springs/shocks

[jjrodger]

At what kind of mileage do these need changing on a R129? I know it is an inexact science, depending on what kind of a life it has had, but would appreciate some experience. My car has the standard suspension, not the electric dampers.

I'm growing less satisfied with my car's handling. I'm less and less confident in its turn-in when pressing on; at very high motorway speeds it is starting to want for stability; and the ride is more lumpy than usual of late.

My mileage is 65k. The car is a 1999. I know this would be soon for shocks and springs, but is that where I'm going? A girlfriend said she thought the tracking was out (from the passenger seat) and it is true that my wheel was caught in my recent accident... but she's a girl so what would she know?

When changing springs and shocks would you also change all the bushes?

I think I definitely need a new steering damper: fast corners on rutted roads causes a slack knocking.

[LeaUK]

At 65K the cars hardly worn in JJ, needing new non-service parts in surely unlikely. My '93 with 78K is like new. Or are you just twitching to buy some new parts - as that's always a difficult one to resist! Well apart from

I hear a knocking

- that does need attention!

My 190E was lowered from new (boge shocks) and at 100K needed new front shocks - the rear are still going strong today. And remember that lowered shocks are under considerably more stress.

As for tracking, this is commonly misdiagnosed as being the fault of steering problems. Tracking usually just causes excessive tyre wear. Either your wheels tow (point) in or tow out.

If it was my car and I was concerned then perhaps a trip to a specialist (maybe dealer if you can trust one) and ask their opinion is required. If you have had a little steering knock then maybe it's time for a full camber and steering (tracking) realignment from MB?

Lea