2004 E320 front end issue(s)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta area
2014 E350, Polar White, sport package
2004 E320 front end issue(s)
So about a year ago (maybe a little more) I had the front struts replaced. Some months later I was questioning if they installed the correct ones. I was assured they were. Subsequently, the front end started making noises and recently are getting worse. Going up and down the driveway, just making a left or right turns, will trigger groaning, rattles, squeaks, thumps. Pretty bad. But see attached photo. My wheel well is on the left, a neighbor's car is on the right. I've looked a dozens of E320 models, and none of them have as much space above the tire as mine has. Sure seems like a strut issue, or ????
Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated. Thanks!
Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated. Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 4
From: Mid-Atlantic
W211 - 2003
I was thinking it was just an 03 issue, but the front suspension on the 2003 e320 is noticeably higher than the rear. There are people on the forum who have fixed the issue with shorter springs, but the "stock" springs will look high.
I think this had something to do with the fact that the e320 had been designed to employ a diesel engine with few if any modifications to the rest of the body, so since the gas engine is lighter, it sets higher up. I could be wildly wrong about that, though.
Either way, my front sets higher than the rear, and I look forward to fixing it when I swap wheels.
I think this had something to do with the fact that the e320 had been designed to employ a diesel engine with few if any modifications to the rest of the body, so since the gas engine is lighter, it sets higher up. I could be wildly wrong about that, though.
Either way, my front sets higher than the rear, and I look forward to fixing it when I swap wheels.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Pictures taken at different angles, so don't show the same thing.
In mechanics, we do use scales.
Measure the car levels at the fender arches and that will be reliable data.
You should also be able find factory recommendations.
In mechanics, we do use scales.
Measure the car levels at the fender arches and that will be reliable data.
You should also be able find factory recommendations.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta area
2014 E350, Polar White, sport package
Although the photos are different angles, the space above the tire is a lot more than literally dozens of other cars I have looked at (always looking when walking through parking lots). Taking car in to local mechanic tomorrow so will update. I'm actually more concerned with all the noises coming from the front, but thought there might be a relationship.
