[240dbb]

I spotted a new looking set of front shocks on a 78 450sel. I'm wondering if they'll work on an 82 240d and what the difference might be. I see the part numbers are the same for KYB's they're different for Bilsteins.
1978 450sel
c- W0133-1611730
hd- W0133-1611100
1982 240D
c- W0133-1614410
chd-W0133-1612533
hd W0133-1613113

 

[DeliveryValve]

If the manufacturer had the same part number. I'd give it a whirl if it is cheap.

But you know what KYB means... Keep Your Bilsteins.

 

[ducatipaso]

why anyone would buy suspension components out of a dismantler is beyond me

 

[240dbb]

The junkyard computer shows that the following are interchangeable:

230/4 '74-76 115 f
240d '73-76 115 f
240d '77-83 123 f
300d '75-76 115 f
300d '77 123 f
300d,cd '78 123f
300d,cd 123 r
300dd,cd,td '79-82f
300d,cd 79-85 123r

Wouldn't it be great to have access to that data base?

When I was a kid the junkyards had Hollander Parts Interchange books. Google

found this about Hollander;
"The Federal Trade Commission today charged that Automatic Data Processing,

Inc.'s 1995 acquisition of AutoInfo, Inc. assets created a monopoly that has

raised prices and reduced the quality of service in the automobile salvage

yard information management industry. The FTC said it is seeking an order

that would require ADP to divest businesses and assets sufficient to restore

competition to the industry.
ADP, based in Roseland, New Jersey, had $3 billion in revenues in 1995."

Check out the way they market info at Hollanderinterchange.net.

It's probably not safe to extrapolate Bilstein/Mercedes shock compatibility

from various web parts sites that show KYB front numbers being the same for

the 240d and 450sel (but only with the small v8).

In this case it doesn't seem to matter since I couldn't get a wrench on the lower inside bolts or read part numbers, the yard couldn't determine the engine size and the vin is 3 characters short of 17. "In the early 1980s, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began requiring that all road vehicles contain a 17-character VIN." (autohauzaz.com)

For ducatipaso...some people reading this forum probably already know about the good stuff you can find in junk yards. I've seen cars there with a recent set of tires or shocks or maybe a new battery that somehow end trashed.

 

[ducatipaso]

for 240db: i agree that dismantler monopolisation has gotten out of hand.

These finds of newish parts, critical parts to a car's handling, on cars as old as ours, are like the proverbial needles in haystacks, and spending the time to find these relatively inexpensive parts that are so crucial to safety, at the risk of them having been damaged in accidents, or other unknown history issues, is one that I'm not willing to put my vehicles or family at risk by wasting my time and energy with.

 

[240dbb]

"I agree that dismantler monopolisation has gotten out of hand."
I thought the quote in my post refered to a service information monopoly that degraded the industry. I'm not aware of "dismantler monopolisation" but I am interested. What is it?

"These finds of newish parts" ..."are like the proverbial needles in haystacks"
Absolutely agree

I didn't go looking for shocks I went just for fun and because it's 1 block from where I buy diesel. However I that a lot of parts would be a waste of time to look there for.

The Bilstein site has some diagnostic info and the warranty gives me confidence in their product. It's usually obvious if a car's been been wrecked. A shock that looks way newer than the parts it's bolted too might be a little more of a judgement call. These looked newer than mine but I haven't had a problem with my shocks and, slug that it is, I was impressed by the sports car like way it tracks and turns corners. I don't think I need them but I am curious if it would make a difference.

 

[ducatipaso]

"I agree that dismantler monopolisation has gotten out of hand."
I thought the quote in my post refered to a service information monopoly that degraded the industry. I'm not aware of "dismantler monopolisation" but I am interested. What is it?

the service you speak of levels the prices of parts at all dismantlers. prices at "professional" dismantlers have skyrocketed due to the fact that dismantlers now are all "in cahoots" on pricing. look closely, shop around, you'll figure it out.

 

[240dbb]

Right, they know each others prices. Now I understand what you meant by dismantler monopolisation, thanks for the clarification. Do you happen to know of a link that explains the system they use?

 

[ducatipaso]

in what respect? technically?

 

[240dbb]

Any of the issues touched on are of interest, but I'm going to be internetless next week and I've got to prepare for that so back burner for now is fine.

 

[DieselKraut]

116-123-126 are the same shocks, also it is a VERY SMART idea to get used shocks at a junk yard as many time people replace part like tires, brake, shock.....ect.

Its very easy to tell if shocks are bad if you have a bad one to compare it with or a new one.

Also ive found koni adjustable shocks and HD BILSTEINS that were like new.

 

[DeliveryValve]

To each his own on using salvaged parts. I think that if you KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR and you come across parts that are in new condition. It is a good way to save money. With that said, if you are don't know or unsure of the condition parts, it is better route to get new.