E320 2000 STRUTS AND SHOCKS

[mrhappy71]

Hi all
i recently went to meineke charged $600 for brake replacement and was told i need new struts Approx $550
just curious on where i should get them done
Ex.(midas,etc..)
Or should i buy them on my own and have a shop
do them for me?
what type or struts or shocks should i purchase
and where and how much
i dont know anything when it comes to fixing my car
so i rely on Other Benz owners opinions :)
thanks again
xxoo
[:p]

[gregs210]

Hi, Mr. Happy.

You didn't mention how many miles you have on your E, but if you're under 75K or so I'd get at least a second opinion. I certainly wouldn't let Meineke TOUCH them, since they don't even know that you DON'T have struts, you have regular gas-charged shocks. Moreover, they'll put crap on there and overcharge you for them.

That said, if you are satisfied with the ride, just order replacements on-line, you'll get either sachs or kyb. They are not cheap (about $65 each), but little on a benz is.

You can also upgrade to Bilsteins, firmer/sportier ride, but they're almost double the cost of stock (about $110 a corner if I remember right).

If you have basic tools and repair skills you can change them yourself; nothing particularly challenging here so long as you properly support the car on stands while you're changing the shocks (since you have to remove the wheels).

My three favorite on-line benz parts suppliers are (in order):

www.autohausaz.com
www.autopartswarehouse.com
http://parts.mb-z.org (remove the dash from the url, this goofy forum won't print the whole thing).

The first two do free shipping at $50, the last at $75. autopartswarehouse home and primary warehouses are back east, so they might be your easiest/quickest.

Good luck and enjoy the ride,
Greg