Mercedes-Benz W212 Suspension Diagnostic & Maintenance Guide (E350, E250, E400, E550, & E63 AMG)

[@mikeicee]

Great video and I love FCP esp the warranty but come on with replacement of the whole front suspension. In 250k miles my W212 only wore out all shocks/struts and front sway bar links... everything else is still factory.

[@gmans7859]

Thank You Kyle. Always providing sound advice. My son and I just did Front Struts, Rear Shocks and all End lInks about a week ago on our E350. A word for DIY 'ers. When doing the front struts we discovered the front springs are longer and more compressed than a person might first think. Even using the professional spring compressing equipment we have, still had a mini explosion removing the upper mount on the first side we did. I would NOT recommend using the 'Sticks' people use for performing this job on this make/model car!

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

I experienced the same thing doing front struts on my C207. Coupe suspension setup is basically identical to this minus the air. A friend and I managed to get the springs compressed alright with a Single Action compressor, & and the tool had to be compressed 100%. Like you said, the standard spring compressors don't cut it on these springs whatsoever. Deceivingly long springs indeed

[@G_G_AutoCareLLC]

Exactly has the same issue in my 2014 e350 super long springs

[@christopherlewis4141]

High five dude! This is the type of comment this video deserves. A compliment, a gratifying story of how the video led to a father son diy project. Followed with sound safety advice. 👍

[@davidjas2378]

I have a W212 2014 E63S with 90k miles and when backing up from the driveway and turning I'm hearing a grinding noise towards front driver side. Does this sound like a strut issue?

[@winstonw5273]

Any updates bro?

[@davidjas2378]

@@winstonw5273 Nah, I sold it.

[@ibrahimalmotawa967]

It's really awesome video and explains. I would like to know is zimmermann disc better than Brembo, I had bad feedback with Brembo PVT. What you think about zimmermann for GLE63S COUPE.?

[@MrAlton89]

Really nice guide. Well explained. Thanks for upload ! Greetings from Sweden

[@discerningmind]

I'm surprised that these parts need to be replaced at such low mileages. It's not giving me much confidence in owning a Mercedes vehicle.

[@Uniquetransition]

Woo Kyle with another mercedes video!

[@mikflurry98]

Hi! I drive a '14 E63 S. I have a very loud creaking sound coming from the front end. No pops but just a very loud creak. Any idea what this could be?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Mikhail, your best bet is to raise the vehicle and inspect the front suspension. It could be caused by worn bushings, strut mounts, end links, shock absorbers, etc. A flashlight and a prybar will be your friend!

[@mikflurry98]

@@fcpeuro Thank you!

[@michalteplarek]

Hello from York UK. You can't be more profesional, this video is top. Big thank you, well done. W212 estate is affordable car for taxi. Thx again.

[@BMWI-gk9wh]

Wheel bearings you forgot, also pops when turning and braking when turning slowly vibrations at 20+ ect

[@8997456]

Nice video. I went to your web site and i could not find any of the suspension parts you are mentioning for a e63 amgS 2014. I would apreciate if you can tell me if you have those parts available for a e63 amg. Thank you.

[@uuulaalaa]

I just got one of these one wheel is facing in while the other faces straight when i drive pass 20 tire is quicking and the car cant steer unless i lower speed to 10 😂 fak hope is not the steering rack

[@wallymanasse3120]

When are you going to cover A207 suspension??

[@neilhefty2999]

Hi Kyle, I have a 2013 E550 and it has always had a problem with a very loud POP when either cornering very (very) hard mid-turn, or, on a very severe speed-bump. It doesn't happen under light load at all. I had the entire front suspension replaced while under CPO about 20k miles ago, but that didn't really fix the issue either. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[@Porsche996driver]

I’ve got a 2010 E550 still with Air. Never heard a pop. Have some creaking and leaking. Planning to just go to coils. Maybe you can call these guys. Or check Alex on YT LegitStreetCars he’s an MB guy.

[@tylert10121]

I have a 2014 E63s AMG. I have replaced all brake rotors and pads and followed break in procedures, yet whenever I am at higher speeds or decelerating to around 40 mph~ the cars front wheels shake so much so that the car feels like falling apart. I had removed my front wheels and tested the rotors for run out and there were no issues. I have replaced both front wheel bearings with new axle nuts and all WIS instructions were followed. Could you please advise what other issues could cause this? I have been chasing this issue for 6 months to no end. Brakes check out. Inner tie rods are in desperate need of replacing. I will start with those are they are cheaper than all new brembo brakes. Please advise and thank you for your time!

