Can someone recommend a safe and effective spring compressor they've used for removal of the springs/shocks on a W203. Specifically, this is for a C55 (not sure it matters). Most of the ones I've seen indicate they'll work fine for the W202 (C36, C42 etc) but not for W203s. Thanks in advance.

You need Macpherson strut/spring compressors. I used the ones from harbor freight, but they seized up on me, luckily I had another pair. If you don't use an impact, it'll take you all day to compress the springs.

I've never used this type of set up, but it looks to be what mercedes uses.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Ben..._Tools&vxp=mtr

I've heard of the Harbor Freight style one referred to as the "widow maker" Not sure how true that is though.. The clam style ones you posted in your link look promising however they mention everything except W203 and W209.

It may be dependent on the plates, which I think are interchangeable. Check out this set:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Kla...7abf3b&vxp=mtr

Here's another link: http://www.kochtools.com/index.php?p=product&id=35

wawy is doing springs?!

The rears are very lightly loaded in their perches at full rebound/extension.
A floor jack under the spring arm to counteract/neutralize load on the inner mounting bolts will permit their removal.
The arm can then be carefully lowered, and the spring removed.
As they say in the Haynes manuals, “installation is the reverse of removal.”

Our MacPherson struts are safely relieved of their springs only with a proper compressor.
I R&R the struts from the car, but sublet that portion of the job to a friend who owns the local Michelin store.

Any competent independent shop will likely do the same for you for a few dollars.

"wawy is doing springs?!"

Perhaps!

Whoops, wrong thread.