What is the difference between front and rear struts? And where are they Installed?

Anyone have technical data on the front suspension in the 190E (W201) want to know if I am ok now?

• Ok 3 weeks ago I had new ball joints installed in my 190E and to keep them fresh I just had new struts installed in the front, but I can't find any info on what the suspension really entails on the 190, does it have struts alone or struts with springs?

• Answer:

  your suspension utilizes struts as the upper suspension link with the lower link being of a triangular control arm design.and carrying the spring.[pocketed between control arm and frame rail] the springs are most often re-used when the damper are replaced as they generally last the life of the car. [this being said they do sometimes fail causing uneven ride-heights or are no longer suitable for the vehicles intended purpose], ie.carrying extra weight or for lowering the car for "improved handling" note1.springs are considered a matched set at each end of any car, and must only [if ever] be replaced in pairs.at said ends. note2. if ride height is suffering [distance between center of wheel and bottom lip of wheel arch, directly above wheel] at front and rear of one side you will still need 4 springs note3. when ride height changes the camber and toe angles are affected by a considerable amount,necessitating a front [or as in your case due to independent rear suspension] a four wheel alignment i hope these words have helped clarify.