[@fcpeuro]

Worn-out suspension bushings will cause vibration under heavy braking, so tie rods and control arm bushings will certainly need to be looked into!

[@tylert10121]

@@fcpeuro wonderful! I have ordered the tie rod ends (inner and outer) from my local dealer. I will inspect the control arms. Thank you again for your help!!

[@JamesRyan-t8u]

Thanks Kyle. I have a question: is there any difference in the parts fitted to the E63 (ex bushings) as the ones on my car are marked with AMG logos. Thank you for the help

[@abdelaliadjaoud7284]

Hello, everyone I have anurgent question, as you are an expert on Mercedes I have an e classe e250 2009 the issueis that I took it twice to Technical control for 2 different Scanners and both of them told me, aftercontrol that the fan of my car, Doesn’t turn on until it Get’s above the 105° 1. is thatnormal ?? For a Mercedes as mine, whichI don’t think it’s normal So afterthat I thought that the sensor was going wrong so I change it but The resultsstay the same the scanner indicates the same 105° then I’ve known It’s the“calculator “who controls this stuff so what am wondering if its possible to Set my fanat 85 degree instead of 105 degrees, on the calculator settings 2 . Is that possible to make???????? THENKS SIR, ALL MY REGARDS

[@undertakerfire7810]

Yeah great advise, just f ing replace everything.... How about determine if it’s bad before just judging it on milage...

[@S.Madman]

Little mistake the S212 is the wagon the W212 is the sedan.

[@paddington9862]

Do you have an idea, where the vibrations might come from my s212 AirMatic. The steering wheel is very slightly vibrating but i feel vibration best by the seat. Wheels are balanced and straight. Vibrations starts at 80km/h and from there to 110kmh it gets denser. At higher speed i dont rly feel anything.

[@adccars359]

My lady has a 2016 with 37k left front can get pretty messy over certain bumps. your video confirmed for me I need a left front strut and mount. It rides like a dream other wise. Are the parts you advertise original mb parts. or after market?

[@911Mitul]

Hey Kyle great videos. Can you show a video of the bottom of s212 cover protector guards and how to replace damaged under body guards. Thank you.

[@hardcastle3121]

Kyle I changed my front suspensions struts on my w212 car still dropped at the front any suggestions

[@mca1901]

The difference between W 40 W 30 the first brand oil what difference between Castro local Molly and mobile and Mini company I need top 10 company

[@thiagobartolo]

Anywhere I can listen to the noise that the upper support bearings make when they goes bad?

[@williamh.pruett8294]

Your DIY videos are excellent and very useful. Your clear easy to understand and informative. Thanks !

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you like them!

[@Manuel-xy7un]

How do you adjust the toe in the rear of the w212 it’s supposed to toe adjustment can you show this please no body does

[@markcadman1516]

Really useful and helpful videos. Thanks. I feel more confident now!

[@fcpeuro]

We have faith in your skills Mark!

[@mkwaku]

Thanks Kyle for another awesome W212 video.

[@thiagobartolo]

Any chance of a video with airmatic front shocks on rear wheel drive cars?

[@Porsche996driver]

Well done video. Alex from LegitStreetCars sent me ha. I want to put my 2010 E550 on coils, to match the Air’s Sport ride setting. Will the Arnott coil/spring kit match the Sport setting? Or should I do H&R with Bilstein adjustables?

[@mca1901]

I can upgrade engine Mercedes-Benz W212 Black engine supercharge

[@alicitak1352]

Greetings, there is a metal impact sound coming from the right front of my W212 2015 model Mercedes vehicle on rough roads and frequent short bumps such as the test track. Even though the Z rod and bushings were changed, the sound did not stop. There is no problem in driving, there is no pulling or shaking, there is only a metal rattle on the rough road, this sound only occurs due to vertical force, where do you think the problem is, best regards

[@thiagobartolo]

The is a bushing inside the front strut that goes bad, it doesn’t cause any other problems except from the noise I believe.

[@rommelgiron9272]

Hey great videos. I have a question for you what's the difference between the e350 4matic non air suspension to the e550 4matic w212 air suspension.? I have both struts and i don't really see a difference between them.

