Precision steering - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

monheganview · #1 05-11-2003, 07:31 PM

I'm looking for a 1987 to 1995 300D in good condition with precise steering. In the past week two 1995 E300D MB's with 95000 miles were dirven. One wandered and the other was precise. (I assume it was a difference in owner history-use and tires.) The 1990 TE with Dunlop Sport 5000 tires we have is in between these two for precise steering and road feel. At low speeds our MB is so so but at 75 mph it is alive. Were any of these suspensions more or less precise during this time frame?

#2 05-11-2003, 08:03 PM

I am not a fan of Dunlop anything on my '94 wagon. Try new tires. From what I've read the earlier W124 suspension is nimbler than the one in my 1994 W124.

monheganview · #3 05-12-2003, 11:26 PM

DTF

Thank you.
Finding a good 300D has been a challenge. Steering response will be a key to a purchase.
The Dunlop tires were purchased after a lot of reading of opinioins...but I find them very harsh. They were not the road feel performance tire I had hoped for. After more review the car will have Bridgestone Turanza LS-H tires put on in a couple of days....I hope they will be less harsh...

william rogers · #4 05-13-2003, 02:26 AM

my Euro 500 SE gets more stable the faster you go! kind of a scary thought as so do fines.I think we should start a movement for one North South and one East West Autobhan like hiway with no speed limits. Guess they tried it in Montana but too many crazy cowboys in claped out pick up trucks thought it was the best idea since free beer........
William Rogers.......

rwthomas1 · #5 05-13-2003, 07:49 PM

I wouldn't discount a car simply because it was a little loose. This can be anything from needing an alignment to a completely shot frontend. A complete prepurchase inspection should reveal problems like this and the cost to fix them. The 123's steering is notoriously sloppy but I believe the 124 you are seeking is much better. Find the best maintained car you can, get it inspected and then worry about fixing what likely is a minor problem-and should be pre-diagnosed in the inspection! RT

monheganview · #6 05-13-2003, 08:49 PM

Yes it is quite remarkable how stable the 300TE is above 60. This must be when the caffeine takes hold and the car wakes up. The 123 we had was quite loose. I should have replaced the steering box, but had it adjusted at the dealer as best they could. The 240 was driven from 130k to 260k. These bumpy New England roads may add significantly to normal wear. I agree totally with a thorough prepurchase review....but it is so difficult to find 1987 to 1995 300D vehicles in this area, within the budget I do not want to stretch too much. I may end up buying one with records, and well maintained, then shipping it here...and working through repairs.

#7 05-14-2003, 07:54 AM

The 124 steering boxes are much more durable in this regard than the 123's. The 124, on the other hand, has a five bar link rear suspension. If any of those links are loose, it will do all sorts of strange things.

You just need to diagnose the suspension, both front and rear, before buying the car, so that you know what it will take to make it right. Don't forget shocks and loose wheel bearings as possible causes.

Diagnose before acting!

Good luck,

monheganview · #8 05-16-2003, 10:27 PM

Thank you for comments and guidance...today I spoke with a fairly knowledgable service manager at the area MB dealership...and his comments were as follows: the 1987 through 1995 had basically the same steering system. He thought some of the parts numbers were probably different, but the system was not really defferent in terms of precision steering during these years.

Another comment from a dealership was that the system was refined somewhat through these years.

From what I read here, it comes down to tolerances and tires. If all the "linkages" are tight - within this group of cars - and there is a quality set of tires on the car - then it is time to go fishing or play tennis... wishful thinking. Thanks again.