I want my 87 300 to handle like a real MB again - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

latitude500 · #1 04-04-2010, 05:42 PM

I had a chance to drive a 1994 MB this last weekend that I converted and was blown away with the handling and precision of the ride. I know my 87 300 sdl isn’t a 4 inch dropped rice rocket Honda. But what can I do dollar for dollar that will improve the handling of the car. She seems to want to float all over the place.

So far I’ve replaced all the shocks with Bilstein and replaced all needed rubber with them. I’ve also replaced the front wheel bearings and I’ve ordered my urethane rear sway bar bushings. About two months ago I replaced the trannie and motor mounts along with the tie rods. So what other parts am I looking at replacing.

I’ve done some research on subframe mounts, but I couldn’t find anything on my car to tell me what type of a job I’m getting myself into. I know by talking to Phil, that the parts are going to be 55.00 to replace. Seems pretty cheap, what type of job would this be getting me in to, how hard would it be.

Thanks for your help,
Michael

turbobenz · #2 04-04-2010, 06:03 PM

Lower it (i used eibach springs), half inch rake, new LCA bushings, guide rod mounts, ball joints, UCA's, steering dampener (important and only $24), Bushings everywhere you can afford to replace. 16 or 15 inch tires (i recommend 16"s but 15's ride nicer) and buy really good tires. Mercedes hate bad tires (mb's are sensitive to out of balance tires and cheap tires go out of balance if you take a corner hard and the vibration will drive you nuts). Have an alignment done after all that

Wodnek · #3 04-04-2010, 08:40 PM

I am not into lowering mine.

Replacing all the bushings, subframe mounts, and if you have a bit of slop in the steering purchase an idler arm repair kit.

It should handle like new with all new rubber parts.

You don't say which 94 you drove, but if it was a 124, the 126 will never be quite as tossable. That said, the steering should be really tight, and there should be no wandering, and minimal body lean around tight turns.

latitude500 · #4 04-05-2010, 12:20 PM

Thank you for your comments. Is there a right up on the idle repair kit. I was able to find the parts, but I'm a little lost on how to go about installing it.

I'm also going to be looking into replacing the lca bushings, and subframe mounts.

Thanks for your help,

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=&yearid=1987%40%401987&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6213%3AMBC%7C1512%3AED%7C10000100%40%40300SDL&keyword=idle&subcatid=P:241630@@Idler+Arm+Repair+Kit&mode=PA