W211 Spring markings

[Ian Donkin]

We returned from a week on holiday yesterday to find the E class looking somewhat lopsided at the front nearside corner.

Whilst seemingly very common on a Merc however for an '07 car to need springs for the second time in its short life already (last replaced in April '10 so no warranty to fall back on here either), I think they should be trying harder.

That said, I took the wheel off to have a look and here's the break (just above where the plastic spring cover would have been):

and here you can see on the other face that looks like there is evidence of a fracture / corrosion setting in:

As I want to make sure I replace them with the correct parts I looked for any signs of identification that were evident and all that I could find was the following:

Does anyone know what these markings mean?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Benza750]

Call Mercedes parts dept with vin no & tell them those colour markings, that will help them match up the new spring with same markings for your spec of car

 

[evdok]

I think those markings mean "the spring usually snaps around here"

 

[mafya]

Call Mercedes parts dept with vin no & tell them those colour markings, that will help them match up the new spring with same markings for your spec of car

This is correct, when my front ones went the parts guy at Merc dealers asked me the colour sequence as the springs are unique to each cars weight with the factory extras and weight etc.

 

[Benza750]

The parts guys don't actually need the colours it just saves them 10 mins checking the data card & EPC to find out which ones.
It may actually be worth not telling them the colours and getting them to work it out & ask them the colours afterwards to be sure you have the correct ones fitted