Mercedes: Noise from Rear of Car, sway bar bushings, mercedes benz 190e

Question
I have a 1989 Mercedes 190E 2.6. Recently I have developed a thumping noise from the rear of the car when I travel over rough spots in the road. I changed my rear shocks and still have the problem. I looked at all the points on the rear-end and can not find any loose parts. The noise is not a rattle, it is more of a thump. I am thinking the rubber bushings on the rear end mounting and swivel points may be hard and dry, but thought I would ask your opinion before digging any deeper.
I took all loose objects out of my trunk, etc.
Any ideas on what to look for?
Thanks.

Answer
Check the rear Sway Bar Links, if they are sloppy, rusted or damaged, replace them first.
Check rear Sway Bar Bushings, if bad, replace and retest.
Possible bad Shock Absorber or bushing?

http://catalog.mercedesshop.com


PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES

Vehicle 1989 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.6
Part: Sway Bar Link
 Note:  Rear
From rear sway bar to trailing arm.     
L1030-16352 Sway Bar Link Febi IN STOCK $12.24  

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1989 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.6
Part: Sway Bar Bushing
 Note:  Rear
Sway Bar to Frame
Without Sport Suspension
 L1050-76563 Sway Bar Bushing IN STOCK $4.52  
 L1050-76563 Sway Bar Bushing Febi IN STOCK $4.28  

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1989 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.6
Part: Subframe Mounting Kit
 Note:  Rear Subframe
Mounting kit does not include 124 351 02 42 subframe bushings.     
L1003-73734 Subframe Mounting Kit IN STOCK $13.72  

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1989 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.6
Part: Subframe Mount
 Note:  Rear Subframe
Front
Front position of rear subframe.     
 L1005-106212 Subframe Mount Febi IN STOCK $37.22

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1989 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.6
Part: Subframe Mount
 Note:  Rear Subframe
Rear
Rear of rear subframe.     
L1021-64477 Subframe Bushing Kit   Lemforder    IN STOCK   $71.00    $58.17  

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?clientid=cata...

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1989 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.6
Part: Thrust Arm
 Note:  Rear
Left : Right
Lower front position. On models prior to listed chassis cut-offs or when replacing earlier version (1) 210 350 45 06 control arm repair kit and (1) 210 352 00 43 sleeve are required per side.     
L2014-77068 Thrust Arm Lemforder IN STOCK $38.71