W124 Springs

[Palfrem]

Had my E36 serviced yesterday and there was a note on the report "suspension springs corroded"

Is this serious and any idea what these should cost to renew please?

the garage was a bit busy and didn't get chance to chat.

The only other items were brake pads 95% worn and a corroded brake pipe - getting those done.

Thanks

 

[Scott_F]

When is the MOT due ?

They could just be looking for work and the next MOT will confirm whether the condition of the springs is a reason for failure, an advisory or neither.

 

[GP801]

They do snap. Had that last year on my estate. Had not noticed a thing untoward until it was spotted at the service. Original MB springs are not that expensive and are matched to the options fitted to your car.

 

[Palfrem]

It passed an MOT last week.

There was an advisory on the springs.

 

[coupe addict]

I believe the story is that even minor corrosion can result in pitting locally on the spring, which creates a stress raiser leading to cracking and failure.

However, I find it hard to believe that wire brushing and e.g. Oiling is actually going to make enough difference to warrant the effort, especially since (as noted in a prior post) springs breaking aren't generally a huge tragedy.

 

[RKC-benz]

I had a front spring break on my S124 (estate). It just made a graunching sound for a few weeks until I got round to fixing it. This was done with H&R lowered springs. They were around £300 plus fitting if I recall correctly.

 

[d w124]

It passed an MOT last week.

There was an advisory on the springs.

Is your springs white or black color?If white good luck but if black,they're sportline ones which can be sourced from the dealer

 

[Palfrem]

Thanks to all for your replies.

I'll check out the exact spring and the problem.

So long as it won't break the bank I'll probably get them all fixed.
I want to keep the car in as good a condition as is possible.

 

[jaymanek]

Corroded could just mean the paint has flaked off? Probably not worth worrying about!

 

[grober]

As discussed many times in the past these springs break due to stress corrosion factures developing. They tend to corrode where they sit on the suspension arm due to being subjected to greater corrosion and road debris impact. If their protective coating has broken then they are at increased risk of failure- but might last for years yet. I would hazard that the car is probably not on its original set of springs but if it is--precautionary replacement might be a good idea. You have been alerted to a potential problem- I would use the opportunity to research where you might usefully source replacements before you need to - because they will break-- eventually.

 

[trapperjohn]

Thanks to all for your replies.

I'll check out the exact spring and the problem.

So long as it won't break the bank I'll probably get them all fixed.
I want to keep the car in as good a condition as is possible.

Then trapperjohn can buy it of you for good money. :bannana:

 

[RKC-benz]

Drive until they break...

 

[Palfrem]

Drive until they break...

We may be quite close to each other - may I have your number to tow me home?

 

[coupe deville]

When / if they break, you might not even notice until an eagle eyed mot tester spots it. They usually break near the end and don't give any clues. I replaced ( well Mr IBW of Kirkham did ) both fronts, about £65 each from dealer.

 

[RKC-benz]

We may be quite close to each other - may I have your number to tow me home?

I will honour that ... But a tow from my campervan perhaps since I pulled the towbar off the S124 to keep the back end clean and tidy.

 

[kth286]

When / if they break, you might not even notice until an eagle eyed mot tester spots it. They usually break near the end and don't give any clues. I replaced ( well Mr IBW of Kirkham did ) both fronts, about £65 each from dealer.

That's correct - even a broken spring is not necessarily an MOT fail,
especially if broken near end.