The driver's side upper coil-spring mount tore away from the body structure, ejecting the coil spring and bushing, collapsing the front suspension and rendering the car immobile. The car was parked at the time so no collision. If the car was moving at the time of the failure there would be no way to steer it. Due to estimated repair cost of $1500-2000 versus resale value, the car was sold as-is and towed away.

- Westborough, MA, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Mercedes Benz C230. While driving 10 mph, the upper spring perch (where the coil spring connected to the body of the vehicle) completely dislodged. The entire driver side suspension collapsed on the vehicle. He was able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road and it was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the suspension failed due to rust. The failure and current mileages were less than 150,000. Updated 11/25/08. Updated 11/25/08.

- Louieville, KY, USA

While driving on rte 50 in Virginia, the front spring housing collaped and the coiled spring came off onto the road. The dealer said it was caused by metal fatigue of the brace that holds the springs onto the frame. It was a very dangerous situation as the car had to be driven to the side of the road immediately. This was the first time that this happened to the vehicle, though the repairer said that this has happened previously on mecredes benzes and that there was a recall in Canada for this same defect. The car was repaired - two new braces were welded to the frame and shocks were replaced that were damaged due to the defect.

- Warrenton , VA, USA