Suspension refresh for an old G – what would you do?
Hi everyone,
I'm starting to plan the mechanical refresh of my recently purchased 1998 G500 SWB.
The truck has covered 28 years, and although I'll wait until it's has a proper inspection, I'm assuming much of the original suspension will be showing its age.
My goal isn't to build an off-roader or lift the vehicle.
Quite the opposite.
I'm aiming for an OEM+ refresh that keeps the factory ride height but restores (or improves) the way the vehicle drives on the road.
I've been looking at the Nothing But G's STOCK+ package, which uses FOX shocks, a FOX ATS steering damper, factory-height springs, braided brake lines and wheel spacers. It looks like a well-thought-out package, but it's also a significant investment.
Before I go down that route, I'd really like to hear from owners with real-world experience.
A few questions:
- If your W463 had around 300,000 km, what suspension components would you replace as a matter of course?
- Did you stay OEM, or upgrade?
- Bilstein, Koni, FOX or something else?
- Which bushes made the biggest improvement?
- Was the steering damper upgrade worthwhile?
- If you've fitted the Nothing But G's STOCK+ package, how has it been over time?
- Is there anything you installed that you wouldn't buy again?
The vehicle will spend almost all of its time on UK roads, with only occasional light off-road use, so ride quality, steering feel and stability are far more important to me than articulation or lift.
I'd really appreciate hearing what has worked well for other owners.
Many thanks,
Nelson
I did Bilsteins all round (G350CDi). And springs I think have dots on them and I went for the softer ones - who wants a bone shaker.
I sourced via Autodoc.
Definitely do the steering damper - get the whole unit (I don't think they do just the ends anymore) - a few hundred now but money well spent.
Thanks. I'm aiming to keep the factory ride height while refreshing everything underneath rather than modifying it.
Did you replace all the suspension bushes and spring pads at the same time, or just the shocks and steering damper?
If you still have the Bilstein part numbers or remember which B6 dampers you used, I'd really appreciate it.
Do a Search Website and see a few guides in the Forum like here:
https://www.gwoa.co.uk/node/2298
Plus the following combined results for Bilstein:
For the Mercedes-Benz G500 (W463 chassis, short wheelbase / SWB, typically 2002–2008 models), common Bilstein shock absorber part numbers are as follows.
Bilstein B6 4600 Series (Heavy-Duty / Performance Upgrade, Monotube, Direct OEM-Style Replacement for Stock Height)
These are popular upgrades for better handling, durability, and fade resistance while maintaining stock ride height.
- Front: 24-016353 (or 24-16353)
- Rear: 24-016360 (or 24-016360)
Full set (2 front + 2 rear) is often sold together for 2002–2008 G500 4WD.
Bilstein B4 OE Replacement / Touring Class (Closer to Factory OEM Specs)
These are economical direct replacements emphasizing original ride quality with Bilstein durability.
- Front: 24-017275 (old: F4-B46-1727-H0)
- Rear: 24-017282 (old: F4-B46-1728-H0)
Note: Earlier forum discussions clarified these as the correct B4 Touring Class numbers for 2002+ W463 G500/G55 (avoiding mislisted HD variants for other models like armored versions).
Key Notes
- SWB Confirmation: The G500 SWB (standard 3-door or equivalent short-wheelbase configurations) uses the same W463 suspension fitment as listed; no major differences from long-wheelbase variants for these shocks.
- Fitment: Always verify exact year, 4WD setup, and any modifications (e.g., lift kits) with a Bilstein catalog, dealer, or parts supplier. B8 5160 remote reservoir options exist for lifted applications but are not stock-height direct replacements.
- Sources: These numbers appear consistently across retailers (Shock Surplus, Jack It, Bilstein-shop.com, etc.) and owner forums. Use Bilstein's official vehicle lookup for your specific VIN/year if possible.
Hi Nelson
Nice 500!
I've a LWB 500 ex Germany LHD but with a big lift and lots of mods
Been looking for a stock LHD SWB 500 for a couple of years but rare as hell and getting more expensive than the RHD ones!
Suspension comes up a lot
All the bushes I would go OEM
Dealer is quite expensive but STEC in Graz basically the G factory is the best source thru their shop PUCH AT
I will post a link to the shocker kit I've recommended to many, the 500 came from factory with an AMG shock like the 55's and is very harsh ride on the road
We've used dozens of these kits to replace them and give great on and off road ride and a very competitive price compared to the dealer, probably a 75% reduction!
If you need links to the bushes drop me a PM with your number and I can WhatsApp to you as easier, no full vehicle kit but each one comes with new hardware at circa 50% of the dealer price for just the bush!
I will try and work thru some of your other posts over the next days as I have a spare few minutes
All the best and good luck
Will be a fantastic vehicle when you've got it fettled how you want it
Gav
463 shock set €366
Bargian price even with 20% vat and a custom charge and shipping
Probably work out about £110 a corner
can't go wrong at that!
Nothing wrong with the fox stuff etc, you'll not get much feedback in the uk for that product
Mainly an American product and market though well liked
But for the stock in road use you're looking for I'd go OEM all day long
Steering damper I would again go with OEM
The MB one is £250 for the HD 50mm version
I keep a Stabilus (OEM) one here at £125 shipped UK or can send you a link to Autodoc on WhatsApp again
If you can PM me your VIN I can do some work on the springs
Again I'd go OEM and it's critical to get the correct set up, lots of aftermarket are generic and sometimes hit and miss if they suit
Braided Goodridge hoses are usually readily available circa £100 a set also
Wheel spacers all depend on wheels your fitting.. I would avoid unless absolutely necessary for your set up choice
Thanks, that was helpful.
The link appears to be unavailable, but I found current listings for B6 24-016353 front and 24-016360 rear. As mine is a 1998 G500 SWB rather than a 2002–2008 model, I’ll confirm them against the VIN before ordering. I’m planning to retain the factory-height springs unless inspection shows sagging, and renew the rubber bushes, spring pads and steering damper at the same time.
Thanks Gav,
I want to keep the G very close to factory, just refreshed. For now just looking for OEM ride quality.
I'll chek the shock kit you recommend.
I'd also really appreciate the bush links.
Thanks again for taking the time to help.
Thanks, that's brilliant.
I'd never heard of the S-TEC kit before, but it certainly looks like excellent value.
Just out of curiosity, are these genuine Sachs dampers supplied by S-TEC, or are they their own specification?
Have you fitted this exact kit to any G?
That's exactly what I was hoping for.
One question,o you know who actually manufactures the dampers in the S-TEC kit? Are they Sachs, Bilstein or an S-TEC proprietary unit?
I'll pm you the VIN.
I appreciate if you can find on the correct springs and suspension specs.
I will also take your advice on the OEM Stabilus steering damper and the S-TEC suspension kit.
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Thanks. I'm aiming to keep the factory ride height while refreshing everything underneath rather than modifying it.
Did you replace all the suspension bushes and spring pads at the same time, or just the shocks and steering damper?
If you still have the Bilstein part numbers or remember which B6 dampers you used, I'd really appreciate it.