diagnosing when you need shocks vs springs
 

my 300E has over 200k miles so I realize it could use both replaced. It still rides well but soft or mushy (technical term lol) but when I go over a steep curb the front bumper bottoms on the road. If the springs prevent hard (high frequency) springing and the shocks lowers the up and down (low frequency) springing then is this fault is due to the springs? I try the bounce the fender test and don't see much bouncing. When I brake hard it doesn't seem to plow too much.

"I" would put some new heavy duty shock all the way around. That should solve your problem.

Usally when a spring gets weak, It will sag. Shocks should fix the problem your having.

Your car is only 18 years old, which is absolutely nothing for a set of springs. I agree w/the other guys: put on new shocks and stop driving on the curb.

There is also the remote posibility that your tires are undersize or that the front springs have been shortened to lower the car.

I'm not driving on the curb, lol. There a curb entry at my bank that just dumps the front end whenever I drive onto the road. No cut springs, stock wheels/stock size tires.

I'll plan on replacing the shocks...

Thanks!

Sorry, but I couldn't resist.
Yes, then new shocks on all 4 should take care of the problem. Happy motoring!