I will be putting new shocks on the V8 XF and was wondering if anyone has a brand recommendation for me.

What do you have installed and why did you choose them?

No track or drag use for me, just occasional spirited driving. Will most likely be a daily driver.

Thanks for any suggestions!!

Jared

 

Last summer I installed a set of KYB shocks on my black SRT roadster and was quite pleased with them. I put them on just before going to Eureka and they worked well. I just finished installing another set on my blue Limited roadster along with Brembo pads and rotors and new tires and steering dampener. Haven’t had it out on the road yet.

 

I put KYB's on my Durango, didn't notice any real difference which I guess is a good thing.

KYB's are certainly affordable too.

I was looking at Bilstein B6 shocks as a possibility. I have new B6's on my C4 Roadster and they made quite a difference after 120k on the OEM Bilsteins. They cost twice as much as the KYB's which is a minus.

Hmm.....

Jared

 

I just noticed something strange on Rock Auto.

If I look up the shocks for the 2003 SLK320, there are more options. Specifically there is the option for Bilstein B4 shocks, which are the OEM shock for the car.

The Bilstein B4's aren't listed for the XF but the B6's are. All other available shocks match the SLK320's part number for part number.

Stands to reason that the shocks would be the same.

They are between $20 - $30 more apiece than the KYB's, and $20 - $30 cheaper apiece than the B6's.

What to do...….

Jared

 

When I did shocks on the black car last year I ordered shocks from amazon using 03 SLK320, a message popped up saying these parts do not fit your 05 Crossfire. I decided that sure they do and ordered them. They arrived and the mounting on one end was wrong, don’t remember which, had to return them. I wish I could remember more details, I just remember they didn’t fit.

 

I think they may have sent you the wrong shocks. Or they were possibly for the R171.

If you open 2 browsers with Rock Auto, and look at the shocks for the 03 SLK320 on one, and the shocks for the 04 XF on the other, all of the part numbers match.

They only show the B4 Bilsteins for the CLK though.

I'm gonna give it a shot, worst case I have to return them.

Jared

 

Went ahead and bought the Bilstein B4 shocks, and while I was at it, 20 liters of Pentosin ATF134 so I can perform a T-Tech tranny flush.

I will update again after installation.

Jared

 

I ordered a set of shocks for a 2001 Ford Ranger Edge P/U (with torsion bar suspension) from RA. After receipt, I went and (thankfully) immediately started on the rear shocks replacement (if I had started on the front, I would have been STUCK). The lower bushing on both rear shocks were much smaller, so the OEM bolts would not slip through. These were the manufacturers recommended and RA recommended shock sets. I later found out they miss-sell/list incorrect many things for listed vehicles. Maybe (just maybe) RA is a 'clearing house' for seconds or parts miss loaded in to their listings? All I can say is/suggest, MAKE SURE you do not wait on installing a RA parts order. You have a 'drop-dead' date for them to take the order back. Also, document (with pictures) your install/problem, you WILL need proof or you'll pay.


.

 

I'm curious to see how it goes for you. I'm considering getting the B4 shocks too.

When I checked against FCP Euro or Pelican Parts I'm seeing the B4 appear to match as well.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Ben...t=6&b=10&d=&v=

 

I cancelled the B4's before RA could ship them out.

I just pulled the trigger on the B6's instead.

I figure I'm building this car for performance..... might as well go with a performance shock. $490...…. yikes!!

I installed the B6's on my Z51 Corvette and they're great.

Jared

 

I went with yellow bilsteins on my car as well a few years ago. I first had the Koni's but one blew after a week of being on the car. Got the bilsteins and took off the Koni's and sold them. I didn't need the adjustability.

 

So, can anyone tell us the difference in ride comfort or handling between the B4 and B6 shocks? It would be nice to know which is best for comfortable road driving and some spirited touring over the OE factory shocks.

Jim

 

I forgot. The Bilstein website refers to the B6 shock as a TRUCK, SUV, JEEP replacement for OFF ROAD use. As I try to picture that statement in my mind, it sounds like a misfit for the Crossfire, street driven or auto crossed! Please tell me if I'm wrong. Maybe the KYB's are the better choice. I'd love to hear some experienced input.

Jim

 

Bilstein B6's were the factory installed shocks on my Z51 Corvette.

If they were solely for Jeeps and trucks and off road use..... I couldn't even imagine they would offer them for our cars, or Hondas, or Corvettes, etc.

I got on the Bilstein website and they manufacture the B6 shock for everything from Sprinter Vans to Ferraris.

The B6 shock provides a firmer ride.

If you just cruise your car around, buy the KYB's, I am sure you would be happy with them.

That being said, got the B6's installed on the V8 XF today.

Jared

 

Original equipment was Bilstein, that said I upgraded to the B6's. Two individuals with Corvettes have done the same and we all are happy with the ride/results.

 

I'm very happy with the B6's.

Well worth it in my opinion!!

Jared

 

So did I miss something here, what KYBs did somebody order?

 

I have B6's in the rear of my coupe, and I really like them. Just the right amount of performance mixed with comfort. Stepping up to Konis would be the next logical step up from the B6.

 

Neil
This week I installed the KYB Gas Adjust shocks and I can notice a difference in the ride, at first I was thinking ok still firm until I got larger bumps in the road, that's when I found out how well they were working, so being in Northern Ky finding a curvy road is never far away so I drove her out the backroads to my surprise she handles better than before, so the old shocks at 114k were not doing their jobs
and Being an old Shelby Dodge guy I used KYB on everything. One piece I noticed was taking off the car would squat on take off if I launched hard or started to take curves faster, the KYBs did NOT let the car squat but helped in the launch. in the curves so far it's been pretty flat and firm which is where this car needs to be.
June (Wife unit) said she can tell it's riding better as the car no longer pounds her butt on the road..

KYBs for me and you know me


Crossfire at Cruisers Diner in Seamans Ohio

 

KYBs will be a nice upgrade over old, worn stock, for sure. They're not Bilsteins or Konis, though