W124 springs

[3 phase]

Just been looking at a possible W124 E300 diesel replacement for mine and notice that it seems low on its springs. When I got it on some ramps I noticed that they were blue in colour and the rears had APW124HA stamped on them.

Are these non standard items? The rest of the car seems fine.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[grober]

All I can tell you is that MB springs are normally black so you probably have aftermarket springs- possibly ones used to lower the car's ride height?? The APW124HA code would mean they are designed for the W124 series.

 

[3 phase]

Thanks Graeme, much appreciated, it seems a bit strange on ride quality as well over dips and crests, that may mean shocks I know, but the rest of the car is far far nicer than mine, current Spanish owner says the springs have never been changed since he had it in 2001. Am tempted but not sure about how much to set aside for standard springs and shocks if needed.

Thanks again for your help.

Ade

 

[nick mercedes]

Thanks Graeme, much appreciated, it seems a bit strange on ride quality as well over dips and crests, that may mean shocks I know, but the rest of the car is far far nicer than mine, current Spanish owner says the springs have never been changed since he had it in 2001. Am tempted but not sure about how much to set aside for standard springs and shocks if needed.

Thanks again for your help.

Ade

Shocks and springs are cheap for W124s

Is there any sign of the shocks leaking?

 

[grober]

As N M says the standard or sportline MB springs and shocks aren't too expensive if that's all the car needs. My guess from your description of the ride is the car has been fitted with lowered springs and the standard shocks retained. This works for a while but usually wears out the shocks early since they are then operating over a non optimum design travel range. You can go 2 ways- retain the lowered springs and fit the correct shorter travel sports shocks ( Bilstein are a good choice) or throw the lot away in favour of a standard MB spring/shock combination.

 

[3 phase]

Yes may be best to go the standard route, it doesn't really look proper lowered with standard alloys. In answer to NM the shocks are dry.

Parts here in sunny España are more pricey than in UK, we are sort of in the car parts hinterland down in the south west of Spain and this means higher prices all round.

I'll have a look and see what the costs may be.

Thanks again.

Ade