You shouldn't actually need to lower the control arm to replace a strut. I was just addressing the previous statement regarding the spring flying out of there violently, and helping you to understand that IF you were to lower it slowly, the spring would not come flying out of there violently - you would actually have to use a pry bar to pry it off of the control arm. This is from my experience.

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280