Things that go "Ping"
 

Pulling out of my favorite restaurant today, I heard a loud "ping", which sounded a lot like a coil spring breaking. Sure enough, after getting it on a lift, the left front coil had a nice new clean break down near the bottom. Guess I know what I'll be doing saturday morning.:rolleyes:

If you're getting pinging, you should try a higher octane gas, Pete.

I use nothing but the highest octane in those springs.:D

X 2:D

i don't think i have ever heard of a coil spring breaking...

I've never had that either. Of course, I always use 93 octane gas in mine . . .

I'm surprised. I thought only cetane booster would work on diesel springs.:)

Actually pretty common on 124's. Replaced one in our 1990 300E when we had it.

Aside from the '93 octane, I always make sure I use only M-B approved grease in my muffler bearings as well. It's pretty expensive, but it really DOES make a difference.:D

Don't even get me started on MUFFLER bearings!

Or knifter pins.

Tough break (no pun intended). But seriously, before you order new front springs, look at the old ones closely. Check to see if there are any colored markings on them. If there are, make sure the replacements have identical markings. These colored markings will identify the coil spring variant that your car is equipped with. I'm not sure about 124's, but I've come across this issue on 210's and 202's. The parts ordering information may be a bit confusing. Of course, this applies to coil spings ordered from MB. I'm not sure about the after-market.

Don't know about Knifter Pins, but I DO know about Whistle Pins. I'll see your muffler bearings and raise you a starter float.

As to things that go "PING"......I hate those that go "PING" then disappear somewhere in that vast expanse of floor and dark corners....NEVER to be found again by me...........My grand nephew will find it someday when he starts driving.....in about 14 years.

I work with a great rep at the local dealer and he hasn't let me down yet. He keeps the vin number of all our cars on file and uses them religiously.

Speaking of starter floats, if you're in the engine that far you may as well replace the kuhneutson valve too. Here's a place I found that has a pretty good deal on them:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9

Look around the site a bit because the prices are pretty reasonable. I just ordered a set of cross-drilled brake lines from them. Hopefully they will be in today so I can get them installed this weekend. :D