B 180 cdi (2012) rear shock absorbers

[david.h]

My day car has to have two new rear shocks after only 35000 miles! Any one any experience of this? Symptom was creaking from the rear end that sounded like some sort of dry joint creaking. No sign of a leak & it quietened when it was wet! Merc dealer insists the S/A s have to be replaced (£350!!!) but they will seek compensation from MB UK.
My 1956 MG Magnette is still on it's original shocks after 80,000 miles and 61 years!
In cannot remember when I last had to renew rear shocks....except on a rally car....at that sort of mileage!

[david.h]

MB denied anything was unusual about s/a failure in pairs, but after some arm twisting paid 51% (!) of the replacement cost.
So I only had to pay £188 (incl VAT).
ONLY!