W212 Different front sprint options, right and wrong

[NotAnumber]

Anyone know what is right and wrong for S212/ W212 Amg sport front ride height by any chance please ?

Almost exactly 2 years ago My S212 failed it's MOT on a broken front spring. When I went to order some replacements at the time I checked with a few sellers and got it into my head that I really had to stress they needed to suit AMG Sport spec. A couple of sellers failed to answer and the 3rd, Evelex Ltd came back to say they could source a pair but it would be a few days and a higher price. I asked them to double check and they said they had and these were the right springs.

After the usual all in wrestling with 2x sets of DIY type spring compressors the new springs were on both struts and was all too pleased to get them back on the car. I did notice the front was lower than I remembered and also the front suspension seemed to knock slightly more over rough road surfaces than before but thought no more about it. The arches are pretty much in line with the top of the tyres at the front, margedly different from the back.

At the MOT this year I got an advisory on both front springs; The tester felt the front was so much lower than other S212s he'd seen so assumed both front springs must have lost a coil or two.

Way too much time has passed to go back to the seller now of course but Im becoming increasingly convinced they may have ignored the VIN number, just read the AMG part of AMG Sport so flogged me E63 AMG springs.

Checking against the VIN myself lists the suspension as 677 AVANTGARDE/STANDARD SUSPENSION. Looking that up shows part number A2123211404 for the springs which are widely stocked and a lot cheaper than what i paid a couple of years ago.

So, what do you think. Should I assume the seller flogged me the wrong springs and if I now replace them with a pair of standard spec ones it will improve the ride quality and restore the correct ride height ?

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Buy them from Mercedes, that way you know they are the correct ones (and will snap just like the old ones )

 

[Jobsworth]

Buy them from Mercedes, that way you know they are the correct ones (and will snap just like the old ones )

^^ he’s right, you know.

 

[Trickythemerc]

I gave up with genuine MB chocolate springs and fitted Eibach with Bilstein shockers, problem gone !!!!!!

 

[Petrol Pete]

The stock front springs on my W203 2006 C55 AMG are made by Eibach.

To be honest , after the experience of DIY replacing a 4 shocks and springs on this car we could have a whole forum just on getting the correct springs for your MB.! its a bloody minefield.

I was very lucky on the front as most of the part number and the 'legend' AMG (add 50% to the sticker price) and the colour markings were still visible.

Neither Eibach UK nor Eibach Germany would supply to me , I had to get them from MB , price was OK TBH.

 

[NotAnumber]

What should a standard ride height look like at the front would you say ?
Whilst theres just over an inch clearance between the arches and top of the back tyres there is no gap at all on the front wheels.

 

[ALFAitalia]

It will vary a bit Im sure....but this is my 212 Sport....on factory springs and 18 inch wheels, Personally Id like the rears to be half an inch lower as the Sports sit a bit tail high IMO.

 

[NotAnumber]

Thanks. Thats very helpful. The front of yours is very noticeably higher than mine is now and around the height mine was before I replaced the front springs. That's convinced me I must have been sold the wrong springs at the time which doubtless explains why the front suspension has felt much more harsh since then. The effect is probably being made worse by my 19" wheels.

I'll order some standard spec springs and change them over to restore the proper ride height and then take a view on whether to swap the 19"s with someone for a set of 18"s

 

[NotAnumber]

Just about to order. Have people had better expereinces with Sachs or Bilstein springs ? Im assuming they are better than the cheaper Febi or Klein type.

Ive decided to change the bottom shims, the top mounts and the drop links too this time and will be taking it in for wheel alignment once done.

 

[NotAnumber]

I spent yesterday swapping over to a pair of Sachs front springs compatible with the right part number and what an amazing difference they have made.
As well as restoring the proper ride height the car now drives much better. No more banging and crashing over rough road surfaces, just a nice smooth drive even of traffic humps.
I also changed the bottom shims, the top plates and bearings and drop links whilst i was at it which have probably all contributed slight to improving the ride quality but it is absolutely chalk and cheese.
I have absolutely no idea what those last set of springs the jokers at Everlex sold me were but they certainly weren't fit for purpose for this car. The car's nose was so conspicuously low to the ground it made it look as though the back was way too high. Relieved to have lost that look and the rubbish hard ride and noises that went with it.
Thinking about the lack of clearance there was, I think it was only luck that the front tyres didnt catch on the wheel arches when turning and braking. Im not surprised to see Everflex have since given up selling suspension parts. Good riddance to them and those dodgy springs.