Seven problems related to front suspension coil spring have been reported for the 1997 Mercedes Benz E320. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
One day I noticed that the front left tire seemed to be low. After several attempts of filling the tire, one day I decided to further investigate what is the cause of this issue (tire was fine). I quickly came to realize that my lower control arm was not only cracked but also bent out of shape. Additionally I found that the upper housing of the coil (spring) was literally peeling off the body of the vehicle thus causing the added pressure to the lower control arm where the spring sits. I went to a local body shop and got a quote from the tech there. It cost me just over $1,100 to fix it with a welded plate onto the side of the wheel well (to reinforce the housing of the coil (spring) plus changing the lower control arm. I did not dare take this vehicle to a mb dealer for repairs. They were quoting me $5100 to fix the issue (well more then what the car is worth). It's a shame to know this many people have made complaints but yet this issue has not been turned into a recall. Based on what I've read, I'm stunned at how many incidents have occurred and not 1 person has been injured or worse killed! those coils(springs) are under a lot of pressure and having one this thing flying around is not a joke! sad to say but soon enough someone will get hurt and then maybe this will turn into a recall.
Car began to ride abnormally; vibration in the front suspension and no movement from the front suspension as would normally be observed as a result of shock absorber travel. Brought the car to a body shop to have it looked at. As I pulled into the parking lot the front suspension totally collapsed and the front springs fell out of the bottom of the car. Research on the internet, conversations with the body shop and the local Mercedes Benz dealer all confirm that this is a known defect from mercedes that the manufacturer is unwilling to recall. There are hundreds of documented cases on the internet. Had this incident happened to me while traveling on a highway I and my family could have been seriously injured or killed. Car has been in the body shop for nearly 2 weeks as the parts are not available from Mercedes Benz in germany. I am forced pay for a $2800 repair, as well as rent a car for weeks with no estimated time of arrival of the necessary part to repair the car. This type of failure of a frame weld should never occur on any vehicle. The fact that mercedes has not been forced to issue a recall is outrageous.
The spring support or cup in the front right wheel well broke away causing a tremendously big noise. This apparently was caused by mercedes not using a high quality sealant allowing water to get into the welds. Corrosion and failure followed. I have read that this common is common amongst 300 class cars and that there is a class action suit being pursued in canada.
: the contact stated while driving 30 mph the front suspension coil spring detached. The vehicle was driven to the dealership where they replaced the left front coil spring bracket, left front body apron, left front coil spring, and restored corrosion protection.
While driving down the road at approximately 30 mph the coil spring from the left front of the car flew off. It nearly missed a car driving in the opposite direction and a pedestrian. Apparently, the spring perch broke off the car allowing the spring to fly out. I have never heard of this problem with any other make and model of car. If this had happened at a higher rate of speed there may have been a death. The dealer claims this is a rare defect although research on the internet says it is very common.
While vehicle was parked consumer heard the front springs snap. Consumer had the vehicle towed. Dealership repaired the problem once, but problem recurred.
While traveling at 10 mph rivet which secured coil spring brace to frame rusted, allowing bracket which hold the coil spring to pull away, causing vehicle to drop and driver lost control. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer that they would replace rivet at 50% off repairs. Please feel free to provide us with any further details concerning this matter.