Changing springs on W210
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Changing springs on W210
Where do I find info and tools needed on changing springs. I have done it on old Mustangs but this would first time on MB. Any help is appreciated. Bot H and R kit from Tire Rack for self leveling suspension on wagon.
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Joined: Apr 2007
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Wagon you lower in the rear with the adjustment link.
So you only need front springs.If you go with springs on the rear you need to replace the self leveling shocks and replace the ps pump.
You need to borrow or rent the internal spring tool.
or go all out
You need to borrow or rent the internal spring tool.
or go all out
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 5
From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
When i spoke with Luke yesterday he said the four spring kit ending in part number .4 was specifically for the self leveling wagon. If I stayed under 1.5 inches of drop then I would not need any rear arms and just an alignment. Do you have any pics or details of the drop to go to and why is the power steering pump changed and to what? Thanks in advance Oh Lord.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 5
From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
I have an internal and two external spring compressors. The internal one I have will not go through the top. Although it is an older unit. Is there an MB specific dpring compressor I should be looking for? Doesn't the self leveling system level with the front and not with the original ride height? Luke an I discussed that one at length yesterday and he believed it would level with the front and not the original ride height. Any more thoughts on that? Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: PNW
2001 E430
This style
http://www.samstagsales.com/klann_spring.htm
When I did my springs (Not a wagon) I had a couple of old spring compressors from previous cars. They would not work on my W210. I chose to just lower the A arms and drop the springs out without using a spring compressor. This can be very dangerous if you don't know what you are doing and is not recommended. The Klann style spring compressor is the safe and proper way to do W210 springs. You can find similar spring compressors made by other brands for cheaper.
http://www.samstagsales.com/klann_spring.htm
When I did my springs (Not a wagon) I had a couple of old spring compressors from previous cars. They would not work on my W210. I chose to just lower the A arms and drop the springs out without using a spring compressor. This can be very dangerous if you don't know what you are doing and is not recommended. The Klann style spring compressor is the safe and proper way to do W210 springs. You can find similar spring compressors made by other brands for cheaper.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
http://tinyurl.com/calxe9
i simply bought it because I knew that I would be tinkering with the suspension
for a bit. once it's perfected (yeah, right), I just sell it. you can also use
the tool rental from mercedesshop.com
i simply bought it because I knew that I would be tinkering with the suspension
for a bit. once it's perfected (yeah, right), I just sell it. you can also use
the tool rental from mercedesshop.com
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Thanks Raymond for the site info. That is a new one to me and can be helpful. I looked at one compressor for this job and it discounted for $900.00 plus. I choked. I wonder why the huge price range from $150 to $1200.00 for a spring compressor. Are the cheaper one really just as safe? Maybe I will rent. Thanks again.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 789
Likes: 55
From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
The self leveling rear suspension on a wagon levels off the rear sway bar via a control valve that regulates the volume of fluid going to the rear hydraulic cylinders (shocks). It has nothing to do with the front.
M-B sets ride height by the geometry of the suspension, not by a given dimension from the ground. For example, the angle of the lower control arm relative to horizontal is often the spec. The assumption is that if the geometry is correct and the springs and pads are correct, the ride height will be correct.
When you lower the car, you deviate from that baseline. A good alignment shop that understands the effects of lowering can get things to an acceptable point.
M-B sets ride height by the geometry of the suspension, not by a given dimension from the ground. For example, the angle of the lower control arm relative to horizontal is often the spec. The assumption is that if the geometry is correct and the springs and pads are correct, the ride height will be correct.
When you lower the car, you deviate from that baseline. A good alignment shop that understands the effects of lowering can get things to an acceptable point.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
A blast from the past.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...95583838776006
Watch out for the cheap ones
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...95583838776006
Watch out for the cheap ones
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 5
From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Oh lord thanks for the video. It sure makes it look easy. I just could not get my big feet yp in there to get enough leverage to yank straight out without hitting the dog in the face with my elbow as he was licking my...
seriously it does make the job look so easy. I wonder about the rear? Just as easy?? I still do not understand why the ps (power steering) pump must be changed and why Luke at Tire Rack, who is our resident expert on suspension, would send four springs as a kit and not just two if the rears are not needed? Is there a description of the rear adjustment for lowering on the wagon with SLS? Thanks again all.
seriously it does make the job look so easy. I wonder about the rear? Just as easy?? I still do not understand why the ps (power steering) pump must be changed and why Luke at Tire Rack, who is our resident expert on suspension, would send four springs as a kit and not just two if the rears are not needed? Is there a description of the rear adjustment for lowering on the wagon with SLS? Thanks again all.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 789
Likes: 55
From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
The PS Pump is a tandem pump with hydraulic pump incorporated. In other words, it is two pumps in one unit. The non self leveling cars don't have a tandem pump.
