front coil springs

[big-ernie]

hi guys, me again !

Merc E200 estate (96 - W210)

While doing my brakes, I noticed that there seemed to be something by the coil spring, on further investigation i noticed that it was the first 3 inches of the spring (which was a little disconcerting). when doing the other side, the same thing (only the bit of spring was not there). The springs are still housed and don't look like comind out yet though. I also noticed that the sump gaurd was loose, looked under it to find the bottom of the main cross member has rusted, so the screws are not going into anything.

I've ownded a E reg 200 estate and that thing didn't have a spot of rust or any problems in the 5 years I had it ! I know that there was some bad press for the early E series and am now starting to see why .....

questions are :

1) Is the springs braking one of the known problems
2) Is there anywhere that in the uk that does cheep but good replacements.
3) Is there something else that needs doing to stop this happening again.
4) Could it be this that is causing higher speed wander, or is it more likely to be the bushes ?
5) Can I get a new bottom plate for the cross member to weld on (to refit the sump gaurd back to

Any help apprechiated again.

 

[roofless]

the springs are known to go on the e class dont think you can do anything to prevent it due to age get a price from a mb dealer then comp to euro car parts ect as for the wander hard to say as a good few things can be at fault springs bushes front & back tyres steering comp ect realy need to give it a good check over as for the cross member i dont know

 

[jibcl500]

1) Is the springs braking one of the known problems
Yes all mercs do it.

2) Is there anywhere that in the uk that does cheep but good replacements.
Mercedes

3) Is there something else that needs doing to stop this happening again.
No
4) Could it be this that is causing higher speed wander, or is it more likely to be the bushes ?
Springs and bushes but springs would help.

5) Can I get a new bottom plate for the cross member to weld on (to refit the sump gaurd back to
Yes


jib

 

[The Rock]

I had my springs replaced and cross member welded this year on a 1999 E300TD by MB
Labour for Rear Spring replacement £170+vat
Labout for Front Springs £0. Yep they did them for free. I think I'd spent so much money that month (£1550+vat) that they owed me a freebie.
Labour for welding to repair front cross member £400+vat

Rock