E300D Suspension Rebuild / Upgrade | w210 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

michakaveli · #1 08-22-2007, 09:16 PM

Hey guys, finally getting some photos up regarding the suspension overhaul I started in April, I took my time :-)

The photos aren't the best, but hopefully I'll get the Viton o-rings installed and take my Florida trip and give her a little buff job. Excuse the dust on her...

mdisav · #2 08-22-2007, 09:39 PM

That is a Very Nice Look!! Good Job! Do you have any trouble keeping the chrome headlight trim rings on? I just got some and they are popping up on the top. Maybe some more 3M??

So do you have lowered springs? What all have you done?

michakaveli · #3 08-22-2007, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdisav

That is a Very Nice Look!! Good Job! Do you have any trouble keeping the chrome headlight trim rings on? I just got some and they are popping up on the top. Maybe some more 3M??

So do you have lowered springs? What all have you done?

The chrome rings were removed, old adhesive removed and new 3M adhesive added all around.

Suspension: E55 springs with Eiback Pro-Kit shocks - I bought the shocks and springs used from a member that had them on an '97 E420. #1 pads up front and #3 in the rear.

michakaveli · #4 08-22-2007, 09:56 PM

Also replaced both front, upper and lower control arms. Eccentric bolt kit and rear eccentric thrust bolts for the rear.

mdisav · #5 08-22-2007, 10:02 PM

Was it time for the lower control arm bushings to be replaced? Probably better to just replace the whole lower control arm like you did.

How does the car feel?

michakaveli · #6 08-22-2007, 10:29 PM

It was definitely time to replace the bushings. 55mph shake, etc.... So far I've taken her up to 60 or so and the ride is smooth. with the new engine mounts and suspension, it rides like a new car pretty much.

michakaveli · #7 08-22-2007, 10:30 PM

I repalced the entire lower arms, not worth messing around with the bushings only.

michakaveli · #8 08-30-2007, 10:29 AM

Took her on a trip last night to Charlotte and back. The ride per my standards is EXCELLENT. Essentially just what I was seeking. The fine control and firmness of essentially new OEM Bilsteins w/o a harsh punishing ride.

If all goes well she will be in FL this weekend for some R&R and a little detailing job. Will post pix upon return...

Parrot of Doom · #9 08-30-2007, 12:49 PM

Now you've replaced so much, you should really think about having a laser alignment done. It will make a huge difference to the way the car feels.

michakaveli · #10 08-30-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parrot of Doom

Now you've replaced so much, you should really think about having a laser alignment done. It will make a huge difference to the way the car feels.

I forgot to mention that I've had an alignment already performed. I don't know if it was a laser alignment but there were these reflectors attached to the rims that reflected a signal emitted by red LED's to a large Hunter machine. The tech let me stay with him and the car while I he was performing the alignment so I was able to be present for the entire process. Same tech that aligned it the last time, so he was familiar with my car already. Has a good memory.

michakaveli · #11 09-06-2007, 12:00 AM

Enjoy!

Parrot of Doom · #12 09-06-2007, 04:43 PM

Nice car, but those chrome rings....

michakaveli · #13 08-28-2009, 06:23 PM

* UPDATE*

Still working on the suspension. After that trip to Florida and then later to Connecticut that November, I came to find that my rear tires were wearing out at an alarming rate. Re-read my prior alignment's specs, and read the rear camber values @ -2.1 on both sides, hence the inner most part of my rear tires being essentially shredded.

This led me to buy new tires while in Connecticut, and figure things out when I got back to South Carolina. Basically the car has been a garage queen since November '07.

What has been done since:
- ordered a custom set of rear camber arms (adjustable, CNC machined) from Lensolo, off of the MBWorld forum

- had fitment issues with these arms, initially with the OEM bolts would not fit through the inserts, and also the mount on the axle housing side (I have the older design)

- received updated inserts to address issue of fitment @ axle housing

- recently, decided to buy another a OEM bolt that holds the camber arm to the rear subframe (I had tried to file it down some to fit, no avail), and discovered this new bolt fits through the inserts perfectly (didn't realize that these bolts were updated until I received the new one)

- ordered another bolt for the other side :-)

- after some more research, come to find that the rear eccentric bolt on the camber strut arm appears to have been updated, along with the camber strut bushing (ordered 2 of those, Lemforder, and got those today and see that also come with the updated eccentric bolt

)

- bought a #5 spring pad for the rear to raise it up some (site very low with a full tank)

- bought a #2 pad for the front, just to raise it a hair

Now, I need to install finish the install, fill the tank completely full and bring back for alignment.

How it currently looks...