condition as seen from above in the engine bay, but both were badly cracked underneath. One was so badly cracked my mechanic commented that it was a "serious cause for alarm."
As recommended, I supplied the front bump stops and dust covers for replacement as well.
The state of the strut mounts was such that I would urge those with cars of this era to have them replaced (if still the original.) Theses cars are already in, or approaching, their 4th decade of life. A major rubber part that cops a fair bit of stress is a prime candidate for preventive maintenance.

[VanCalledHelga]

I had a similar issue with my van. The strut mounts had compressed about 10mm. The rubber was still intact, but with age it gets very hard. I've since fitted replacements and it rides better with less knocking.

My shocks didn't have much left in them, so I've ordered Bilstein B6 replacements from Germany. They worked out a bit cheaper than OE Sachs and will ride a million times better. Might seem like overkill for a van, but i've fitted Bilstein shocks on a few of my vehicles and I've always been impressed with the result, I'm surprised they aren't more popular.

[Ivanerrol]

I would suggest the every W124 now has faulty stut mounts. Even if the struts still do their job.

If you are going to do struts, bump stop and strut mounts then it might pay to replace the spring rubbers as well.
You need a spring compressor to do the latter job but they are now very cheap to buy on eBay.

Of course if you need to do the whole hog. The control arm bushings are probably toast by now as well.

Replacing all those items and your car will feel like new again.

[gjlockyer]

Good advice Ivanerrol. In my case I asked my mechanic to do a thorough check of the front and rear suspensions when he replaced the shocks and struts. I had the spring rubbers on hand if needed. He advised that the originals were still OK and gave all other components the OK as well.