Mystery front end 'drop' on W124

[punjabi]

My W124 300TE Auto Estate '92 model has been parked in the drive for a couple of months now awaiting leaking water pump change. As the road tax expired, it is on SORN until I get time to fix it. However, last weekend, I discovered that the front end (wheel arches) has strangely dropped with the wheel front wheel arches almost touching the top of the tyres! This is on both sides. I opened the bonnet to inspect but nothing untoward relating the strut top fixings or suspension is visibly obvious. Any ideas what could have caused this mystery drop ( as if the shocks or the springs have collapsed)? The rear suspension is auto self-levelling with the hydraulic arrangement which appears fine and is at the normal level/height.

 

[camerafodder]

Check your springs.

 

[kth286]

Wonder if you have self level on front and rear ?

any fluid underneath on ground ?

is the car a 4matic ?

 

[bolide]

Broken springs

Nick Froome

 

[brigadier]

has to be the springs as the shocks do not affect height.

 

[Alps]

springs!

 

[Dieselman]

Broken springs

ECP springs.

 

[punjabi]

Normally, self level suspension is only to rear.
No fluid under car.
It is not 4matic.

 

[punjabi]

Springs - presume the ones in the front suspension struts, can these be bought separate from the whole strut mechanism. Also, what would have caused them to collapse/break, quite unusual?
DM mentions ECP springs - from EuroCarParts?

Also, can car be driven to a local garage in this of spring collapse state?

 

[bolide]

The car doesn't have suspension struts, it has shock absorbers and separate springs. Spring breakage is common on all cars. Springs should be bought from a dealer for best results and least faffing about. If the broken part of the spring is not about to foul the tyre, and the tyres clear the arches, I would consider driving it a short way. Your local MB specialist will have the correct tools to change the springs

Nick Froome

 

[kth286]

Springs - presume the ones in the front suspension struts, can these be bought separate from the whole strut mechanism. Also, what would have caused them to collapse/break, quite unusual?
DM mentions ECP springs - from EuroCarParts?

Also, can car be driven to a local garage in this of spring collapse state?

Can you take a picture for us. And with wheels at full lock, take picture into the inside of wing area showing spring and damper/strut.