Latest on front struts for E500E (Jan-2026)

[elietristan]

JM, if your dealer cannot get E500 struts A1243205030 or A124320503064 which are normally specified for your car...

...instead order A1243204330 (for early 500E), this part number is identical except for the strut pinch bolt hole is slightly smaller. Drill out the hole slightly so the 14mm bolt slides through easily. $450/ea MSRP, Laredo has them for $308/ea discount, link below. Contact them if the S&H charges seem too high, they should adjust to something reasonable. Also try promo code HOLIDAY24 for an extra 5% off (may expire today).

https://www.mbpartsource.com/search?search_str=A1243204330

So everyone must have gone out and bought these struts because now according to my local Benz dealer I was told there was 1 left in stock in the whole country and none in Germany. So apparently I purchased the last one and I am having a hard time finding one for the other side.

 

[gsxr]

So everyone must have gone out and bought these struts because now according to my local Benz dealer I was told there was 1 left in stock in the whole country and none in Germany. So apparently I purchased the last one and I having a hard time finding one for the other side.

Oh no. It looks like the "early" struts might have gone NLA recently. Both variations show NLA at MBCC now.

As a long shot, try buying this single one on eBay (click here)... most likely they will cancel the order and refund your money, but it's worth a shot.

Otherwise, get the Bilstein Sport "B8" Yellows.

 

[elietristan]

Oh no. It looks like the "early" struts might have gone NLA recently. Both variations show NLA at MBCC now.

As a long shot, try buying this single one on eBay (click here)... most likely they will cancel the order and refund your money, but it's worth a shot.

Otherwise, get the Bilstein Sport "B8" Yellows.



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Thanks Dave but yeah thats exactly what will happen. What's the difference between these and the Sachs HD 115070 or KYB 235021 ? Because these aftermarket ones are available at Autohausaz

 

[captruff]

So everyone must have gone out and bought these struts because now according to my local Benz dealer I was told there was 1 left in stock in the whole country and none in Germany. So apparently I purchased the last one and I having a hard time finding one for the other side.

I have a pair of NIB A 124 320 50 30 64 shocks, but I was holding on to them jik.

Jeff

 

[elietristan]

I have a pair of NIB A 124 320 50 30 64 shocks, but I was holding on to them jik.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I believe you're located around me in SoCal? Are you willing to sell or trade for something you need?

Elie

 

[Jlaa]

Hi Jeff,

I believe you're located around me in SoCal? Are you willing to sell or trade for something you need?

Elie

Here is an example of @captruff's parts hoard. I don't think he needs anything.

 

[gsxr]

That reminds me! I need to bug captruff to see if he has any deals on a box o' brake fluid! I've used most of the last batch I bought years ago...

 

[Kridre]

Thanks Dave but yeah thats exactly what will happen. What's the difference between these and the Sachs HD 115070 or KYB 235021 ? Because these aftermarket ones are available at Autohausaz

Difference is in the lack of the return spring inside the shock. I changed my 500E struts for sachs 115 070 and they are a bit stiffer than 124 320 30 50. I'm of course comparing brand new vs brand new.

Right now I would buy B4 sportline version 22-040534 or maybe B6.

I still have two 124 420 30 50 struts thay have less than 1000 miles on them but one needs to be refurbished because it leaked.

 

[elietristan]

Difference is in the lack of the return spring inside the shock. I changed my 500E struts for sachs 115 070 and they are a bit stiffer than 124 320 30 50. I'm of course comparing brand new vs brand new.

Right now I would buy B4 sportline version 22-040534 or maybe B6.

I still have two 124 420 30 50 struts thay have less than 1000 miles on them but one needs to be refurbished because it leaked.

124 320 30 50 is not in my EPC diagram for the 500E. What strut is that for?

Unless you meant 124 320 50 30....

 

[elietristan]

Difference is in the lack of the return spring inside the shock. I changed my 500E struts for sachs 115 070 and they are a bit stiffer than 124 320 30 50. I'm of course comparing brand new vs brand new.

Right now I would buy B4 sportline version 22-040534 or maybe B6.

