My '98 developed some uncharacteristic clunking going over light bumps and I noticed the bushings on the torsion bar looked rather shrunk and old...so I spent $45 on a pair of links and bushings and replaced them today...the ride is smooth and quiet again...can't complain, they looked original at 135K miles so it was money and time well spent...so if your W210 is getting a little clunky, consider this fix.

The links unscrew from the bottom with a torx head bolt and just pop off the torsion bar end. A tip is to use a "pickle fork" tool to remove them by prying between the shoulder on the bar and the link. Remove the torsion bar by taking out the 4 mounting bolts. Once the tosion bar is off the car and the old links are removed you just remove the bushing "holders" and slide the old bushings off and new ones on (grease inside to help slide), then remount the holders and 4 bolts later you are back in business. Use the same pickle fork tool to install the new links with the torsion bar back in place you just (carefully) pry against the shock with it to pop them on. It took me over 2 hours to do it but like all jobs if I had to do it over I could do it in under 1 now.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

can you post the part numbers of what you have bought please, I've got the same problem. Thanx

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1998 E300 Turbo Diesel , UPSOLUTE CHIP
2003 VW Jetta TDI Wagon

L1050-101019 is the part number for the bushings at $6.86 each

L1030-85215 is left link
L1030-85218 is right link

The links were $15.86 each

I ordered them from Phil at Fastlane (the "buy parts" link above). I don't have the MB part numbers but if you want to order them from the dealer they can look them up...I am sure they are common wear parts.

Just note the position and orientation of all of the parts before you remove them and re-assembly will go quicker. There's a heat shield on the right side mount that is a little tricky to re-fit unless you noted how it was installed initially so pay attention to that little guy.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

Thanx a lot, Joe

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1998 E300 Turbo Diesel , UPSOLUTE CHIP
2003 VW Jetta TDI Wagon

Looks like a simple to do when I get to that area of the car.

Thanks.

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raMBow

1999 E300DT Obsydian Black Metallic, Heated Full Leather Parchment options, E2, K2, 136,000+, best 36.5 mpg - GP's 12-04 & 11-12 Zero Stuck
2010 Honda Odyssey - The BrideMobile - best 26.5
(2) 2005 Honday Accord- (1 -Corporate 1 - Personal) - 110,000 4-cyl 30mpg
2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, Upsolute Chip (sold to Brother, now 300+k on it) 48.5 mpg like clock work
1987 Honda CRX HF - Sold 87,000 always over 50 mpg Max 67 mpg

I should have also pointed out that my car was on a lift with the weight off the wheels when I removed the torsion bar...not sure if you can do it with the weight on the wheels or not.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

it was not bad at all, it took me 3 hours to do it including front brake pads and oil change. Very good info, thanx for all the help, Joe

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1998 E300 Turbo Diesel , UPSOLUTE CHIP
2003 VW Jetta TDI Wagon