S/W211 Springs

[camerafodder]

Bugger...
I suppose it was only a matter of time. Wending my merry way yesterday morning to Satterthwaite and BANG. N/S front spring gone. Very slow journey home only turning right to stop the wheel from rubbing on the arch. Any recommendations for spring suppliers? IBW I bet you'll know someone

 

[Ian B Walker]

Any recommendations for spring suppliers? IBW I bet you'll know someone

Sorry to hear this. As for spring supplier, there is only one. Mercedes Benz. Cost you about £55 per spring ( always fit them in pairs ).

 

[camerafodder]

Thanks Ian

I've asked Inchcape this morning for quote for two front springs against my VIN number. I assume the spring rate is different depending on the model and sport options etc...

 

[BlackC55]

They have colour paint marks on them. As Ian says. MB only

 

[Alex Argent]

Hi C/F

Welcome to the W211 BSC (Broken Springs Club) :bannana: :bannana:

I'm sure you have already seen it here:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/wheels-tyres/50843-warning-front-springs-snapping-211s.html

Plus a few other threads if you do a search!

Should put your mind at ease in any case, just think....your the 3,105th MBClubUK member (I think I was #2,997) with a spring problem

 

[camerafodder]

Inchcape £48 each.

 

[corned]

I got my new pair from the local Inchcape dealer, with a good deal like that.

I can't help wondering, though, if we would all be better off going for Eibach (or equivalent) replacement springs rather than the stock MB ones. In going for the stock ones, we are all effectively guaranteeing the same problem recurring in the (near?) future!



Edit to add: I believe you are unique, Camerafodder. In all the 211 spring failures reported on here, I think yours is the first to go whilst actually in motion. Everyone else reported theirs going whilst stationary on the drive.

 

[d w124]

Inchcape £48 each.

would they be any good Parts & Accessories : SET OF 4 COIL SPRINGS MERCEDES E CLASS W211

 

[camerafodder]

Thanks DW124, mine has sports suspension so I expect the springs will be different.

Corned, yes I was doing around 50mph in the lanes when it happened. Very loud bang but car remained steady and firm without any drama. I was able to come to rest without the need for any stunt driving.

 

[dg58585]

Can I apply to join the W211 broken springs club please?

Big bang in the night, LH coil spring broken. Limped to the garage, before it could be fixed the other one had broken. 320cdi 05, 36000 miles.

Is it more common with the heavier engines?

Have Merc admitted it's a common fault? Bet they haven't.

Springs were £51 each, plus £98 labour, not main dealer of course. Not too bad I suppose.

 

[Gareth]

hmm, mines 2005 with 31500 miles, just waiting . . .

 

[Alex Argent]

hmm, mines 2005 with 31500 miles, just waiting . . .

Get them on order

 

[corned]

And put a couple of bricks under your front jacking points every night. At least you can then get a trolley jack underneath afterwards!

 

[jorjXmckie]

Sold my 05 plate E320 CDI 18 months ago with 79k on the clock, which I had owned for about 18 months and 45000 miles, and the only issue I had was when the boot lid self closing button packed up; chafed wire or some such. On the strength of that good experience I just paid the deposit on another W211. Wondering whether to get the springs changed now to save myself some aggro (this one is an '03 plate 270 with 97k on the clock)
Seriously, would be nice to know what percentage of the springs are failing on these cars, but it's not going to stop me buying this one

 

[corned]

Hi jorjXmckie.

Personally I wouldn't speculatively change the front springs. You might as well wait for the inevitable. Just set a couple of hundred quid or so aside for when it happens. But please replace both when one goes.

Replacing them straight away only brings forward the day when the replacements themselves fail...

 

[camerafodder]

I need 3 yellow stripes and 1 green

Springs arrived today wehey!:bannana:
2 yellow stripes and 1 green boooo!
Correct springs arrive tomorrow wehey!:bannana:

 

[camerafodder]

Well the springs arrived today. Removing the Struts from the car is very easy. After jacking the car up taking the wheels off and supporting it securely simply remove the large bolt that fastens the strut to the bottom wishbone then undo the 3 nuts in the wing at the top of the strut from inside the engine compartment. Leave one of the nuts partially on as this will help support the strut whilst you swing it free, pull the strut forks outward to free it from the wishbone joint. Then get someone to tug at the bottom of the strut (pull it towards the rear of the car) whilst a fat bloke bounces on the wheel hub and bingo. Undo the little nut that you left in at the top and withdraw the strut. Simples!

Now spend an hour of terror with a pair of cheap spring compressors. Then decide that rather than launch oneself across Morecambe Bay you need someone that has a nice spring compressor in his workshop. Phone Mr Ian B Walker of 124 Works and he tells you to pop down on Sunday and he'll squash the springs up for you. What a gent.

 

[camerafodder]

Cheers Ian

Big thanks to Ian at 124works for coming to the rescue with his spring compressor. He came out and opened the workshop on a Sunday, just to squash my springs. Thanks again Ian you're one of the good guys.

 

[Tyler Durden]

Mate why not get Eibachs...

Get the whole lot done at once, the car will look slightly nicer too...

 

[camerafodder]

Thanks Tyler

The car already has sports suspension and I wouldn't want it any lower, especially on Cumbrian roads!