[@FixItRyan]

@7:03, that large plastic cover over the metal - is it important? Mine fell off :/

[@grahamsmith7407]

Great video as usual thank you! I have a 2013 Mercedes Benz W212 E400 sedan can you please tell me if it has all around airmatic suspension? Or only on the front or rear of the car?

[@abhijeetparashar5534]

me as a mechanical engineer how can apply in mercedes company PLZZ reply sir

[@rooftop9238]

Kyle just one question for you so if you are replacing front air suspension do you have to unplug the battery??? Thanks I have E550 4matic 2010

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Roof, while not mandatory, it certainly does not hurt to do so.

[@boigoe]

Hello I have a w212 e250cdi amg sport...hade the rear spring changed and the back is way too high...part was from mercedes dealer but a local garage fitted them....I also had the front springs changed and the front is well low...now the ride is so shit that u can't corner properly...mercedes have said it the rear spring have a red and green marking then the spring shud be right...hes also said there parts catalogue cud be wrong...can u help me on a set of springs plz

[@fcpeuro]

If you send an email over to [e-mail] the team can certainy help verify fitment

[@robfrancis7686]

I see a rear kit for the W212...do you have a front kit?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Rob! We'll have a comprehensive front end kit on our site for you as well. To find them the easiest, just head to our site, add your vehicle to the vehicle selector, and click "suspension" on the sidebar!

[@robfrancis7686]

So no, you do not have a full kit

[@laith55se]

Can you give an estimate cost for this work to be done on a E350 4matic? Thanks

[@warcriminal911]

convinced my phone is listening to me after this came up

[@esesmash7149]

New subscriber here. I currently drive a 2011 e550 sedan RWD. I'm doing a coilover conversion. Parts are from Silvers Neo max. I'm having issues connecting the rear springs to the top mount. Any ideas what could be wrong? The conversion kit is designed for the w212 and I also changed the lower control arms for the rear which helped but still can not connect it to the top mount.

[@fcpeuro]

shoot an email over to [e-mail] with a link to the kit and pictures and they'd be happy to pass it along to our Mercedes catalog manager.

[@glasser2819]

Kyle: I can't find your MAGNETIC rear differential PLUGs (E350'14), any chance you can locate a supplier with a decent price/quality NEODYMIUMS that would fit in..? Txs

[@borek1544]

is this not the one? www.fcpeuro.com/products/mercedes-differential-drain-and-fill-plug-genuine-mercedes-3529970032

[@Bizmyurt]

1982

[@normaebennettrn9055]

Where do I go for anything for a 260e '88

[@RollingInBoost]

Me and a friend of mine, both of us have 2010 e350s, for some reason the ride quality is really harsh compared to an A4 or 3 series. You think changing out to softer springs or different struts will rectify the issue?

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

How many miles on them? Bad roads where you live? I had to do front struts, mounts, and end links on my E350 coupe at about 80k mi. Also did upper control arms and sway bar (as bushings aren't serviceable alone) while I was in there, but the struts and end links were totally shot & my ride quality improved drastically. Ride quality should never be rough in one of these, although they certainly don't handle like a 3 series.

[@connor3288]

Wheel and tire size, as well as runflat vs non runflat, makes huge difference.

[@testmalik]

Great description of front and rear suspension. How do i order full rear suspension parts?

[@akoust1c]

This video is so helpful I love it! Quick question: if you suspect front corner has blown shocks should you replace both sides at once? Thank you!

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Kevin, happy to be of help! You most certainly want to do them in pairs.

[@kaibintech]

Great video!. subscribed.

[@youssefali2780]

I had a question guys, I drive a w204 c300 sport 4 matic. The driver side anti roll bar link is not connected to the strut at the top, but the passenger side is. Is that correct or does it need to be identical on both front sides. i just got them replaced.

[@fcpeuro]

Yes! they do need to be connected at both sides. Also, check the bar, the curved section nearest to the axle has a tendency to rot

[@youssefali2780]

@@fcpeuro thanks alot guys, i just came back from the shop and got it done

[@TheBIGKNOC]

Wish I could figure out why my vehicle hits bumps hard and rear end hits hard and sways shocks seems to be okay change swaybar bushings but still bottoms out I hear a small clunk when driving in the rear as well.

[@fcpeuro]

There could also be some worn out bushings in the rear, weak springs, weak shocks. Do you carry any weight in the trunk?

