First question is: What is the OE thickness of the Front and the Rear rubber cushions on top of each spring? And i just came from Auto Zone and they have a OEM # 27035 spring compressor for [free] rent.Is this a safe tool to use or should i find another one? OEM is the name of the Co. that makes the tool.

The cushions vary. They come in 4 "sizes", I believe from 8mm up to 16mm thick? Others may have more accurate info on actual sizes. As to the AutoZone compressor, I tried to rent an internal compressor from them (forget the p/n), but it was too big to fit inside the coils of my 190e. If the compressor you found is an external one, be sure to get a pair of them.

For a 1989 420 SEL the front pads come in 8MM(1 burl), 13MM(2 burls), 18MM (3 burls) and 23MM (4 burls)

The rear come in 9.5MM (1 burl), 14MM (2 burls), 19MM (3 burls)

These are for a car with no hydralic suspension.

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1989 420 SEL

Thanks Guys! I just called Phil[Fastlane] and from my Vin # my car is equipped with 8mm in the front and 9.5mm in the rear,so Cigar Havana you get the cigar. Thanks again. I just hope that spring compressor from Auto Zone works o.k.

There are many posts on here regarding the use of spring compressors that are not specifically designed for Mercedes Springs. Do yourself a favor and search this site for those posts before you put that AutoZone spring compressor to use. I guarantee you will have second thoughts after you do your homework.

o.k will do.Thanks