I am going to upgrade the tires/wheels/suspension on my 94 e420 w/94K. I intend to lower it with a pad/spring replacement, replace the f/r bars, new Bilstein shocks, and go to 16 maybe 17" (opinions please) wheels with wider tires. i don't intend to roll the fenders. I am not after the boy racer thang, but I would really like to tap the potential of this wonderful car.

So..in doing these mods, what would the massive suggest as the order of procedure? wheels first? suspension? It seems cost effective, labor-wise (in the long run) to do all the suspension at one shot..though a lot of $$ too. Is this the right way? My thinking goes along the lines of: First lower the car, set up the suspension, then find the right wheel/tire combo that fits with lowered car.

Off-list emails from 94/5 e420 owners who have gone this route are especially appreciated. I have read the forum discussions, but it left me a little confused.

jp

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John Pazdan
94 E420

I would first do the wheels/tires first...no offense to Mercedes-Benz, but they 195/65HR-15's are really PATHETIC for a car with almost 280hp and 300lb-ft of torque...springs/shocks aren't goin' to do any good if you can't get the power to the floor!

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

Do a search on this forum--there is a LOT of info out there. But it goes like this:

1. Wheels/tires (225/50/16's or 225/45/17's--some get 235's on w/out fender roll; others bigger with)

2. Bilstein Sport shocks, Eibach Springs, 500E sway bars.

3. K&N Air filters w/new (Remus/AMG???) exhausts.

4. New rear-end (2.65, 2.82, 3.07/08)

Bottom line: handling first, more power (if you can find it), later

I strongly recommend 16s...17s will compromise ride likely more than you'd want, and the performance gain would be minimal to negligible vs. 16s.

FYI, 215/55-16 will fit on ET41 16" rims...I've got this setup on my 300D. I run 225/50-16 on the same rims on my TE, and those are an easy fit.

I agree with the advice proffered by Mitch; good luck!

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

I recently had a 95 M-B E420 and this is how I did it:

Eibach Pro-Kit springs and Bilstein Sport Shocks installed at the same time by the dealer. Very reasonable, did an alignment, lowered it a little over an inch all the way around, took care of the handling. Ride quality not compromised at all. NO PROBLEMS!

Next, I ordered from Tire Rack a set of 7.5" x 17" AMG Monoblock II alloys on 225 45 17 Pirellis. Fit fine, really helped the handling and getting power to the ground. Again, NO PROBLEMS!

I wanted some more tire in the back, so I replaced the 225s with 235s in the back. NO PROBLEMS.

Finally, I installed 235 45 17 tires on all 4 corners. Did NOT roll the fender lips. NEVER rubbed, scraped, etc. even with 4 people aboard. Was very happy with this setup. It looked great and handled much better.

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2000 E430 Sport (European Delivery)
Brilliant Silver/Ash Leather
Brabus Leather/Wood Sport Steering Wheel
PowerChip
Euro Front Bumper Strips, Debadged
E55 "Carbon Fiber" Door Pillar Trim
E55 Tail lights
E55 AMG/Bilstein Shocks
Eibach Springs, #1 Pads
H & R Sway Bars
Speed Yellow Calipers
18" x 8" SSR Integral Wheels
245/40ZR 18 Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Tires

1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
88K miles

Having just gone through exactly what you're experiencing now, there are plenty (if not TOO MANY) old threads to search through. My suggestion: do a search for "fuentes"... it'll show all the great advice people gave to me and the solutions. : )

Enjoy your ride,
-Dr. Julio Fuentes, BS MD PhD

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1995 Mercedes E420

Bilstein Sport Shocks
Eibach Sport Springs
ATE Slotted Front Rotors
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Motul Race Fluid
Euro Headlights w/PIAA superwhites
17" Monoblock Rims
K&N Air Filters
Matched Leather/Burlwood Shift Knob
S Class Leather/Burlwood Steering Wheel