You can change the rear springs. In fact, in order to have a stiffer, shorter spring, you need new rear springs. However, when you get the car on it's wheels with the new, shorter springs, the leveling system will try to raise the rear. There is a short link between the control valve and the sway bar bellcrank. If I remember correctly it has a small range of adjustment and you may be able to compensate for the shorter springs. One concern I have with lowering the rear on a wagon is whether the hydraulic cylinders (they look like shocks but aren't truly a shock) have enough range of compression.
That video clearly shows why the KLANN tool is expensive. I've used one several times and there is no way to describe the convenience, safety and security the tool provides.
You can change the rear springs. In fact, in order to have a stiffer, shorter spring, you need new rear springs. However, when you get the car on it's wheels with the new, shorter springs, the leveling system will try to raise the rear. There is a short link between the control valve and the sway bar bellcrank. If I remember correctly it has a small range of adjustment and you may be able to compensate for the shorter springs. One concern I have with lowering the rear on a wagon is whether the hydraulic cylinders (they look like shocks but aren't truly a shock) have enough range of compression.
That video clearly shows why the KLANN tool is expensive. I've used one several times and there is no way to describe the convenience, safety and security the tool provides.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 5
From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
The PS Pump is a tandem pump with hydraulic pump incorporated. In other words, it is two pumps in one unit. The non self leveling cars don't have a tandem pump.
You can change the rear springs. In fact, in order to have a stiffer, shorter spring, you need new rear springs. However, when you get the car on it's wheels with the new, shorter springs, the leveling system will try to raise the rear. There is a short link between the control valve and the sway bar bellcrank. If I remember correctly it has a small range of adjustment and you may be able to compensate for the shorter springs. One concern I have with lowering the rear on a wagon is whether the hydraulic cylinders (they look like shocks but aren't truly a shock) have enough range of compression.
That video clearly shows why the KLANN tool is expensive. I've used one several times and there is no way to describe the convenience, safety and security the tool provides.
You can change the rear springs. In fact, in order to have a stiffer, shorter spring, you need new rear springs. However, when you get the car on it's wheels with the new, shorter springs, the leveling system will try to raise the rear. There is a short link between the control valve and the sway bar bellcrank. If I remember correctly it has a small range of adjustment and you may be able to compensate for the shorter springs. One concern I have with lowering the rear on a wagon is whether the hydraulic cylinders (they look like shocks but aren't truly a shock) have enough range of compression.
That video clearly shows why the KLANN tool is expensive. I've used one several times and there is no way to describe the convenience, safety and security the tool provides.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 789
Likes: 55
From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
I know of no specs like you are asking for. I don't think you will "burn out" anything. My concern is that the hydraulic cylinders might bottom easier, but I have no info whether that is a concern or not.
Assuming your previous car was an M-B wagon, why not contact the folks at did that work?
Assuming your previous car was an M-B wagon, why not contact the folks at did that work?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
From: Northeast
e300d
I do a purchase/buyback on the spring compressor. Mine is the ZDmack unit from eBay. Doing the front end is a piece of cake on the W210 cars. I was swapping springs (again) on mine just this past weekend.
PM for details on my offering.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
geez, uber. still not satisfied? 
coincidentally, i'll be changing springs in a
week or so. buddy wants to borrow my car for his wedding so I'll put stock
springs on so his betrothed will feel pampered.
coincidentally, i'll be changing springs in a week or so. buddy wants to borrow my car for his wedding so I'll put stock
springs on so his betrothed will feel pampered.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
From: Northeast
e300d
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
97 E420
A blast from the past.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...95583838776006
Watch out for the cheap ones
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...95583838776006
Watch out for the cheap ones
