W124 - Front Springs - A good lesson

[Vectrolosys]

Hello,

I've recently had both the front springs on the front of my 300TE replaced. I bought some items from Eurocarparts in the end, as my local Mercedes Dealer (at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol) decided not to respond to any of my parts enquires.

I had the work done by a specialist as the drivers side spring was in a precarious position and my spring compressors were not up to the job.

Anyway, since I have had the car, I always found the front ride height to be too low. I always put this down to the fact the car had had a tow bar at some poit, and that someone had played around with the rear self leveller control.

Anyway, the springs were replaced and the ride height now sits higher and far more uniform.

Both springs had actually cracked, the front drivers side was obvious, but the passenger side, less so. I had inspected the passenger side but could not see any damage.

A good lesson learned, always check your springs thoroughly every service or once a year, whatever comes first.

James

 

[mattc]

Quite a common problem on 124's as I understand it. What was the difference in price between ECP and genuine ones from Merc? Also how did ECP know which rating of spring to supply?

 

[BlackC55]

ECP springs are notthe best to buy. Get MB only as the springs are very specific.

 

[mirras]

ECP springs are notthe best to buy. Get MB only as the springs are very specific.

It took an MB dealer 3 attempts to get the correct springs on my W211. ( the 3rd attempt were fitted at another branch as the first lot ordered the incorrect springs the 3rd time and I refused to let them have another go ) They are very specific as the dealer works out the correct springs based on model options / engine etc.

 

[Vectrolosys]

ECP springs are notthe best to buy. Get MB only as the springs are very specific.

That's why I wanted to go with genuine MB springs, but I needed the car and felt a little disheartened when the parts department hung up on me twice . MB have a fancy points system, or did if I recall!!

 

[Vectrolosys]

Quite a common problem on 124's as I understand it. What was the difference in price between ECP and genuine ones from Merc? Also how did ECP know which rating of spring to supply?

I paid £27.50 per spring if I recall.