[@TheBIGKNOC]

@@fcpeuro yeah in shop now rear shocks

[@edwardpapp]

Well done. Helpful

[@JeeperZJ]

Never mentioned the issue with the e63 amg 4matic models, LF lower control arm over time pushes the bushing out from the eye of the arm. They never fully separate as the subframe pocket prevents it but you certainly don't want to have an issue on the road. Also happens on the w218 cls63 amg 4matic.

[@ludicrousspeed82]

Thank you!

[@f1wilk]

Need to check my w218, sitting about 5mm to 10mm lower on the passenger side. Very good info.

[@hanynowsky]

Left Coil Spring sagging

[@f1wilk]

Nope, had it changed out. Merc claims its with in spec. Its wierdz but a little better with new shocks but still low.​@hanynowsky

[@hanynowsky]

@@f1wilk yes bmw E60 and merc w212 have a tolerance of 10mm between left and right and also 10mm of tolerance from factory ride height. You need to load the car and measure ride height. In a bmw E60 it s: - 68kgs in front passenger seat - 68 in front driver seat. - 68kgs in center of rear seats - 21 kgs in trunk. - full fuel tank.

[@f1wilk]

Ah ok will try. I figured it was cause the battery sitting on the low side strut tower. Passenger side.

[@joepolanco9141]

Very very knowledgable...👍👍👍👍

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks so much!

[@ynte8114]

Great video thank you very much.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you liked it!

[@ynte8114]

@@fcpeuro I live in Germany, and got my first Mercedes last year (w212 220 Diesel 2010 model) and I love my car, and your video was perfect, its a Limousine, I think you guys call it a sedan. It’s so comfortable and it’s bloody 14 years old 😀

[@Gx22]

What would be the culprit in the front suspension if a clunk is occurring over any size bumps?

[@fcpeuro]

Thats a tough one because there are so many components that could have failed. Best option is to jack the car up and attempt to manipulate the front wheel until the noise occurs and can be narrowed down

[@Gx22]

@@fcpeuro Just found out the clunk is coming from a damaged lower wishbone. Shop says it'll take 6 hours to replace it. Does that sound about right?

[@Gx22]

@@fcpeuro And by wishbone they meant control arm. From my reading it's only held in by two bolts, so 6 hours is replace that is insane, correct? haha

[@JeeperZJ]

@@Gx22 6hrs for that is ridiculous, it takes 20 minutes.

[@erstineclarke23]

Had the same clunking noise on my 2010 E350 sport with 30k miles turns out it was the sway bar links they were broken now it rides good again n steering wheel feels tight again

[@ajonsson2013]

Great video as always. 10/10

[@fcpeuro]

10/10 appreciate that A Jonsson

[@r.weaver3769]

I have 138k on my 14 E350 base. All original. Sway bar link rf boots but no noise. Ride is exceptional and smooth.

[@fcpeuro]

Smooth driving.

[@r.weaver3769]

@@fcpeuro I still miss my old E39 but the W212 is a dream to drive.

[@G_G_AutoCareLLC]

My w212 is experiencing vibrations and a rough ride new shocks front and back and control arms what else can cause a rough ride tire psi?

[@r.weaver3769]

@@G_G_AutoCareLLC Bent wheel, tires out of balance, tires older than four years old, ignition issues, fuel delivery, motor mounts trans mount, center bearing or flex discs on driveshaft, all of these will affect the ride. What brand and model shocks and struts? For example High performance struts and shocks will be a harsher ride as they are for performance not OE ride. A good tech can diagnose your issues, do not just throw parts at it, that is just wasting money.

[@G_G_AutoCareLLC]

@@r.weaver3769 I am the mechanic I have changed the struts with bilstein b4

[@plutodestroyer12]

why is this the best MB when at 70k miles you need to replace the entire front suspension and maybe even some driveshaft issues........ both od expensive then rear suspension at 100k........ what

[@abubakarmohammed5464]

It’s a suggestion. Doing your own Inspection will tell you what you need. I’m at 240K (highway driving mostly) and about to do it all at once for the first time, including the axle and engine mounts.

[@thisisnumber0]

Replace all the front components at 70,000? You're a pessimist, mine has 280,000 miles and just passed the annual statutory test in the UK. Rear air leaks are not necessarily air spring leaks, it can be an air line leak or the valve block. Are you going to cover this stuff in another video?