89 300e spring perch failure
 

Was changing out the pads on my wife's car (117k) and when I got to the passenger side, something caught my eye. It was a gap between the leading edge of the spring perch and the unit body. The entire front of the three sided perch is now separated from the body. I ordered the spring perch from M/B because, worst case, I will need it. Has anyone had any success removing the spring and bracing the existing perch rather than cutting off the original and welding a new one in? If the remaining 2/3 of the perch weld is intact and in good shape, couldn't a brace be positioned (welded most likely) to secure the section that has separated? Anyone dealt with this before?

Very unusual on a 124. The 210 is noted for this failure, but this is the first I've heard on a 124. A dealership will have experience replacing the perches on a 210 and could likely do the same job on a 124. Not cheap.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 342K

I've also never heard of this in a w124...has it been in an accident before? Any chance of posting pics?

A friend had a failure on his '94 E320. It's rare but it happens.

We've had the car for the last 12 years or so - from 55k miles. It didn't show any accident damage and all panels still have the original vin sticker on them. I'll take pictures. Ideally, I'd like an effective but reasonably priced solution for this. Posts on some sites indicate the 210 spring perch repair is achieved using a riveted repair panel rather than welded because of the corrosion issue with a welded repair. The guys at the dealership parts department said the new perch needs to be welded in but it has nine holes in it. I am wondering if the 124 repair can be done the same way as the 210 with the exception of using bolts rather than rivets?