coil springs

[Dave Vanecek]

What should a dealer charge for parts and installation for all 4 coil springs on a 1971 280 sl.

The reason i ask is that my dealer in Mi. sez it is about a 22 hour shop job. With a cost of about 2100.00 I just think that is high. But he claims that he will have to remove the front A arms and suspension and the rear of the car is about as difficult.
Also the only place i could find the springs is from Classic MB parts and they were 859.00 for the 4 of them which also high for springs.
Dave V.

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Dave,

I purchased 5 progressive springs about 2 years ago and installed them myself.  I and other have written extensively about our project.  Search under progressive springs.  I have a procedure from the BBB for spring replacement.  Give my your email and I'll send it to you.  Maybe the mechanic will change his bid to you once he sees the procedure.  The hardest job is getting the spring pad size correct as this influences the camber and ride height.  It's a trial and error type job.  Why do you think you need new springs?

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[hughet]

You can get springs from a lot of places... Caliber, Buds, Millers, and from various members of the forum. Performance spring kits are also available so shop around.
Front spring removal is detailed on page 187 (figure 11.13) and rear spring removal is on page 194 (figure 11.45)of the Haynes manual. If you want more detail go to Job 32-4 and job 32-5 in the Mercedes-Benz service manual (for cars starting August 1959) or Job 32-5 and 32-6 in the 68 to 72 manual. You do not need a spring compressor
With a floor jack and jack stands in my garage it takes me about 1 hour to R&R the rear springs and about an hour and a half to to R&R the front springs. I have a friend who just bought new springs from Gernold and says I am a little slow.
Do it yourself and you will save $2100 and 19 hours to do a lot of other things to your car.
Tom Hughes
St. Louis