W202 96 C280 Shocks
 

Can anyone verify that you can or cannot replace the shocks on a C280 without compressing/removing the spring???

On my car the shock and spring are seperate and it appears that you maybe able to just loosen the shock and install a new one.

Thanks.

Yes you can remove front shock absorber without removing spring BUT when you removing the uper shock absorber mountig the vehicle must standing on its wheels.

Car on the ground
 

So if I understand correctly, I can loosen the lower mount of the shock with the tire raised on a jack, then lower it to the normal on the ground postion and loosen the upper mount under the hood?

Does this also apply to the rear or does the spring need to come out?

Thank you for your help.

I changed both front shocks on my 94 C280 by raising the front of the car and supporting the control arm with a floor jack. I then unbolted the bottom of the shock - 2 wrenches needed - then unbolted the top from the engine bay. I then lowered the floor jack a bit and slid the shock out. To install, i compressed the new shock a bit then put it in place and bolted it up. Very easy, as was the rear.