Rear spring broken
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
Rear spring broken
I recently learned that I have broken rear spring (2012 350 4-matic). From what I gather, rear spring failure is a common issue with age. Dealer quote to replace both rear springs was $1224, plus another $200 for a 4 wheel alignment. Never having had to replace any springs before on any cars I've owned, and that's going back to the 70's, I have no idea what ballpark should be. I wonder how many hours 'per the book' is the job- I am also going to check with an indy that specializes in MB.
Any insights or experiences are most appreciated!
Any insights or experiences are most appreciated!
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Look up the parts online. If you're handy, it isn't that hard to do the work yourself but you can count on some bloody knuckles. Alignment should be around $100 at a decent indy alignment shop.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Alignment not strictly necessary.
Springs are approx 4 hour job so ballpark $1000 for labor and small parts. That leaves $100 or so per spring for parts. Seems reasonable.
I replaced rear springs on a 15 year old Toyota and it wasn’t too bad. Time consuming but not too hard. Pneumatic tools help.
Springs are approx 4 hour job so ballpark $1000 for labor and small parts. That leaves $100 or so per spring for parts. Seems reasonable.
I replaced rear springs on a 15 year old Toyota and it wasn’t too bad. Time consuming but not too hard. Pneumatic tools help.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
Thank you!
In years past I've done brake work (replace pads and shoes), tune ups, oil changes, installed stereos, but not suspension work. The most adventurous I've gotten with my E350 was to replace the engine air filter and cabin air filter myself, plus the HVAC blower motor. I don't like the idea of dealing with springs under pressure.
In terms of looking up the parts, it seems the list on the springs plus a set of shims is about $260 or $270.
In years past I've done brake work (replace pads and shoes), tune ups, oil changes, installed stereos, but not suspension work. The most adventurous I've gotten with my E350 was to replace the engine air filter and cabin air filter myself, plus the HVAC blower motor. I don't like the idea of dealing with springs under pressure.
In terms of looking up the parts, it seems the list on the springs plus a set of shims is about $260 or $270.
Last edited by Zavato; Mar 19, 2022 at 07:50 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
Likes: 99
From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
Alignment not strictly necessary.
Springs are approx 4 hour job so ballpark $1000 for labor and small parts. That leaves $100 or so per spring for parts. Seems reasonable.
I replaced rear springs on a 15 year old Toyota and it wasn’t too bad. Time consuming but not too hard. Pneumatic tools help.
Springs are approx 4 hour job so ballpark $1000 for labor and small parts. That leaves $100 or so per spring for parts. Seems reasonable.
I replaced rear springs on a 15 year old Toyota and it wasn’t too bad. Time consuming but not too hard. Pneumatic tools help.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 319
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From: Miami
W212 E350
This is absolutely doable by yourself. I installed lowering springs on my 2013, and it took me about 4 hours. You need an internal spring compressor, and an external one, but it's a lot simpler than most people think. I went with H&R lowering springs and it turned out good
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I replaced the rear springs and shocks on my W212. It's basically the same setup as the W211 so you can watch the W211 video too. You don't even need a spring compressor. Once it's lowered, the spring just slides out. FCPEuro had the rear springs. I think on one side the bolt order kinda matters, pay attention to the video, I think we tried putting them back in a different order and couldn't get it to line up but the order in the video worked fine. Because you didn't need the spring compressor, I don't think it took 4 hours, probably more like 2 ish. While you're at it, you could replace the shock too, you have to disconnect the bottom half to replace the spring anyway so half the job is done. I'd get it at rockauto, cheaper and Bilstein has a lifetime warranty anyway so no need to get it from FCPEuro although you pay for shipping at rockauto, but they have a 5% off coupon code at retailmenot.com so that sorta makes up for some/all of the shipping.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/coi...jofors-4256881
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uk8...=autodoc.co.uk
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=7556&jsn=1350
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/coi...jofors-4256881
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uk8...=autodoc.co.uk
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=7556&jsn=1350
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Oh for alignment, I typically do Goodyear's 3 year alignment program, a tad under $200 but sometimes they have $30 off or whatever promotion. There may be other places like Firestone or other tire/battery places that might have 5 year or lifetime alignment but my Goodyear is decent and doesn't go too crazy trying to upsell me. Maybe they know that they can't really upsell a guy with a Mercedes. I usually have to get it aligned at least once a year when I hit all those potholes.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Jakarta-Indonesia
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
If in anyway any of the arm/s ever get disconnected and including the rear shock absorber bottom bolt, make sure when all tightened the car is on the ground aka tire /suspension loaded to car weight.
