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Metal object inserted in the middle of both front springs, please help figure it out
Hi Mercedes enthusiasts,
I'm not a mechanic, but I try to fix my car by watching youtube videos. I recently purchased my dream car, and after driving it for a week I felt that it doesn't drive smooth like my W211 E350, so decided to check the shocks and found out some metal objects have been inserted in the middle of both front springs. I don't know what are those and have no idea why would previous owner insert them. Please see the pictures below. Please help figure it out, appreciate any info.
The second picture also shows a leaking damper. How many miles on the car? The car will not ride like an E320. Different tires, springs and shocks. My father has a 2002 E55 and the shocks are gone and it affects ride quality.
I would replace the shocks and just remove and recycle (meaning, dispose of) the metal inserts. See how you like it then. It will be firm but good riding car. I like this model a lot, light (ish) and powerful. Enjoy.
Thank you mbwillgrubs. The car has 206K miles but inside and out still looks great. Engine and Transmission are still strong, when I did diagnostics didn't show any error codes.
Yeah, I'll definitely get rid of spring boosters (metal insert) while replacing the shocks.
I'm looking at Bilstein shocks but they do not manufacture the original A210.323.56.00 shocks anymore, so I'm having a hard time deciding between Bilstein B4, B6, and B8 shocks. From the treads that I read people say to go with Bilstein HD if I want the best choice for maintaining the original ride quality of the vehicle while meeting OE standards. But I can't find Bilstein HD shocks for W210 E55. Any suggestions on which shock to pick for a smoother ride? Thank you.
Last edited by urmatulin; Apr 19, 2022 at 04:32 PM.
Not sure of the differences. You will get a smoother ride just by removing the inserts. With an older vehicle one has to be happy to find the parts, even if not the preferred ones. Good luck, it will work out.
I have the B8 on my car and it rides fantastic. I bet someone installed those goofy things just to make the car ride stiffer, I'd yank and toss in the trash.
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