Car Slumped after Thud!

[len_merclover]

Hi All I have posted this on other area but would like to see if I can get some answers here, also.

My partner was driving along the motorway just now and said she heard a large thud (sounded like a blow out) but when pulled over noticed the front of the car drivers side was slumped slightly.

I have been told that it could be a spring.....any other ideas what this could be or if this could be it , how much are springs!

I have had no luck since owning the car .,.... it so sad as its a lovely car.

Many thanks
Len

 

[jberks]

Certainly sounds like something has broken. Springs have been known to break. It happens on older 210s, but unusual on the 211 yet, though not impossible. On the upside, they're not particularly expensive afaik but depending on mileage I'd be tempted to ask MB for a serious contribution, after all, springs shouldn't be breaking on cars the age of yours.

 

[len_merclover]

So if it is something that has broken how would I go about asking for a contribution?

 

[len_merclover]

ps.....i have jus over 100,000 miles would this be a contributed factor in the spring going!?

 

[television]

The 203 do get through loads of springs and is a common thing

 

[jberks]

The 203 do get through loads of springs and is a common thing

Have you heard of one going on a 211 though Malcolm? I didn't think I had.

Len, the first thing is to find out what has gone. At the moment the spring is a guess. A good one but still a guess. 100k is tricky. Personally I'd have said it was 50k premature but MB may disagree. Worth asking though. You may get a contribution but I'd imagine at that mileage you wouldn't get more than 30-50%. After all, it is 70% through an acceptable lifespan.

Where was the last service? If not a dealer then it may be a tricky argument too.

I don't know what a couple of front springs run at but I wouldn't imagine that such a job at a decent indie would be too painful.

 

[len_merclover]

full service, just had a b service 1000 miles ago!

 

[len_merclover]

Update: I have had the car up and it is the spring! Luckily for me it will only cost £50. Now limp off to the garage!!! thanks to all for help - as always!


I have been told that I may be able to get it paid for by mercedes if it is corroded. How would I know this ... I cant drive the car and really have to get it fixed asap. would i call mobilo out or go to mercs who wont do it straigh away as they need to get autorization which takes weeks,,,

 

[jberks]

Going to the dealer is a gamble. If MB do cover 100% then great. If they don't then even with a 50% contribution if they make one, by the time you've paid your proportion, you may have been better off with an indie.

@£50 ea and say 1hr each side to fit, you're looking at say £200-£250 at an indie. The dealer will be >£250 on labour alone. So, if the dealer bill is £500 and you get 50% contribution you haven't really gained anything.

If it were me, I'd probably cut my losses and pop it down to the indie.

 

[len_merclover]

A friend of mine will get it fitted. so only cost me 50 + a drink! thanks

 

[BlackC55]

BTW its a common thing too for the 211's

 

[len_merclover]

thanks ...... why doesn't my car like me! lol

thats guys

 

[jberks]

A friend of mine will get it fitted. so only cost me 50 + a drink! thanks

are you doing just the broken one of both sides?
I'd change the other front spring at the same time or it may affect the handling and possibly stability under hard braking. I believe standard practice is to match across axles. So you may want to budget for £100 and 2 drinks !

 

[jpbp200]

Full service 1k ago...Mobilolife will take your car to the garage for you to save any further damage.