I still have two 124 420 30 50 struts thay have less than 1000 miles on them but one needs to be refurbished because it leaked.

I am surprised that Sachs 115 070 are stiffer than E500E OE struts. I am more surprised that one is leaking after only 1000 miles!!!

Something doesn't sound right on your setup. Maybe you have the wrong springs? What model car is this on?

 

[gsxr]

Another bit to keep in mind:

Mercedes Sportline and Bilstein Sport struts have reduced travel (extension) vs standard struts, by approximately 1 inch / 25mm. The original E500E struts are the same, with the addition of the internal rebound limiting spring (not found on ANY aftermarket strut for this application). If you use standard struts, like the Sachs 115070, in the 036 chassis... the front suspension will extend further than normal if fully unloaded (not common with normal street driving).

This is one reason why I generally would recommend Bilstein Sport (Yellow / B8) for use on any lowered 124 chassis, including Sportline and E500E models. The total length / travel is closer to stock, but the damping is likely a bit firmer.

 

[elietristan]

Another bit to keep in mind:

Mercedes Sportline and Bilstein Sport struts have reduced travel (extension) vs standard struts, by approximately 1 inch / 25mm. The original E500E struts are the same, with the addition of the internal rebound limiting spring (not found on ANY aftermarket strut for this application). If you use standard struts, like the Sachs 115070, in the 036 chassis... the front suspension will extend further than normal if fully unloaded (not common with normal street driving).

This is one reason why I generally would recommend Bilstein Sport (Yellow / B8) for use on any lowered 124 chassis, including Sportline and E500E models. The total length / travel is closer to stock, but the damping is likely a bit firmer.

And if its not lowered then go with the Bilstein Sports (B6 version) versus the performance Plus (B8) ?

My understanding of the Bilstein's is that B6 sport version has a stock body while the Peformance Plus B8 has a shorter body. Would rather find out for sure from you Dave.

 

[gsxr]

And if its not lowered then go with the Bilstein Sports (B6 version) versus the performance Plus (B8) ?

Yes. A standard 124 (300E, 400E) at stock ride height with stock springs would typically use standard struts, Bilstein B4 or B6.

My understanding of the Bilstein's is that B6 sport version has a stock body while the Peformance Plus B8 has a shorter body. Would rather find out for sure from you Dave.

I'm not 100% certain but I believe the B4 and B6 both have standard travel length, and only the B8 Sport (Yellow) has reduced travel. Note that the body (external casing) is identical length between all strut variations, but the shaft of the strut is shorter on the Sport/Sportline struts.

 

[Kridre]

I am surprised that Sachs 115 070 are stiffer than E500E OE struts. I am more surprised that one is leaking after only 1000 miles!!!

Something doesn't sound right on your setup. Maybe you have the wrong springs? What model car is this on?

400E with H&R springs. I really should use B8 like @gsxr mentioned, but I didn't notice anything bad with using "standard" travel struts, also B8 are more expensive.

It leaked probably because I bought them of ebay and no one knows for how long they were in storage. It was around 2017 and back then this struts where temporarily no available from MB that's why I went this route.

124 320 30 50 is not in my EPC diagram for the 500E. What strut is that for?

Unless you meant 124 320 50 30....

124 320 50 30, sorry my mistake.

 

[elietristan]

400E with H&R springs. I really should use B8 like @gsxr mentioned, but I didn't notice anything bad with using "standard" travel struts, also B8 are more expensive.

It leaked probably because I bought them of ebay and no one knows for how long they were in storage. It was around 2017 and back then this struts where temporarily no available from MB that's why I went this route.



124 320 50 30, sorry my mistake.

Ah using E500E parts on other W124s....hmmm now I know why our 036 parts are becoming NLA

 

[elietristan]

Yes. A standard 124 (300E, 400E) at stock ride height with stock springs would typically use standard struts, Bilstein B4 or B6.

I'm not 100% certain but I believe the B4 and B6 both have standard travel length, and only the B8 Sport (Yellow) has reduced travel. Note that the body (external casing) is identical length between all strut variations, but the shaft of the strut is shorter on the Sport/Sportline struts.

Thank you Dave!

