I just experienced the spring perch failure on the right front corner of my 2000 E430 Sport. I bought the car new. It has not been in any accidents and is always parked in a garage (St. Louis, MO). The spring perch rusted and pealed away from the frame.

Flat-towed to dealer. Waiting for call to discuss.

Dealer called to say that the left-front spring perch also needed to be replaced. They said that MBUSA would cover "some" of the cost. After a brief discussion they agreed to cover what MBUSA did not. All service has been done by a dealer for the life of the car. I will continue to use them for future service.

I also experienced the spring perch failure about 2 years ago on the right front corner of my 1999 E430 Sport. I noticed the front right of my car was a lot lower than the rest of the car so I took it to MB of Pompano Beach because I thought that the shock was broke.

They called it a "Silent Recall", I was NOT provided a rental car and the job took about 6-7 weeks. I never received any paper work documenting the problem they just called me to come pick up the car. They told me the reason it took so long was because there are only 3 or 4 authorized body shops in the entire state that MB worked with and my car had to be towed to one of them. They didn't tell me where it was going & while I was waiting for the car to be repaired they had no idea of when I was going to get it back. They covered the claim 100%!

To be honest I kind of wish it would have happened while I was driving because I would have sued the heck out of them for not being a responsible luxury car manufacturer & just recalling the dang thing. That would be the responsible thing to do!!

Actually the Valet guy at MB told me that when they drove my car to the back of the shop that the perch actully broke off and it had to be towed the rest of the way! Just to think I was on the highway going 80 MPH just a few days before that! I honestly can't imagine how bad it would have been if it would have broke on the highway, it would have more than likely killed me!

If you have the W210 body I would really look into it! It's nothing to joke about because this could have really killed me or seriously hurt me if I was on the highway. I imagine that the car would have flipped considering that the front right wheel woudl have been thrusted into the wheel housing. If anyone needs any info about it just send me an e-mail.

We just had another one driven in today with the perch completely ripped off the structure. I can't see where a catastrophy would have ensued at any speed, but that is subjective I guess. It is a 97 E320, with 99K on it. The left front perch failed, and was brought in by a used car dealer down the street. They just want it fixed so they can sell it. Still a crime to me that this happens to such a high end company, that has always prided itself on its' engineering abilities and history. Shame on them.:(

Does anyone know when the problem stopped, i.e. when it was made stronger, if ever? If you never acknowledge the problem you can't take credit for fixing it at some point.

Don't know when the problems stopped, but would assume it was rectified by applying enough sealant around the welding seams.
The perch itself is not the problem, it's the corrosion that takes place between the perch & the body, because of inadequate sealingmaterial. ;)

One idea I did have, which I think might be on this thread near the beginning, is I was wondering if the 210 4MATIC strenthening brace could be added in during the repair job. Unsure if the rust, errr, rest of the front structure is identical in this area above the spring perch. Corrosion is the enemy, but I'd feel better having that brace there, if it's not a big undertaking to add it in.
Gilly

Dragging this thread up again....
 

Does any body have a picture of the bracing that Gilly keeps talking about????

MB sent me a spring inspection
 

I Have a 96 w210 with 175K on it. Last month we went in for a alignment and were told we needed new bushings in the cntrol arm. normal for so many miles id say.

Last week I got mailer telling me I should bring the car in for a free spring inspection.

looks liike your campaign is having some effect; or is it they cant sell a new car?

That would be a Spring inspection, as in Spring-time. I'm sure they'll take a look at the coil springs while the car is on the lift, though.:)

Now, THAT is funny ...:):)

It's especially funny if you get fooled yourself. See the other thread on this, created today.

Yeah..it's the same guy.

Should just drive in there and tell them you are there for the Free Spring Perch inspection.
The Techs will have a ball with that one............:)

...and do it in the Fall..

I normally wouldn't bust anyone's chops on this Forum, but in this case I just coudn't resist!