Yes, strut mounts do fail in the method you described....new ones are recommended when changing the front struts....

as for the springs, use common sense and don't let the control arm swing all the way to the ground....you should be fine..

if you are worried, and i do recommend this, rent a mercedes spring compressor from the tool rental program on this website.

good luck, get belisteins and nothing else for struts

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1993 300E, 2.8 M104 .....