Shock Questions on Used e320
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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W212
Shock Questions on Used e320
Hi, I just bought a used 98 e320. It seems that one side of the car makes a small thump or clunking sound whenever i go over a bump. A friend of mine told me it was the shock. My previous car was slammed on H&R coilovers and made me sick. I love the ride of the stock e320. What kind of shocks would you recommend I buy. I Would like to keep the comfort level to the max. Also what would be the best place to buy them from ?
Thank you in advance..
Thank you in advance..
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
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I highly doubt it's the shocks.
My guess in order
1- sway bar bushings (clunks when going straight, like over rough pavement?)
2- ball joints (does it clunk when cornering at slow speeds, like pulling into a parking space?)
I just had sway bar bushings replaced to get rid of my straight line/rough pavement clunk and the car is quiet as new.
Last year I had the ball joints replaced for the low speed cornering clunk.
I doubt it's shocks but they are easiest to check. Just bounce the front end above the wheel with all your weight, does the car rebound?
My guess in order
1- sway bar bushings (clunks when going straight, like over rough pavement?)
2- ball joints (does it clunk when cornering at slow speeds, like pulling into a parking space?)
I just had sway bar bushings replaced to get rid of my straight line/rough pavement clunk and the car is quiet as new.
Last year I had the ball joints replaced for the low speed cornering clunk.
I doubt it's shocks but they are easiest to check. Just bounce the front end above the wheel with all your weight, does the car rebound?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
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'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
Smazur is right that the sway bar links are a likely culprit. But don't rule out the shocks and/or shock mounts. I had the same problem with my E320 4Matic (sharp clunk over rough pavement); turned out to be bad shocks/mounts. Car passed the "bounce" test without any noise or excessive bouncing.
Incidentally, the 4Matic does not have sway bar links like the RWD car.
Incidentally, the 4Matic does not have sway bar links like the RWD car.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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W212
The car doesnt clunk at slow speeds unless if i got over a bump like a speed bump or un even road. If i drive on a smooth straight road I wont hear anything its only when i go over a bump. When im parking its quiet and fine. Where can I order the parts and is it a DIY job ? If it makes a difference it seems to be coming from the front passanger side. If i do go over un even roads it almost feels like the car looses control on that side.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
examine closely the shock towers/mounts. there have been stories of
rust problems and sudden separation....with the shock busting through.
hope this isn't it.....with the sound a by-product of partial separation.
rust problems and sudden separation....with the shock busting through.
hope this isn't it.....with the sound a by-product of partial separation.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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first things first....
Search this forum to find a reputable independent MB mechanic in your area and take the car in so he can have a look.
If it's shocks it's a DIY, if it's shock mounts then it's not DIY and most likely covered by MB, if it's ball joints-DIY, sway bar bushings- not DIY.
But don't throw good money after bad trying and guessing to replace stuff hoping it's the culprit. Have it checked out to find out what's wrong and then fix that part specifically. You'll find that these cars are not cheap to fix so a relationship with a good mechanic will save you thousands over time...
Search this forum to find a reputable independent MB mechanic in your area and take the car in so he can have a look.
If it's shocks it's a DIY, if it's shock mounts then it's not DIY and most likely covered by MB, if it's ball joints-DIY, sway bar bushings- not DIY.
But don't throw good money after bad trying and guessing to replace stuff hoping it's the culprit. Have it checked out to find out what's wrong and then fix that part specifically. You'll find that these cars are not cheap to fix so a relationship with a good mechanic will save you thousands over time...
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Super Member
Joined: May 2004
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From: Manhattan Beach, Ca
C219 CLS / W220 † / W211† / W210 E55 † / W210 Brabus † / Hamann 540i † /
okay i never really cared but now u guys scared me into talking about it. My car doesnt clunk ever EXCEPT, when going up a big driveway or curb. But it only does that clunk in the rear, almost sounds like the spring or something.....should i be worried????
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Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 178
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From: Austin, TX
2012 C250
have you checked to make sure your spare tire is secured? mines not and I hear a thud as it flies up and lands back in the wheel well in the trunk. the more severe the bump the more severe the thud.
