Has anyone replaced springs lately on a W123 only to find they don't fit right?

I just had the front springs replaced on my W123 1984 300D Euro 123.130.

I ordered a set from FastLane and my mechanic put them on - the front end looked like a 4x4 - the shocks were completely extended against their stops.

So...then my mechanic ordered the "correct" springs. He installed them - same story!

We compared paperwork and found we ordered the correct springs for a Euro 123.130 - namely the 123 321 36 04 which cross reference to Lemforder L5000-73482.

All three sets of springs are within 0.5 inches of the others. The diameters are all roughly the same. The spring rate must be different.

Any suggestions? HELP!

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