Bought the wrong shocks ?

[VenomX]

C240 2002 Avantgarde. Looking to do a suspension overhaul at the front with new top mounts, shocks and coils ( eventually I will do control arms )

I bought genuine springs ( the ones on the car from stock has 2x Yellow dots, so I bought these ) 2X Yellow is standard, not sport - according to an MB parts site.
Top mounts, no issue as they are straight forward to find.

the issue is the shock absorbers.
On my supplier, most of the shocks say " Without sports package/Without increased ground clearance "
To my understanding, this car definitely has standard suspension, no sport pack was ever offered for the C240. I have even checked the VIN codes, no mention of 482 " Higher ground clearance " or any sport pack codes.

Took the parts for my trusted mechanic to assemble as I do not fancy compressing springs on my drive. He said he was not happy about how far the springs have to be compressed to fit on the shock, and that he couldn't fit the shock properly into his machine, So now I am thinking I need shocks that have increased ground clearance which is a right pain because the shocks I bought are most likely wrong. Thankfully they were only £85 for the pair ( apec )

I was advised to take the parts to my local Mercedes independent garage ( not one of the expensive dealerships )
This place has star machines and all sorts so I am hoping they can identify which shocks I need.
Has to be aftermarket as genuine shocks are way too much for a project car.

Any advice ?
Thanks

 

[AnthonyUK]

The springs compress a lot and a hydraulic press is best. I wouldn't want to use mechanical compressors.

Springs on Mercs are really complicated and all options on the car are used to determine what springs are fitted. Fitting the same colour/number of dots is normally OK or order them from a main dealer if in doubt.

I have changed all mine (5-6 years back) and the backs have been replaced again recently as they broke again. I used Sachs which are OEM apparently but 203s are particularly prone to breaking them.

For shocks I would use Sachs or another decent brand at least on the front as you really don't want to be doing that job too often.
The rears are pretty easy to do yourself with any special tools.