The Bilstein B4 OE Replacement 22-218537 is a complete front strut assembly for the Mercedes-Benz W203 C-Class, built on Bilstein's twin-tube design. The manufacturer lists it as a direct OE replacement, and the spring seat is fixed to the unit, so you get an assembled strut with no need to transfer the spring when you swap worn factory units. It is a like-for-like choice for drivers who want the original ride feel back rather than the firmer character of a lowering setup. The manufacturer lists the unit at roughly 12.4 lb, 383 mm collapsed and 463 mm extended, so you can measure it against your old struts before you order.
Bilstein sells this strut per vehicle in a quantity of two, so buy a matched pair for both front corners to keep damping even side to side. The manufacturer lists fitment for the C230 (2004-2007), C320 (2001-2005), C350 (2006-2007) and C55 AMG (2005-2006), with OE interchange numbers in the Mercedes 203 320 series, so it is a specific fit rather than a universal part. Suspension-package compatibility varies between listings, so confirm which setup your car has with the manufacturer before buying. Searches for W203 front strut replacement, C230 and C320 strut swap, and Bilstein 22-218537 OE twin-tube struts point to exactly this application.
The manufacturer lists a quantity of two per vehicle, so order two units to replace both front struts.
No. The manufacturer lists boot included as no, so reuse or source a boot separately if your old unit had one.
The manufacturer lists the C230 (2004-2007), C320 (2001-2005), C350 (2006-2007) and C55 AMG (2005-2006), along with several CLK models. Fitment varies with suspension package, so confirm your car's setup with the manufacturer before ordering.
Front strut replacement on a W203 is a manageable home job for a mechanic with a jack, jack stands and a torque wrench, but plan for stuck fasteners. Owners on user forums who have worked on W203 front struts point to stripped removal tools and awkward spring compressor hooks as the main problems, and they recommend new nuts and bolts with thread adhesive wherever a rebuild is involved. Use a proper spring compressor only if you disassemble a strut; a complete assembly avoids that step. Check the manufacturer's instruction sheet for torque values before you start, and get a front wheel alignment once the work is finished.
