You can use them on the front, small plates fit the front springs - the large plates are for W140s W123's, etc. I would never bother using a spring compressor on the rears on any of those cars (W201, W124, R129, W210, W202) they just don't need it and the compressor is too bulky to work properly back there anyway.

You'll be good to go with one of those $80-$120 units. Even though I've got a Klann unit now, I've used the China version for a few cars and it performed decently. May have to file out the plate holes to let the actual compressor fit through properly, but you get what you pay for.

Keep the tool well greased and absolutely do NOT use an impact. You will jump the compressor out of the plates and have a bad time.

__________________
Allen Kroliczek
Oak Grove Autosport | Oak Grove Autosport
01 G500, 82 300TD, quite a few more.....