Sometime within the past year there was an article in the MBCA Star magazine describing the process for replacing the front shocks on the W210. It included how to use the lug wrench in the MB tool kit to make a tool to remove the top nut on the shock absorber. Sorry I can't give you the precise issue but the magazines are in one place and I'm in another.

 

The Shocks Can be done as a DIY project.
Its VERY easy.....Fronts take about 10min a side..the rears take a little longer ..the trunk carpets must be removed to get to the rear upper shock nuts..
Even Faster with Air tools!

 

Thanks Rander(Welcome to the Club!)...Thanks Mark, BTW can i do this job with simple tools or a Special MB Tool is needed?...Thanks in advance

 

The Job can be done with simple hand and socket tools

 

Is it more difficult to do the job on a 4MATIC car? My shocks are in dire need of replacement, along with the bushings (94,000 miles).

Rich

 

im trying to do it with my 4matic i fucked up the shock pinned the axle no way to put it back. what should i do?

 

Has anyone done springs as well? I am not worried about replacing the shocks as I am about to do my own, but I have Eibach springs to replace the OE springs and I think you have to remove the upper control arm. Spring compressor is a must, but I still wanna see a DIY on this.............and yes the 4matic is totally different setup from the regular E as the shock and spring are a single unit. May be easier to remove actually, but the overall front suspension seems trickier. Take a look at the MB braingears site for diagrams.

 

Just a heads up here



Heya notorious ALE,

I was considering flipping the springs to the EIBACHS but unless you're willing to give up the comfort of the stock springs, then by all means go ahead. However, the issue of camber comes into play here.

The front camber can be adjusted with the eccentric bolts from the "stealership". However the rear camber, can only be done with KMACs or any evolution thereof. If that is not catered for, be prepared to pay major bucks for consistent tyre change.

This is a lot more than just achieving a look or feel as safety is an issue you really must take into consideration when cornering like a madman at 2AM and the tyre pops out.

That's what eventually made me see the light and stick the stock springs and simply fiddle with the shims with a pseudo lowered look.

Hope this helps

 

i actually saw DIY, with pics, in which an adventurous sort used two+ floor jacks
to remove the lower arm....w/o using spring compressor. i'll try to find this. it
required careful manipulation, natch, and it made me shiver a bit. but the guy
reported success...though extremely careful and calculated maneuvers.

update: hah....found it. add this experience to the list only for the daring. heh
heh...i'm tempted to try this if i cant easily find the proper spring compressor

 

W210 shock replacement - photos

Grabbed a set of Bilstein HDs from board member who's wife wanted the plush ride
back. So after 2 weeks of use, he put them up for sale.

Had the day off from work so decided to take a look see. No hints...just exploratory.
But it was so straight forward a job that I just kept going...and snapping pictures.
Hope it will help someone.

Definite improvement in ride. Doesn't really feel harsher at all. My rear is guessing
that compression damping is about the same or barely firmer...but rebound damping
is definitely firmer. Body roll in turns definitely abated, noticeably so.

 

Grabbed a set of Bilstein HDs from board member who's wife wanted the plush ride
back. So after 2 weeks of use, he put them up for sale.

Had the day off from work so decided to take a look see. No hints...just exploratory.
But it was so straight forward a job that I just kept going...and snapping pictures.
Hope it will help someone.

Definite improvement in ride. Doesn't really feel harsher at all. My rear is guessing
that compression damping is about the same or barely firmer...but rebound damping
is definitely firmer. Body roll in turns definitely abated, noticeably so.

Just wanted to say thanks for the great writeup! I've printed it off and will be using it on my car!!! Thanks! :thumbsup:

 

Good write up Raymond, is this the same on a 4-matic?

 

no way. a peek into the undercarriage of the 4matic is much scarier and will take
a bit more time given the need to navigate the power train nooks n crannies. the
shocks on the 4matic still in good shape so i won't find out for a while. if/when I
do, i'll append to the PDF.

