Only 48 Years?

[dirtrack49]

So, after 48 years in service, give or take a nap or two, it appears my shocks have finally gone south. Has something finally caught up with German engineering???

I have spent the last year getting my 66 230SL back to driving status. I have taken three test drives and have found that other than a few minor leaks, the only real problem I can find currently existing, is most likely the shock absorbers.

When testing each corner, I find a good rebound on three of four sides of the car. The front right, has no rebound whatsoever. I am assuming, since the suspension still moves up and down in front, that the front right shock absorber must be collapsed and possibly locked?

Any hints on replacing the shocks? I have an air conditioned vehicle that the A/C is currently inoperative. In fact, I am considering taking the A/C unit out. It is a Kuhlmeister unit that has been disabled due to a bad condenser for many years.

Any opinions on what I need to do to the suspension other than replacing the shocks?

Should I go OEM? Are the same shocks available as when new? If so, where should I  purchase them?

TIA
Tom L.
66 230SL

[66andBlue]

OEM shocks are Bilsteins, just search the web for the cheapest.
For example, here are a set of 4 for less than $400: http://www.ebay.com/itm/370329236666?

[kampala]

Replaced the Shocks on my 250sl with OEM after much consideration.  If you buy Bilstien, I would just confirm that you are buying shocks made specifically for the w113 as I believe some vendors sell non-pagoda Bilsteins as pagoda shocks.

Here's the link where I shared my thoughts when I changed the shocks. 

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17654.0

[KevinC]

Here's a Bilstein set for $328 plus tax...

 http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Mercedes_Benz/230SL/Bilstein/Shock_Absorber_and_Strut_Assembly/1966/Base/6_Cyl_2-dot-3L/W0133-1910711.html?loc=Front&tlc=Brakes%2C+Suspension+%26+Steering

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Mercedes_Benz/230SL/Bilstein/Shock_Absorber_and_Strut_Assembly/1966/Base/6_Cyl_2-dot-3L/W0133-1910712.html?loc=Rear&tlc=Brakes%2C+Suspension+%26+Steering

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

That's pretty good engineering I say, no worries mine have been replaced last year ... no idea if it was the first time or not

[dirtrack49]

Thanks for the help everyone. I will go ahead and order a set.

I have noticed that some part suppliers offer "Heavy Duty" versions of the shock. Or is that just an advertising gimmick? Is there more then one set of Bilsteins available for a 66 230SL?

Rolf-Dieter, These are the original shocks. However, the vehicle sat for 15 years prior to my start of bringing it back from the dead. So, I guess we need to subtract 15 years from 48. Thirty three years and 76k miles is still highly commendable.

Tom L.
66 230SL Auto