190E Suspension Upgrade recommendations?

[fiero4819]

I have a 1991 190e 2.6 liter. I am replacing the rear end since it started making a lot of noise. I got a low mileage replacement from a salvage yard and instead of sending just the differential, they sent the entire rear subframe! I'd like to take advantage of this and upgrade the entire suspension - from sway bars to bushings to springs/struts. What combination sway bars should I use on the front and rear? I've seen bits and pieces about the Sportline swaybars as well as using sway bars from other models. What is a good combination? And then of course, where can I get them? Most MB on-line parts suppliers seem to not have sway bars.

I've used urethane bushings in other cars. What do you recommend for the 190? I've seen bushings of various materials available. And are there alternate materials for the subframe mounting bushings?

Are there any other parts I should consider upgrading?

2phast's brake upgrade will be next.

Thanks!

[MTI]

Suspension tuning is a very specialized/personal thing. The key is what are you trying to achieve and what are you willing to give up to get it? While a "stiff" suspension may sound like a higher performance setup, it can also be annoying in daily driving in the city. There are "stages" of tuning that can be done. If you want close to "full race" then using 500E or Evo sway bars and cutting the springs from a R129 will give you that, but you better be sure your teeth fillings are all tight!

If you're interested in the W124 brake upgrade, Potomac German has an Ebay auction going now. All four calipers for $299.99, Here buy it now priced.

[fiero4819]

In setting up my suspension then, what are general ratios I should maintain for the diameter of the front to rear? Is there one? I don't want to drastically affect the steering characteristics.

I think I also want to replace the bushings with polyurethane since I did this in another car (not an MB) and I was pleased with the results. Who carries them though? And does this include the subframe bushings? I'd think replacing them with an alternate material would jar the body too much.

I'd also like to replace the springs with performance springs but don't want to drastically affect the height much. Any recommencations - or at least who carries them so I could get additional information?

Thanks.

[gsxr]

I would simply use the factory Sportline parts for the springs, sway bars, front control arm bushings, and rear subframe bushings. After you have that done, if you want it even stiffer, then consider upping to the 500E and EVO sway bar setup, or race springs, or something. But just rebuilding the suspension completely to Sportline specs - AND putting on some fat wheels & tires (16 or 17 inch, 7.0-7.5" wide) will make a HUGE difference while not totally killing the ride quality. (Hey, if you want a go-kart that seats 4, buy an old M3... )

A copy of the Mercedes EPC (dealer parts catalog on CD-ROM) can be a big help since you can get all the Sportline part numbers. The guys at FastLane (link above) can probably help too.

[gsxr]

BTW - the E420 brake upgrade is awesome, but not cheap. Figure $350 shipped for the calipers from PGA, plus another $75 for new pads (make that $225 if you want Porterfield pads), $300+ for new rotors, $125 for new front splash shields (optional), and $40 for G2 caliper paint/epoxy (if you want them to look pretty). Damn near $1000 when it's all done. Just cut the rear splash shields like Rik did, replacing them with larger ones costs a fortune since the wheel bearings get destroyed on removal. I'm doing a similar upgrade to my W124 with early 500E brakes (the E420 stuff won't fit.)