I replaced the front shocks on my old Mercedes E300TD (then aged about eleven years and 200,000 miles). The difference was quite amazing - the front nearside shock had very little resistance left, presumably because for years it had been taking the brunt of manhole covers, potholes, kerbs etc. The new shocks were very, very noticeable when turning right - the car was very level, whereas before, it had always leaned slightly.