Changing front springs and struts
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Changing front springs and struts
Just did the rear springs and now it's time to do the suspension in the front, one side looks a little lower than the other. Looks like Bilstein is the way to go for the struts, they're around $130. Any other suggestions for other parts to replace? I think there's an upper and lower seal. I was wondering if I need the bumper (2123210706) and I figured I mind as well get the upper mount also. For springs, I think I'm stuck with OEM but they don't seem that bad, about $130. Also any suggestions as to the spring compressor to use? I was going to get the OTC clam shell one, but it's a little pricey, not sure if I trust those cheap $50 clamp ones. I think MB changed the part number for the spring compressor tool, they use a telescoping clamp, it's like $3k! There's an older one on eBay that just works on the W210, but no mention of it working on the W212.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
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2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
I think that typically you would replace the upper mount/bearing and any related seals while the thing is apart. The bump stop and dust sleeve are sometimes replaced but of course you can visually inspect them first. For me any spring replacement is oem or known quality supplier to ensure spring rate is the same. I think you are on the same page though, seems that getting aftermarket suspension parts is looking at an early fail IMO.
I did a cursory look and it seems that the entire assembly is not available? That's a shame if so. I'm going to do some front strut replacements on Silverado 1500 - by the time I replace the individual parts, for just very few bucks more I can buy the entire AC/Delco assembly which is what I plan to do. If I had the choice on the W212 I would probably do the same, a lot less work but I'm sure a ton of $$ for a MB.
In regards to spring compressors I have several. The clamshell type seems to work fine, although I have used the individual hook type, just depends on the space available to work in. Whatever I use, I go a bit of overkill using a small chain or cable looped over the coils where possible. In case something slips it can help to keep everything from flying around. I will add that my compressors are average OTC-level quality, I don't have the Harbor Freight type which are pretty much the same as the ebay versions. But I have seen those used without issues, my concern are the threaded parts stripping or binding due to spring pressure. I think it's your call on that as it's one of those tools you may use every 10 years or so lol.
I did a cursory look and it seems that the entire assembly is not available? That's a shame if so. I'm going to do some front strut replacements on Silverado 1500 - by the time I replace the individual parts, for just very few bucks more I can buy the entire AC/Delco assembly which is what I plan to do. If I had the choice on the W212 I would probably do the same, a lot less work but I'm sure a ton of $$ for a MB.
In regards to spring compressors I have several. The clamshell type seems to work fine, although I have used the individual hook type, just depends on the space available to work in. Whatever I use, I go a bit of overkill using a small chain or cable looped over the coils where possible. In case something slips it can help to keep everything from flying around. I will add that my compressors are average OTC-level quality, I don't have the Harbor Freight type which are pretty much the same as the ebay versions. But I have seen those used without issues, my concern are the threaded parts stripping or binding due to spring pressure. I think it's your call on that as it's one of those tools you may use every 10 years or so lol.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Yeah, I didn't find the entire assembly available. The only ones like that were on eBay with the source questionable. I figure the Bilstein should be fine, OEM is more like $330 a strut instead of the $130 for Bilstein. Bilstein is also a lifetime warranty. I'm hoping to get my indy mechanic to do it and he doesn't charge that much, would be way under the $400 difference in price between OEM and Bilstein. For springs, seems like no one makes aftermarket parts, so I guess OEM it is. They have some strange system with the springs though, they have 3 different types and I guess you order by how many violet marks are on the springs, mine has 2, but they also have them with one and three.
The rear springs I got Lesjofors from FCP Euro and they have a lifetime warranty anyway, I had replaced the rear shocks earlier with Bilstein last year and they seem fine.
The rear springs I got Lesjofors from FCP Euro and they have a lifetime warranty anyway, I had replaced the rear shocks earlier with Bilstein last year and they seem fine.