Failing to do this "pre-load" , the bushing on the arm/s and/or the shock absorber will not last, because they become pre-twisted from a maximum suspension drop ( if tightening is not done while the car/tire on the ground ) position.
Stay safe under the car....
Failing to do this "pre-load" , the bushing on the arm/s and/or the shock absorber will not last, because they become pre-twisted from a maximum suspension drop ( if tightening is not done while the car/tire on the ground ) position.
Stay safe under the car....
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
I priced the job at a well regarded indy in my area- $695 using original parts vs $1224 at dealer, and $140 for an alignment vs. $200 at dealer.
$589 plus tax difference- seems like a no brainer.
$589 plus tax difference- seems like a no brainer.
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I believe Lesjofors makes OEM parts for many manufacturers, not sure if they're the OEM for Mercedes. But FCPEuro has a lifetime warranty on all the parts they sell and at $54 a spring instead of the OEM list price of $125 you'd be fine going with them. Plus who knows how much your indy marks up their prices. I did mine over 3 years ago with the Lesjofors and they've been fine.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
Member
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560SL, 380SL, E350
I have read that these rear spring failures happen from rust. I mentioned this earlier and got shot down. It SEEMS to me that a lot of these rear spring failures come from rust-prone areas. I'm guessing that once the factory coating (for what that's worth!) is compromised, rust progresses quickly.
I've never seen so many reports of broken springs on cars than on the W211/212, particularly the W212. I've owned lots of cars in my lifetime (including 20+ years of owning cars in pothole laden Chicago), all with eventual 150-200K miles on them, and never had a spring fail. Or is this just a "modern car" thing where they are lightening everything to the limits?
This is one of these items where "keeping you car maintained with 100% Mercedes parts" might not be all that great of an idea. Didn't everyone buy a set of springs from Mercedes already? I had no idea that they were a consumable item.
I've never seen so many reports of broken springs on cars than on the W211/212, particularly the W212. I've owned lots of cars in my lifetime (including 20+ years of owning cars in pothole laden Chicago), all with eventual 150-200K miles on them, and never had a spring fail. Or is this just a "modern car" thing where they are lightening everything to the limits?
This is one of these items where "keeping you car maintained with 100% Mercedes parts" might not be all that great of an idea. Didn't everyone buy a set of springs from Mercedes already? I had no idea that they were a consumable item.
Last edited by strife; Apr 12, 2022 at 10:16 PM. Reason: Can't spell, read, type too good
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
Likes: 99
From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
I’ve never had a broken spring either and I’ve been driving since the 70’s. My right rear spring rusted and broke near the bottom. From what I’ve seen, on w212’s many experience spring failure at 10 plus years old. Considering I intend to keep my car many more years, and it’s been exceedingly reliable, I’m ok with this expense,
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I had a 2002 Toyota that broke a spring in 2017. The car was 15 years old, with about 150k miles, and driven mainly in the salt belt. Rust is a contributor but not the only thing.
No broken springs:
- late model Touareg over 8 years for 235k miles driven all over the country
- 2002 F-250 driven to 180k miles all over the country
- 2005 4Runner to 205k miles driven mostly in the eastern US
It's related to:
- vehicle model/manufacturer/model year
- where and how driven
- luck of the draw
No broken springs:
- late model Touareg over 8 years for 235k miles driven all over the country
- 2002 F-250 driven to 180k miles all over the country
- 2005 4Runner to 205k miles driven mostly in the eastern US
It's related to:
- vehicle model/manufacturer/model year
- where and how driven
- luck of the draw
Last edited by chassis; Apr 12, 2022 at 10:34 PM.
