Two problems related to front suspension coil spring have been reported for the 1996 Mercedes Benz 300. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The welded bracket rusted, and in April 2003, the left hand coil spring bracket failed. Also, in febuary 2004, the right hand coil spring bracket failed. The front of the vehicle jumped into the air, made noises, and a black object had flown off the right side of the vehicle. Every light illuminated on the dash and the speedometer failed. The "ears" of the bracket that were welded along the body captured water which caused the bracket to shear off and the spring(s) to fail.
While slowing down to make a turn consumer heard a popping noise, then a bang, the right front coil spring upper cradle failed. The cause of the failure was undetermined.