hello all, i am in the process of replacing the dreaded spring perches on my 97 e300d. i was able to get the springs off with an internal compressor i rented from auto zone. thinking ahead i dont think this tool is going to work when i put new springs back on after i do the perches. has anyone put new springs on by dropping the steering arm assembly or is that a no no? is the special benz spring compressor the only way to go ? thanks in advance. jim

Did you try performance products? I rented a compressor from them to do the springs on the 115. Wouldn't have wanted to do it without it.

What's up with the spring perches on those cars? Is it a common problem? Excuse my ignorance. . .

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

yes, from what i read it is common on 96 thru 99 e series. totally bad design. nobody has been killed or maimed yet so mb wont do a recall on them. thanks for the tip on getting the spring compressor, i will try them. jim

Is more prevalent in areas where rusty cars are common.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

my 97 that i purchased this past march lived all its life in virginia. the thing is totally rust free except the perch area. i think that the caulk and spray sealant they used at the factory was a watertrap behind these perches. salt does accelerate the rust process but any place you live that gets water up in there makes the car vulnerable to this issue. jim

Doesn't the factory fix for that use rivets now?

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Len
'59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta
'83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD
'88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out
https://sites.google.com/site/mercedesstuff/home
'99 E300 turbo 227,500 miles
'03 SLK320 40,000 miles - gave to my daughter
'14 Smart electric coupe 28,500 miles
'14 Smart electric cabriolet 28,500 miles
'15 Smart electric coupe 28,000 miles

i have heard conficting stories on this issue. i welded mine on this past weekend and i will do rivet research tomorrow and shoot a few rivets in them and put it back together this weekend. i bit the bullet and bought the proper spring compressor for benzes. i was able to remove the old springs with the fork type compressor i rented at auto zone, but it was a struggle. i knew it wouldnt work when i install the new springs. the new compressor should be here friday. jim