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Originally Posted by Cbus_E430  I've just been informed that my E430 4matic with 53k miles needs 4 new shocks and balljionts... AHHHH!!!
My dealership service manager is quite a cool character though and he said they have no problem putting aftermarket parts on for customers. So I'm thinking I should get the shocks/springs/balljionts/ any misc bushings etc, all sourced from somewhere online and bring it to them to install. Make sure it's done right and aligned at the end.
I don't own a spring compressor, nor do I want to do this work myself.
Ghaffar- I would be interested to see what shocks you end up going with, where you got them, and how much. I'm not too stressed on the gap with the wheel and fender, this is cosmetic, but if I'm going to the trouble of doing this full suspension job, new springs wouldnt hurt.
4 shocks, 4 springs, 4 balljoints, 4 - what else should one do at this point? |
While you are there you could do any bushings that look worn. Get good shocks too. I recommend bilstein (it's worth the extra $$$).
I just had both upper ball joints replaced. I think i was charged like $53 a piece for them. I must say the suspensions on these cars fails in comparison to the w124 & w126. I don't understand why after 70,000 well cared miles all of the suspension components are wearing out on the e320 and the older more abused mercedes ride 10x better and i have only replaced shocks. Maybe the 17in rims are too stressful? I'm kinda stupmed here.
I'll be interested to see if lowering it improves the ride quality. I have heard that by getting the damping rate closer to the spring rate you get a much more functional suspension. (smoother over rough roads, less body roll ect.) There is a whole science to this suspension lowering stuff.