MB Medic Mercedes-Benz Repair Guides, Service, How To DIY
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Introduction
The rear shock absorber strut in the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class plays a critical role in providing a comfortable and smooth ride for passengers while ensuring optimal handling and stability of the vehicle. The shock absorber strut is a part of the suspension system. It is responsible for absorbing the shocks and vibrations caused by road irregularities, such as potholes, bumps, and rough terrain.
This repair guide shows you how to remove and install a new shock absorber on the rear of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211). The E320 rear suspension is equipped with shocks and no struts. Unless you have an airmatic, you will need an air suspension bag. We have provided links below to some of the most popular shocks on Amazon for the E-Class. Our recommendation would be Bilstein shocks if you want to stay with OEM and ride quality.
| Make: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | E300, E320CDI, E320 Bluetec, E350, E550 E55 AMG, E63 AMG |
| Years: | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| DIY Cost | $140-$200 Non-AirMatic $410-$490 AirMatic |
| Time: | 90 Minutes |
| Frequency: | Between 50,000-80,000 miles. |
Standard suspension uses conventional coil springs and separate shock absorbers, while AIRMATIC uses air springs and electronically controlled dampers. Although shock removal and installation may be similar, AIRMATIC may require releasing residual air pressure using STAR DIAGNOSIS, properly supporting suspension components, and following specific air-suspension procedures. Mounting hardware and torque specifications may also differ. Always verify the suspension type and follow the vehicle-specific service procedure.
Preparation warning
You must jack up the car to remove the rear shock absorber. Use jack stands to secure the car, or you risk getting injured.
Parts & Tools Required
When working on the suspension, it is recommended that you change shocks and struts as a set. Instead of replacing one individual shock or strut, replace both on the front or back. Here is a list of shocks that will fit your E-Class W211.
E-CLASS NON-AIR-MATIC SUSPENSION
WITH AIR MATIC SUSPENSION
- Mercedes W211 (03-05 +489) Shock Absorber (set 2) Rear OEM strut E-Class
- Mercedes W211 (06-08 +489) Shock Absorber Rear (x2 struts) damper cartridge gas
Tools
Basic hand tools are required; you also need suitable lifting equipment and the correct tools for the mounting fasteners. If you don’t have a wrench set, here are some Top Selling Metric Wrench Sets on Amazon.
Do It Yourself Repair Instructions
Before you start, establish which rear suspension your car has, because these steps cover the conventional rear shock absorber only. Look for the AIRMATIC button on the center console. If the car has AIRMATIC, or if it is a wagon, the rear unit is an air spring that holds pressure, and it is not removed the way described below. Depressurize the system before you disconnect an air line or unbolt the strut, and follow our AIRMATIC air suspension strut and air spring replacement guide instead of this procedure. Note that the part numbers listed further down this page are the AIRMATIC rear struts, so check your own car before ordering.
1. Loosen the lug nuts before you raise the vehicle.
2. Raise the vehicle using the jack that you will find in your trunk, or you could use a 3-ton aluminum and Steel Garage Jack. Make sure to place jack stands under the car to keep it secure. You don’t need to raise the vehicle too high; you will need to access the bolt on top of the shock absorber from the trunk. Never work underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.
3. Access the trunk and remove the side paneling. There should be several plastic clips and also a couple of screws that you may need to remove with a Torx Wrench Set to remove.
4. Remove the nut on top of the shock absorber. You will need to counter-hold the shock rod to break the nut loose.
5. Go under the lower control arm and remove the plastic cover. The plastic cover is held in place with a plastic pin retainer. If you break any of them, you could use a bolt and nut, or you could use the 192-piece Black Nylon Shield and Push Type Retainer Assortment Kit.
6. Remove the bolt at the bottom end of the shock absorber where it connects to the lower control arm.
7. Remove the old shock absorber and install the new one.
8. Ensure that you install the rubber O-ring, washer, and all parts as the shock manufacturer recommends. Tighten the bolt that connects the shock absorber to the lower (spring) control arm to 55 Nm. Tighten the bolt connecting the shock to the frame to 20 Nm.
9. Install the black panel inside the trunk and replace the tire.
10. Tighten the final bolts with the vehicle lowered and the wheels on the ground.
You are done. Congratulations!
Related How-To Repair Videos
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Why Replace Shocks Part 1: How to Tell When They Are Bad
2003 Mercedes E500 Rear Suspension Air Springs
What’s the best scanner for your Mercedes-Benz?
The YOUCANIC full-system scanner can help you diagnose and repair your car like a pro! Whether the check engine light or the airbag warning light has come on in your car, the YOUCANIC scanner should be your go-to scanner. This scanner can read codes in many different systems, making it a professional-grade scanner at an affordable price!
Related Guides
- AIRMATIC faults and the Visit Workshop message, if a warning came on alongside the ride height problem
- Air suspension compressor removal and installation. A compressor that has been running against a leaking air spring often fails soon after
- W220 S-Class air suspension struts for the same job on that chassis
- YOUCANIC has a video walkthrough of an AIRMATIC compressor replacement if you would rather watch the job done before starting
- Pelican Parts W211 rear shock absorber replacement, a second write-up of this procedure with its own photos
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my shock absorbers?
AIRMATIC-equipped vehicles use air springs and dampers, and the two fail in different ways, so there is no single mileage figure for them. An air leak can cause the vehicle to sag, while a worn or damaged damper can cause poor ride control, bouncing, or noise without an air leak. Diagnose the air suspension and the damping separately. Our guide on testing AIRMATIC suspension with an OBD II scanner covers reading the system codes. For standard shocks, you should replace them, preferably every 50,000 miles. Most shock absorbers are not effective if they go over 80,000 miles.
Does my E-Class have AirMatic Suspension?
AirMatic was standard on the E500 and E55, but the E320 did not come with air suspension. Airmatic was optional for the E320 on the US market. Look for the AirMatic button on the dashboard. You will not have a button if the car is not equipped with airmatic suspension.
Wagon models have rear air springs for self-leveling purposes.
My Mercedes-Benz E-Class drops overnight.
If your Mercedes-Benz settles overnight or while parked, the car has air springs at that corner, either AIRMATIC or wagon self-leveling. A leaking air spring is the most common cause, but the valve block, an air line, or the compressor check valve can leak too, so find the leaking corner before buying parts. Our guide on a Mercedes that lowers or drops while parked walks through narrowing it down.
Applicable Part Numbers
2003 -2009 MERCEDES E550 E55 E500 REAR SHOCK ABSORB AIR-MATIC 2113262800 W211
211 326 68 00 / 20-070915
2113266800 / 211 326 68 00
Torque Specifications
- The nut that attaches the shock absorber to the frame – 20Nm
- Bolt that attaches the shock absorber to the lower rear control arm – 55Nm
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