Bilstein W123 280 CE front springs

[shabazmo]

I am fitting replacement springs to my 1985 280CE. I chose Bilstein because of the brand quality and was sold part no 36-133796. When I compare these new springs with the originals, they are about 75mm shorter and slightly narrower circumference. Is this ok or have I got the wrong part.

Thank you

 

[grober]

BILSTEIN Corporate - BILSTEIN

www.bilstein.com

Passenger car

web1.carparts-cat.com

 

[alabbasi]

I show 24-007030

 

[ray_hennig]

I chose Bilstein because of the brand quality

I can't argue with that but springs are far from simple. Your best course is to go to MB.

Spring specifications depend on the weight of the car and that depends on the options fitted. MB applies "points" to each option on the car. Add up the points and cross-reference the total to the correct spring.

On my 300CE, the radio made a 1 point difference that put us up to the next, stiffer rear spring.

So, one size does NOT fit all.

Try finding (from MB or from an EPC) the recommended MB part numbers and then see if Bilstein equivalents exist. Do they cross-refer to the Bilstein number you have?

Good hunting.

RayH

 

[shabazmo]

Finally solved the problem. I spoke direct to Bilstein who confirmed that the part number I had on the box matched my car. But he could not explain the 70mm height difference. I checked the part number on the spring and it was different to what the label was on the box. What was also interesting was that a bigger spring would not fit into the box. So someone at Bilstein labelled the box wrongly. The springs will be returned to TDC and I should get a replacement soon. In the meantime the car is stuck on my lift.