 

[elietristan]

I have a pair of NIB A 124 320 50 30 64 shocks, but I was holding on to them jik.

Jeff

Just want to send a big shout out to Jeff. We met up up earlier today and he showed me his beautiful collection of which it included some of our E500E cars. Super cool and nice guy. Thanks for your support Jeff!!!!

 

[Kridre]

Ah using E500E parts on other W124s....hmmm now I know why our 036 parts are becoming NLA

To my defense I have 400E sportline and 500E struts were installed from the factory. So I hope I will be forgiven for my sins.

 

[elietristan]

Alright everyone...here is the deal regarding front struts and rear shocks for our E500E cars. I spoke with my parts manager at my local Benz dealer about this NLA situation and here is what he informed me which is GOOD news for us.

If enough orders are placed through MB dealerships for these shocks then MB will push to have a batch run from their supplier. However if the demand is not there these will just become extinct. So spread the good word and place your orders regardless if they are not available. Once they see that the demand is there then we have hope of having our parts becoming available again!!!

So if enough of us place orders even if you dont need them place your orders. You only pay once the part becomes available and you want it. If you no longer want it when or if it becomes available just cancel your order and you wont have to pay for it. MB doesn't know that we are hurting for our parts if we dont let them know it.

 

[elietristan]

To my defense I have 400E sportline and 500E struts were installed from the factory. So I hope I will be forgiven for my sins.

I thought 034 400E's were only for North America. I didn't know that they were made for sale in Europe let alone a 400E with a Sportline trim. What's the story on this special 400E folks?

Just an FYI...I do own a 93 400E its my daily driver.

 

[gsxr]

I thought 034 400E's were only for North America. I didn't know that they were made for sale in Europe let alone a 400E with a Sportline trim. What's the story on this special 400E folks?

Just an FYI...I do own a 93 400E its my daily driver.

034's were sold worldwide. Norther American and Japan 034's were "neutered" with 2.24 final drive ratio (but had first gear start), supposedly to avoid gas guzzler taxes? ROW 034's have 2.65 gears and second-gear start. NA/JP 034's also did not get the larger brakes on late build ROW 034's, nor did they get the engine oil cooler. I think there's some other differences I'm forgetting.

IIRC around 10k were sold in USA but worldwide production was 20-25k.

The 034 Sportline package was never offered in USA. It consisted mostly of 036 components (sway bars / dampers) but with different springs.

 

[gerryvz]

Didn't the Sportline 034 offer a different steering box than US/Japan 034s?

 

[gsxr]

Didn't the Sportline 034 offer a different steering box than US/Japan 034s?

Yes! That was one of the other differences.

 

[ArauzMotoring]

Alright everyone...here is the deal regarding front struts and rear shocks for our E500E cars. I spoke with my parts manager at my local Benz dealer about this NLA situation and here is what he informed me which is GOOD news for us.

If enough orders are placed through MB dealerships for these shocks then MB will push to have a batch run from their supplier. However if the demand is not there these will just become extinct. So spread the good word and place your orders regardless if they are not available. Once they see that the demand is there then we have hope of having our parts becoming available again!!!

So if enough of us place orders even if you dont need them place your orders. You only pay once the part becomes available and you want it. If you no longer want it when or if it becomes available just cancel your order and you wont have to pay for it. MB doesn't know that we are hurting for our parts if we dont let them know it.

So we all gotta go to our Benz dealers and order NLA front and rear dampers,

Belly pans,

And prefacelift usdm 500E headlights!!!

 

[elietristan]

So we all gotta go to our Benz dealers and order NLA front and rear dampers,

Belly pans,

And prefacelift usdm 500E headlights!!!

Yep something has to be done to pinch MB....we need to keep our cars alive and taken care of!

 

[ArauzMotoring]

Would the same thing happen, say, if we were to place orders for amg sls shocks and front dampers?

 

[gsxr]

Would the same thing happen, say, if we were to place orders for amg sls shocks and front dampers?

With ANY parts, it depends on the quantities ordered. With enough demand to be profitable, MB would likely put a part back into production. However, it may or may not be the original OEM manufacturer... and may not be made in Germany... etc etc.