on a '92 190E 2.6, I had the front struts replaced with bilstein'comfort" setting struts. I watched the tech install them from the top, tighten bolts, then fit to steering knuckle, contrary to manual. front end now sits at least 3 inches higher. what happened?......longer shafts, bad installation, not properly tightened........Im blinding birds here at nite. curious rick.

Did you, by any chance, change the springs at the same time? Why did you replace the struts?

springs were not replaced, struts were replaced after left rear was broken and leaking oil, so "lets replace all four so I know all is equal". I am thinking since the strut were replaced top down installed and locked nutted then pulled down to fit steering knuckle without the weight of the front end on them as the manual says there is two inches of play somowhere, I am thinking of loosening and retightning to see if this is so.

I really don't see how this would affect the ride height. I have not replaced many front struts because they typically last a long time. Try it and let me know.

THERE ARE TWO (2) DIFFERENT VERSION STRUTS
FOR 300E M.B. ONE VERSION STRUT IS FOR CARS UPTO 1989, THE OTHER VERSION IS FOR CARS FROM 1989. REPLACEMENT OF STRUTS SHOULDNT
CAUSE A CHANGE IN RIDE HEIGHT. HOWEVER AFTER
REPLACEMENT OF FRONT STRUTS THE FRONT END SHOULD BE REALIGNED @ SERVICE MANUAL.