W211 H&R Spring Install
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
E320
W211 H&R Spring Install
Hi all, I plan on installing H&R springs on my '05 E320. Wanted to get any thoughts from the forum on this install. I've done a search but not a whole lot out there. I'm confident I have all the necessary tools (lift, jacks, impact wrench, compressor, torque wrench, etc.) minus a spring compressor which I plan on renting from my local auto parts store. I'm pretty decent with cars, but have never changed springs on one before. From the posts I've seen it doesn't appear to be too difficult, but wanted to check with you guys first. Any tips to avoid issues? How long should I allocate to doing the job? I plan on getting it aligned subsequent to installing the springs too. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 213
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
2015 GLK 250 BT
I've done this for many of my cars, including my 2005 E320-CDI. A few thoughts that may help;
- Do consider installing new struts/shocks while doing the springs, esp. fronts. Its the same effort to do both, replacing the springs & struts. And go with heavy-duty or sport type struts/shock, it'll match up better with your H&R spring rates.
- Also seriously consider installing the front eccentric camber bolts, aka. crash bolts. This would allow for a degree of adjustment in camber, esp. with lowered springs. Don't be surprised by the size of these bolts, pretty big bolts.
- Caution with handling the springs and compressors, esp. front springs. I was totally surprised by the lenght/height of the front OEM springs, seemed like 2 feet tall - unsprung!
- You'll need a long, long crowbar or 2x4 to push down the suspension while pulling out and putting in the springs. The way Mercedes setup the suspension, the static position of the lower arms is midway. Meaning the lower arms of the suspension do not drop down by themselves.
- Make sure you disconnect the anti-sway bar. You don't want to be fighting against that too.
- Do consider installing new struts/shocks while doing the springs, esp. fronts. Its the same effort to do both, replacing the springs & struts. And go with heavy-duty or sport type struts/shock, it'll match up better with your H&R spring rates.
- Also seriously consider installing the front eccentric camber bolts, aka. crash bolts. This would allow for a degree of adjustment in camber, esp. with lowered springs. Don't be surprised by the size of these bolts, pretty big bolts.
- Caution with handling the springs and compressors, esp. front springs. I was totally surprised by the lenght/height of the front OEM springs, seemed like 2 feet tall - unsprung!
- You'll need a long, long crowbar or 2x4 to push down the suspension while pulling out and putting in the springs. The way Mercedes setup the suspension, the static position of the lower arms is midway. Meaning the lower arms of the suspension do not drop down by themselves.
- Make sure you disconnect the anti-sway bar. You don't want to be fighting against that too.
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: costa mesa, ca
07 E350 sport
I did my spring install on my e350...front was hard back was easy..Overall I would say when doing install consider greatly removing from shims so you can get a lower drop in front..My back sits way lower than my front so now I have to remove front springs and remove shims then re install..really annoying..
