1999 E Class Front Spring Caps
08-12-2004, 08:29 PM
#1
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1999 E Class Front Spring Caps
Our shop has been seeing several corroded, broken front spring caps on '99 E Class. Mercedes had this same problem with 1996-97's. We have repaired some and sent some to dealers. Its odd, some dealers will repair at no cost under MB's extended warranty and some will charge customers. They are all towed in, customers won't drive them. Some of them have lost the spring completley, and we've seen some with brake line damage and leaks.
Is this a widespread problem? If it is, it seems like Mercedes should do the right thing and recall them.
Is this a widespread problem? If it is, it seems like Mercedes should do the right thing and recall them.
08-12-2004, 10:02 PM
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98 W210 Advantgarde
Only one recently reported case here, if I remember correctly (but that doesn't mean its not brewing in the background without our knowledge).....
08-13-2004, 07:13 AM
#3
Spring Cap Problems
My 1997 E320 had the same problem and my mechanic has seen at least 5 other cars ranging from 97-99. The local dealer has fixed some at no cost which were 99 but not my 97 . The repair cast me $200.00 but as was quoted as high as $500.00.
08-16-2004, 07:00 PM
#5
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Originally Posted by ThreeStarTech
Our shop has been seeing several corroded, broken front spring caps on '99 E Class. Mercedes had this same problem with 1996-97's. We have repaired some and sent some to dealers. Its odd, some dealers will repair at no cost under MB's extended warranty and some will charge customers. They are all towed in, customers won't drive them. Some of them have lost the spring completley, and we've seen some with brake line damage and leaks.
Is this a widespread problem? If it is, it seems like Mercedes should do the right thing and recall them.
Is this a widespread problem? If it is, it seems like Mercedes should do the right thing and recall them.
08-17-2004, 06:35 AM
#6
Spring caps
Yes
Usually it is on the drivers side first because you tent to hit pot holes or other obstructions on the left. Look to the inside on the tire at the main spring it is roughly 8" in damiter - go to the top and look at where it is attached to the body. Don't be fooled by thinking it is minor because corosion builds up under the weld.I had to have a patch cut and new material welded in so the body shop could weld the spring cap back to something solid.I am told this is common.
Usually it is on the drivers side first because you tent to hit pot holes or other obstructions on the left. Look to the inside on the tire at the main spring it is roughly 8" in damiter - go to the top and look at where it is attached to the body. Don't be fooled by thinking it is minor because corosion builds up under the weld.I had to have a patch cut and new material welded in so the body shop could weld the spring cap back to something solid.I am told this is common.
10-21-2005, 08:43 PM
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'96 E320- 67K miles
See my problems here... very severe, rusted out. This is a known problem and MB does not recall it, it could kill someone. They are fixing my car without a fight from me, that means it's a well known problem, check it out, save your life, Even though MB is fixing my car at its cost, I am still very upset at MB for not recalling this, they could have killed me due to unbalanced car when spring broke... I know what to buy next, not MB
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10-22-2005, 04:03 AM
#9
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What are the symptoms? Im going to take my 96 to the dealer soon because i am noticing a strange slight vibration sometimes on the freeway. I just got new wheels and tires, so i know its not a balancing issue. Anyone have similar symptoms?
