Big Bang theory

[corned]

After a journey of approximately 12 feet, reversing off my drive, there was a big loud bang, accompanied by a sudden drop of the o/s front end. I know a failed coil spring when I see/hear one.

So - what's the damage to the wallet likely to be? I assume that it is folly to replace only the one (I have previous experience (different marque) of front spring failures which were only a few weeks apart) so I would prefer to do both in the one job.

Also, with it being the standard AvantGarde spec, are the part numbers different for mine against Classic/Elegance spec as the ride height is lower?

 

[renault12ts]

On my W210 £51 plus vat for each spring and £20 per side to fit. Springs have colour coding on them.

 

[whitenemesis]

Yes, folly to do only the one side.

Avantgarde are lower than Classic / Elegance as you say but also the springs are coded for the engine size, body type and the options fitted.

Give the VIN to the MB parts dept and ensure you get the correct spec..

 

[BlackC55]

You may get it done under MB goodwill

 

[corned]

I was going to try that angle, particularly as it should be going in soon anyway for a tailgate paint issue, but I don't hold much hope.

As it happens, I bought the car from a Honda main agent (i.e. someone p/x'd it against a new Honda SUV ) and the car was there 2 weeks ago to the day for a Honda end of warranty inspection, following the completion of 12 months in my ownership. It passed with flying colours. I am going to try that one first, although again, according to the letter of the law their warranty is now expired and so they are under no obligation.

Another point re MB goodwill is that it is now 6 1/2 weeks and counting on the paint claim, and I can't be without wheels for that length of time as obviously now the car is undriveable.

 

[kth286]

Are you sure it is just the spring broken and not the whole of the spring perch that has come away from the inner wing ??????????????

 

[Ian B Walker]

Are you sure it is just the spring broken and not the whole of the spring perch that has come away from the inner wing ??????????????

I think you will find that these are coil overs. No attachment to the body.

 

[corned]

Went under there yesterday to see exactly what has gone on. And here is what I saw:

Definitely the coil spring! No other collateral damage fortunately.

What I don't understand is the fracture and how it has gone in one go. The previous coil breakages I have suffered (Peugeot 406) were different, i.e. you could see the fracture was already rusty half way through before total failure. This one seems to be clean all the way through. A manufacturing defect perhaps?

On a note, I phoned the local Mercedes dealer (Mercedes Nottingham) yesterday morning to speak to Service and Parts. They were busy and said they would call back. They never did. Great customer service.

 

[Dieselman]

Mercedes springs do tend to just snap right through, maybe they are a bit more brittle than most.

 

[corned]

I suppose they have a fairly tough time - it's a straight-6 E320CDI and reasonably well loaded with options, so they have a lot to support!

Another thing which puzzles me slightly: in each spring failure I have suffered (both fronts on the 406 and this one here), they have all happened within seconds (and feet) of starting out, i.e. still manoeuvring on our driveway.

 

[corned]

Flat refusal from MBUK. Not surprised really.

Dealer wants £319 to replace both fronts. Parts only £89.70.

 

[normanr]

What amazes me is your springs don't look in bad nick from the photo's.

I have had that happen on two of my Mercedes and is a common fault which as far as I am concerned should not happen as often as it does on these cars, it seems to be on all models as well my first was a 1989 190e which did not have the originial springs,second was a w202 both with very low mileage,my 190e went while it was parked on the driveway after coming back home from work and as you say one hell of a bang when they go.

 

[andy_k]

Flat refusal from MBUK. Not surprised really.

Dealer wants £319 to replace both fronts. Parts only £89.70.

looks like a Sunday afternoon job for you then

 

[corned]

looks like a Sunday afternoon job for you then

Indeed.

Local Indie wants £248 all in to do the pair, so it's getting better, but still nothing like renault21ts' story! Also, local generic spannershop wouldn't touch the job - even if I sourced the correct springs from MB!!

Anyone in the East Mids got a spring compressor they wouldn't mind lending me for a while? Or does anyone on here fancy the job?

 

[BlackC55]

The spring compressor is specific for the 211. The springs are quite small and most garages won't have the tools for it.

I am yet to buy one so I send mine down to the dealer to get done.

 

[Ian B Walker]

Shame you are not up North. I know someone who has a compresser, not me I hasten to add.

 

[corned]

Yes, that is a shame. I can get the car recovered anywhere, but it would be a bugger to collect again. Thanks anyway!

 

[renault12ts]

Indeed.

Local Indie wants £248 all in to do the pair, so it's getting better, but still nothing like renault21ts' story! Also, local generic spannershop wouldn't touch the job - even if I sourced the correct springs from MB!!

Anyone in the East Mids got a spring compressor they wouldn't mind lending me for a while? Or does anyone on here fancy the job?

My car is a W210. The spring and shock are separate. I suspect it's a more straightforward job on the 210.

 

[corned]

Just waved goodbye to the motor. It's going to the Honda dealer for fixing in the end. Although they couldn't help with the goodwill, they were considerably cheaper (and seemed more willing to help) than any of the Mercedes-oriented establishments locally, with the exception of the parts, which I sourced from the local main dealer.

Costs? £39 + VAT per spring, and £45.50 + VAT each for fitting. Not bad in the end methinks.