Spring Perch Failure on 1995 E320
 

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W210 DANGEROUS FLAW please read (crosslinked in post #1 to all on topic data)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/bodywork-repair-paint-tools-tips-tricks/147997-w210-dangerous-flaw-please-read-crosslinked-post-1-all-topic-data.html
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My front passenger side spring perch just let go, the spring fell to the ground, my front lower air damn cracked, and my tire was jammed under the fender. It wasn't pretty. Fortunately I wasn't going fast when it happened. I was towed to my Indy and he said it isn't uncommon for a Benz. They said they have done welding like this before and would get back to me.

It was a rust thing, I guess, since I could clearly see rusty torn metal up under the car where the perch ripped off. I will let you guys know how much it costs to get fixed.

Just a word to the wise, I think everyone should take a close look at their spring perches if the live in an area where there is winter snow and salt.

Wow, on a W124?? I don't remember seeing allot of these with this problem.....

Its New Jersey, what do you expect Jimmy?

We have fixed perches on the 210's but never on a 124,,,, yikes !:eek:

Anything can rust away. Cars can break in half if they get rusty enough.

Just so you guys know, it doesn't look like a rust bucket.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/...19de91bd_o.jpg

Also for the record, it was the upper perch. The thing that holds the rubber cup just ripped right off of my car. I was going 5mph in town and I do not drive like a wild man, almost ever. The only time I really went crazy in the car was a few years ago when I was angry about having so many issues cropping up at 100k miles. I now have 116k miles. Car is second owner, but I have had the car for 11 years. It had about 16K when I purchased the car. I was hit once in the backside of the car. It cost about $3500 to fix the rear fender and door, but the front was not damaged.

I have also been wondering if lowering springs may contribute to this kind of failure. I have Eibach springs. I have had them for about 6 years. I know others get springs, but my impression is that many with lowering springs have not owned the cars for all that long. It just seems that a stiffer spring may be harder on the perch.

Whoa, that's scary- I own a '95 E320 wagon.
The perch carries the weight of the car on that wheel, which doesn't change when substituting springs. Is the failure due to rust?

I think it's the wheels. I'll take 'em off your hands to prevent a re-occurance.