C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Recommendations for new struts/balljoints (C270)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 25, 2016 | 01:33 PM
  #1  
SMP142's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2003 C270 CDi
Recommendations for new struts/balljoints (C270)

Hello all,

I currently own a C270 and just the other day my front strut blew out and leaked oil all over my garage floor. I knew I was in need of new components a few months back, but I figured it may last until summer.

My question is whether or not my C270 has different struts and shocks than other W203 models? I know there were different spring rates and heights offered, but I just want to make sure I get the correct ones. It's an Avantgarde and rides pretty stiff. That may be due to the old suspension though. I know my front end weights more than others due to the 2.7 diesel. and thus I would think it uses a heavier duty strut.

I plan to source bilstein is the price isn't too outrageous, but does anyone use KYB?

Parts numbers would be great if anyone knows them.

I also plan to replace all of the front steering components as well. My ***** joints have a slight bit of play in them, so I am just going to to it all at once. Is there a particular brand to stay away from with these? I have seen many brand online, but am still new to the MB world.

Anything known to go bad in the rear?

Also forgot to mention I am in Italy, so I don't have access to a lot of MB parts around here. I may have to order online.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

-Brian
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2016 | 05:42 AM
  #2  
SMP142's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2003 C270 CDi
Also, how do I tell if I have the sport suspension? I read in another thread about having the 486 code on the card. Mine has it in teh first column, so am I right in assuming I have sport suspension?

Recommendations for new struts/balljoints (C270)-20160228_105201_zpsn28oze9r.jpg
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2016 | 12:43 PM
  #3  
W203E35's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 8
2006 C350 Sport 6MT
I replied to your PM but I just saw this. Looks like you have the sport suspension. I'll lookup the parts for you.

http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-...2030161A409223
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2016 | 01:30 PM
  #4  
SMP142's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2003 C270 CDi
Originally Posted by W203E35
I replied to your PM but I just saw this. Looks like you have the sport suspension. I'll lookup the parts for you.

http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-...2030161A409223
Thanks a bunch. So it is really an 01? All my paperwork says 2003. That's Italy for ya. I ordered the control arms/steering kit, and the strut bearings. I guess all that is left are the struts and rear shocks.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2016 | 07:51 PM
  #5  
W203E35's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 8
2006 C350 Sport 6MT
I got the numbers you need. Sorry on the late response. Make sure it has the 486 (sport) code. I have also attached images of all the part numbers.

Front Shock - 2033206630
rear Shock - 2033261700
Attached Thumbnails Recommendations for new struts/balljoints (C270)-c270.png   Recommendations for new struts/balljoints (C270)-c270_1.png   Recommendations for new struts/balljoints (C270)-c270_2.png   Recommendations for new struts/balljoints (C270)-c270_3.png  
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2016 | 08:01 PM
  #6  
W203E35's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 8
2006 C350 Sport 6MT
Here are some PDF documents that might help. If you get stuck anywhere let us know. The arms aren't that tough. I also recommend changing the strut bushing. The top hat usually doesn't wear out but the bushing does. You will notice cracks at the top.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-REIN-Left-...xVQrML&vxp=mtr
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
w203_Arms.pdf (298.5 KB, 520 views)
File Type: pdf
w203_Front_Shock.pdf (217.4 KB, 1141 views)
File Type: pdf
w203_Front_Strut.pdf (280.3 KB, 345 views)
File Type: pdf
w203_Inner_Tie_Rod.pdf (252.9 KB, 141 views)
File Type: pdf
w203_Lower_Arm(Cross_Strut).pdf (329.6 KB, 921 views)
File Type: pdf
w203_Outer_Tie_Rod.pdf (329.1 KB, 145 views)
File Type: pdf
w203_Rear_Shock.pdf (345.4 KB, 1099 views)
File Type: pdf
w203_Upper_Arm(Torque_Strut).pdf (406.2 KB, 468 views)
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2016 | 12:47 PM
  #7  
SMP142's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2003 C270 CDi
Thanks for the help.
I found some Bilstein struts on ebay for $126. Sachs brand for $164. Rears are same brand and about the same price at $100 for a pair. Recommendations?

Also, is it worth doing the rear links while I am already replacing everything else?

Last edited by SMP142; Feb 29, 2016 at 12:54 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2016 | 02:17 PM
  #8  
W203E35's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 8
2006 C350 Sport 6MT
I went with Bilstein this time. There was a huge price difference between Sachs (OEM) and Bilstein. This is the first time I have used Bilstein but I'm sure it will be similar.

I'm just doing it all. The complete front arms/links and the complete rear arms/links. If you have never changed them might as well.
Attached Thumbnails Recommendations for new struts/balljoints (C270)-shocks.png  
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 5, 2016 | 03:42 AM
  #9  
SMP142's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2003 C270 CDi
Sorry, its been a busy week. Where did you get that price quote in the picture? I think I might as well order them.

Also, do these seem too cheap? Listed as a 210 number, but says it fits 203.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8PCS-REAR-AX...-/261717334169

Last edited by SMP142; Mar 5, 2016 at 03:55 AM.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:58 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE