Instead of the spring flying into your body, imagine it taking off your nose on the way by...

I agree that the rears can be done safely without the proper tool, but would not touch the fronts without it. Did a set once with threaded rod/hooks tool, took forever and had to reposition/do over so that the compressed spring could actually be removed from its location. Have also done a R107 by removing the control arm bolts and pivoting about the ball joint using a floor jack. I backed away from it more than once (ball joint allowed movement in more than one axis). I have a friend who lets me use his proper MB tool, have never looked back and would not attempt the job without it.

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon