2002 CLK55 Front Offside Coil Spring - Part Not Available?

higgers

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Hi all,

My 2002 CLK55 went in for its MOT today. I knew it was going to cost me a few quid, the engine management light is on (ODBII says a problem with the MAF) and the rear brake lines are corroded. What I wasn't expecting when the mechanic called was that the front offside coil spring needed to be replaced and that... The part is no longer available!!!

I thought he must be be mistaken so I phoned the Mercedes specialist I usually take the car to (M-Star in North Manchester, they're brilliant), he said he'd make some calls and duly called me back about ten minutes later to say that, yes, the part is simply no longer available. I know my car is old (17 years) but I never in a million years thought it was old enough that I wouldn't be able to get parts for it. He gave me the part number, 209 321 0004, and wished me good luck.

I've had a look on eBay and done some general googling and I've yet to find one. The closest I can find is on euspares.co.uk (https://www.euspares.co.uk/parts/suplex/8312091), a part by Suplex which the website states is compatible with the W209 but the OEM part number they give is 209 321 5104, not 209 321 0004 as stated by the specialist.

Has anyone got any sugggestions? A good source of used parts? Or can I get away with a 209 321 5104 instead of a 209 321 0004? There's got to be one of those springs sitting on a shelf somewhere, it's just a question of find it. (I might get a pair while I'm at it.)
 

John Laidlaw

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Dronsfields or three pointed parts would be worth a call
 
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higgers

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Many many thanks both for your replies, the link in reply #4 led me to the correct part on eBay in Germany.

What a massive pain the neck though. What are you supposed to do with an old(ish) Merc now? Start stockpiling parts from Russia? Or do people just end up scrapping their cars?
 

LostKiwi

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In general you can find many parts by hunting round. Some parts are just unobtainable (r129 vanity mirror covers) and some people have started 3d printing them. There are almost always ways to find things if you look hard enough in the right places.
 

bembo449

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Why not stick a set of H&Rs on it , i intend to do this with one of my cars as a full kit is only 60 dearer than one spring cost
 
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higgers

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Why not stick a set of H&Rs on it , i intend to do this with one of my cars as a full kit is only 60 dearer than one spring cost

Hadn't even considered aftermarket parts as an option. I guess that would invalidate the insurance unless I declared it? Though who'd actually look?

Where's a good place to look for a set of H&Rs? I've never had to look for parts for my car myself so I'm a bit of a gumby when it comes to this. Looks like I might become well practised at parts hunting from now on though. :)
 
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higgers

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In general you can find many parts by hunting round. Some parts are just unobtainable (r129 vanity mirror covers) and some people have started 3d printing them. There are almost always ways to find things if you look hard enough in the right places.

Time to start bookmarking addresses of specialist Mercedes parts breakers/suppliers I guess. :)
 

alexanderfoti

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Part number A210 321 32 04, currently showing stock in germany, via main dealer network?
 

John Laidlaw

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Your insurance would have no issue with aftermarket parts as long as they are made to relevant standards and patterns
 

EmilysDad

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Hadn't even considered aftermarket parts as an option. I guess that would invalidate the insurance unless I declared it? Though who'd actually look?
.....

There are loads of after market parts fitted to loads of cars of all sorts of makes .... no insurance implications at all
 

grahamcol

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I was rather alarmed reading all this. One of the plusses of Merc ownership for me has always been the very good availability of spares for older models. I do hope there continues to be good availability of parts for my pride and joy R170.
 

ajlsl600

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I was rather alarmed reading all this. One of the plusses of Merc ownership for me has always been the very good availability of spares for older models. I do hope there continues to be good availability of parts for my pride and joy R170.


unfortunately what has to be understood is in a number of cases car makers just are no longer interested in yr needs regards older model. as lk. its research.research and more research both on looking bits and how to maintain em without going broke. i must have a grand number of saved details on how to do this with my cars, seems a waste of time,but i assure you it aint...
 

alexanderfoti

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Still available through main dealer parts network!
 

JBell

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Why not stick a set of H&Rs on it , i intend to do this with one of my cars as a full kit is only 60 dearer than one spring cost

This was my first thought when I saw this thread, the springs all round probably need replacing anyway so it would be a good idea and a great upgrade to the ride and handling
 


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