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Can someone tell me the proper ride hieght? I bought the car used, so do not have the old struts. Or maybe be a life saver and measure your w211 ride hieght and upload a picture so I know where you measured from. I want to adjust my ride hieght. Please help!
2004 E320
Last edited by Johnny L Ortega; 03-02-2020 at 07:36 AM.
Search the old threads. Looks like someone replaced the front struts but there are settings on the strut to set the right height and they're supposed to match them to the old ones. But they skipped that step and just left it on the highest setting.
I just did this on my 2008 E350 and hopefully my experience helps you out. I took the shocks off 3 times to get it right. I measured the height of the rear of the rocker panel (sideskirt) and the front to ensure it was even. I allowed some space for the weight of the driver.
I replaced the original Sachs shocks with the Bilsetin's and put the bottom spring pan on the 3rd notch from the bottom. Originally it was at the top and made the vehicle look like yours. I called it a monster-truck and the springs made noise like crazy. Then I adjusted it to the 2nd notch from the bottom and the car looked almost correct but was lower when occupants were inside.
For me, 3rd notch from the bottom is the ideal height. It looks proper while parked and with passengers in the vehicle.
Don't do it too many times, and ask the shop to make the adjustment while the spring is still mounted to the strut. They can put it on the compression system to gain access to the spring pan adjuster without removing the strut. When you take the strut from the spring you may damage the top nut. Additionally taking the lower bolt off too many times where the strut mounts to the lower control arm can cause it to seize and need to be cut off. Happened to me on both sides. Fortunately I had some spare bolts that fit around the shop.
To get the assembly off the vehicle, no you do not have to compress the spring because it’s one unit. When I took mine off I had to remove the nut off the upper ball joint to let the lower hang down more, then the ball joint for the stabilizer link, and finally the bolt holding the base of the strut. Then you’ll have enough play to take off the shock assembly.
However, to make the adjustments or to take the strut off when outside the vehicle yes you do have to compress it.
That always scares the bejeezus out of me to compress the spring because of how much load it’s under.
03-01-2020, 10:41 PM
