W212 Various front spring alternatives, correct and incorrect

[LunaCraze]

Does anybody have information on the appropriate front ride height for the S212/W212 AMG Sport model?

Nearly two years ago, my S212 failed its MOT due to a fractured front spring. Upon attempting to acquire replacements, I consulted many suppliers and became convinced that it was imperative to emphasize the need for them to conform to AMG Sport specifications. Two vendors did not respond, while the third, Evelex Ltd, said they could get a pair, but at a higher price and with a delay of several days. I requested a verification, and they confirmed that they were indeed the correct springs.


Following the usual wrestling with dual sets of DIY spring compressors, the new springs were successfully installed on both struts, and I was rather glad to reattach them to the vehicle. I saw that the front was lower than I recalled, and the front suspension seemed to produce a tiny knocking sound on uneven road surfaces compared to previously; nevertheless, I dismissed it thereafter. The arches are almost aligned with the top of the front tires, with just little variation at the rear.

This year at the MOT, I received an advice on both front springs; the tester saw that the front was much lower than previous S212s he had seen and inferred that both front springs may have lost one or two coils.

Significant time has elapsed to approach the seller again; nonetheless, I am more persuaded that they may have overlooked the VIN number and just focused on the AMG designation, thereby providing me an E63 AMG springs.

Verifying the VIN independently indicates the suspension as 677 AVANTGARDE/STANDARD SUSPENSION. Research indicates that the component number A2123211404 pertains to the springs, which are abundantly available and far less expensive than my last purchase made a couple of years ago.

What is your opinion? Should I conclude that the vendor provided me with incorrect springs, and if I replace them with a regular specification pair, would it enhance ride quality and restore the appropriate ride height?

[Lemmand]

Purchase them from Mercedes to ensure their authenticity and compatibility (and they will break similarly to the previous ones 🙂 )

[HushedGamer]

He is correct, you are aware.

[Startle]

Replaced with authentic MB chocolate springs and installed Eibach springs with Bilstein shock absorbers; the issue has been resolved.

[Nekomp]

he front stock springs on my 2006 C55 AMG W203 are manufactured by Eibach.

Frankly, given the experience of independently changing four shocks and springs on this vehicle, we could establish an entire forum dedicated to acquiring the appropriate springs for your Mercedes-Benz. It is a perilous situation.


I was fortunate with the front, since the majority of the component number, the 'legend' AMG (which adds 50% to the retail price), and the color marks remained discernible.

Neither Eibach UK nor Eibach Germany would provide the items to me; I had to get them from MB, and the pricing was satisfactory, to be honest.

[LunaCraze]

What is the appropriate normal ride height for the front, in your opinion?
While there is slightly more than an inch of room between the arches and the top of the rear tires, there is no gap whatsoever on the front wheels.

[Kiddokt]

While there may be some variation, this is my 212 Sport, equipped with factory springs and 18-inch wheels. Personally, I would want the rear to be lowered by half an inch, since I find the Sports to have a somewhat elevated rear stance, in my opinion.

[LunaCraze]

Thank you. That is really helpful. Your front is much elevated compared to mine and is about at the height mine was before to the replacement of the front springs. I am now persuaded that I was sold the incorrect springs, which likely accounts for the increased harshness of the front suspension since that time. The impact is likely exacerbated by my 19-inch wheels.

I will get normal specification springs and replace them to restore the appropriate ride height, after which I will consider exchanging the 19-inch wheels for a pair of 18-inch wheels.

[LunaCraze]

On the verge of placing an order. Have anybody reported superior experiences with Sachs or Bilstein springs? I assume they are superior than the less expensive Febi or Klein variants.

I have decided to replace the bottom shims, the top mounts, and the drop links as well, and I will arrange for a wheel alignment upon completion.