spring installation?

Hi. Just a question regarding the spring assembly for the w124 suspension (89 300e). I have bought a set of eibach progressive lwering springs, and they have literally sat in my closet for 7 months, and its finally time to put them in. i just wanted to know if it's very difficult to put it in, compared to the suspension of japanese cars. my friends have a import performance shop and they have offered to do install the eibachs for me. however, i'm concerned if they are up to par to do it. they do have extensive experience with "souping" up cars, and their shop is a legitimate store front import performance shop. they have done literally dozens of civics, accords, 300 zx's, and even some corvettes...however, i've heard that the mercedes suspension is complicated. can i trust my spring installation to my experienced friends, given that their experience is only with japanese cars? thanks...

Ben

[revbond]

In my experience, the essential element in changing mercedes springs is a special spring compressor. You won't beable to use the "claw" type compressors that can be used on other spring set-ups (I don't know if this applies to japanese car set-ups or not). Other than that, the job is not incredibly complicated although if you can provide the relevant pages from the service manual, it would be a big help to the installer (provides the sequence of steps, tightening torques, etc.).

John

[ctaylor738]

The W124 Haynes manual has a reasonably clear explanation of how to do it.

Good luck.

Chuck

I changed out the springs on my 190E, it is a very simple process. I used 4 large industrial grade hose clamps, 2 on each side of the spring to help collapse it until there was enough clearance to remove the springs. I am sure your friends at the jap shop will not have any problems.

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Karl Rich

I used conventional spring compressors (Sykes-Pickavant type 66032000 to be exact) to remove & refit my '87 190E's front coil springs, to change the pad size. They were a tight fit due to the bulky spring top mount but positioned a certain way on the spring (while maintaining one on each side!) it wasn't too difficult.