 

hey guys, how do u know if the shocks needs replacing? my 97 E420 has 108k miles, ride is still good.

 

Just my 2 cents here; I wouldn't even think about changing springs without the proper compressor. I changed springs, pads and shocks on my '97 e420 and with the proper compressor it is still a little scary. (there is a lot of energy in a compressed automobile spring!) However it can be done at home successfully. remember to get an alignment afterwards - you'll thank yourself!

 

hey guys, how do u know if the shocks needs replacing? my 97 E420 has 108k miles, ride is still good.

of course, miles on the clock give an idea...but in reality, it's the road undulations
which put wear on the shocks. if you're happy with the ride and are not detecting
any leaks, just leave them be. you'll save $3-400 in the process.

but if you're dis-satisfied with the ride when pushed, the head bobbles when in
a fast turn and you hit a dip, when you feel the car roll (tips L/R) when in a flat
curve and you wish you could go faster....while that BMW passes you on the
inside like you were standing still....<smile>... then you may want to consider
shock replacement, or lowering.

just be clear that when you mess with the suspension, you may need to realign
and/or put in camber kit which allows you to calibrate your suspension to spec.
this could add several hundred more dollars to your bill....and often overlooked
by quick modders.

 

Great information. Thanks

[Great information re shicks.

Thanks a lot

phillyi

 

Thank you for posting that. I may upgrade my shocks now. Any Sugg? I would like more of a E55 feel.

 

Thanks for posting the shock replacement steps and pictures. I will try this when I need to change shocks on my E320 Wagon w/o 4 matic

 

Wow, thanks for the description! Having the shock and spring separate makes this much easier, my other brand car uses struts (shock built into spring) which are more expensive and not as easily exchangeable.

 

Do you know where to buy (online in US) Shock Absorber for my E240 1996, front? Thanks!

 

Great pictorial on shock replacement! I have saved it to my flash drive so I will have it with me always!

What shock brand/model do you all recommend for highway/comfort driving?

 

shock absorber replacement on 4matic models

the front shock absorbers are integrated with the springs on the 4matic models, unlike with the standard rear wheel drive models that have separate spring and shock absorber mounts.

Do you need to compress the springs before attempting to replace the front shock absorbers on the W210 4matic models??

 

I just did my fronts and what really helps is having a 17mm crows foot tool.
It's just plain ridiculous trying to use a box wrench to screw on the top nylock nut onto the shock.
I may have missed it but haven't seen this mentioned before and these are the little tips that make a DIY an easier job rather than standing there thinking how the heck did everyone else R&R their shocks.

 

It's a diy'er and can be done in a day or less. Just have the alignment done after the replacements. Use jackstands just to make sure you are safe while working .

 

Hello,

This thread being old and me being new to the list may hurt my responses.

I have a 2001 E320 4matic that needs new shocks. Front drivers side failed and is leaking oil. I am a faily accomplished DIYer and have no problem buying a proper spring compressor etc.

What I am looking for is some advice and diagrams if anyone has some. I have been told I can call the dealer and get the workshop manual but I thought I would post on here first in the off chance of getting some help from someone who has done this job.
The independent shop here has quoted me $1500 just to replace the fronts and over $700 for the rears. (parts and labor)

thoughts?

Thanks!
Mike Wren

 

$1500 to replace front shocks? wow, that's a lot. i'm not that familiar with the 4-matic setup, but my understanding is that once the spring is out, than replacing shock is pretty easy. front oem shock for you 4-matic is listed for $150, and unlike in rwd w210 where you should replace both front shocks, in the 4-matic i think you don't need to replace both front shocks, but only the one that is leaking. removing spring via loosening control arm could be dangerous procedure if jack stand fails (you could use 2 jack stands to be sure), and if you are not comfortable doing it this way your best bet would be to find another shop with a lift and is willing to replace the shock and you providing them the shock.