300e Spring Replacement how many miles?

I was driving today and went over a slight rise between streets and scraped my front sway bar. I replaced my motor mounts last summer so it didn't hit my pan.
The car has 210K(89 300e) and previous owner peplaces the struts with SH_TTY Monroes so I know he probably didn't replace the springs.
I just replaced front suspension parts and the handling is much better but could be still be improved. Planning to replace struts shortly.]
Should my springs be shot in 210K ?

Thanks ,
Mike V

[euro 287]

Never have replaced springs on 300e's . The struts go bad alot usually every 100k miles.

[pmizell]

Mike:

If you're bottoming out like that, the springs are shot. Are they sagging at all? I replaced mine at around 200k for the first time (car was noticeably sagging and lower) and it made a huge difference.

I suggest changing them out with OEM all the way around, they're not too expensive. However, removing them is tough when they're shot -- using a spring compressor that compresses from the inside (ones you rent out from the auto parts stores) are almost impossible to use (and dangerous) when the springs are so close together. You'll probably need to rent a MB "plate" compressor or have a shop change 'em out.

If you like the slightly lowered look, reduce your spring pads by one bump.

Also, go with Bilstein comforts to get the original ride back, unless of course your daughter is hell on wheels in which case she might like the HD's or Sports better.

Good luck

~Paul

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'91 300E, 208k miles