Assuming that you own and want to setup a 500E/E500 the way you would like, what modifications would you like to see for a car that would see the highway most of the time and the occasional track event?

The most extreme idea's are welcome and feel to free to ramble on if you like.

Well, if cost is no object I want a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6.x liter engine.

Somehow, I'd like to put the car on a diet. About 500 lbs less would be ideal, I think.

Ok, on to more realistic upgrades that I hope to actually carry out over the next 18 months or so:
18" wheels/tires
Traction control defeat switch
Braided SS brake lines
Maybe a chip
Maybe exhaust

For some semi-realistic dreaming, I'd like to figure out a way to change the lighting in the instrument cluster...I'm not really into white face gauges but I do like the fluorescent lighting in the newer cars. A couple more gauges, maybe where the ashtray is: volts and oil temp. would be useful.

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Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

If I had a 500E, I'd want it to be similar to Run EXE's car.

He has done some great looking mods to the car, as well as some nice under hood mods.

I'm sure his car is a real screamer and I can't wait to see what he does next.

Hey Run, When ya coming down to LA to hang with the Southern Cali MB Shop Members? hehe. I'm sure you could make it in a few hours.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

If it's only occasional track events, which is how I use my car, here's what I'd do (or am in the process of doing myself):

1.)Switch to synthetics throughout-I run Mobil 1 15W50 in the crankcase, Red Line Syn Trans fluid, Red Line Syn Diff fluid, and supplement the MBZ coolant with Water Wetter. I also use Ate Super Blue Dot4 brake fluid, and change it yearly. It's worth all the extra protection.
2.)Upgrade your brakes: I did Ate Powerdiscs because it's a cheap upgrade to slotted rotors. I have run my car on the track, and since I experienced no fade after 30 minute sessions of flogging the car on a road course I'd say they do commendably. But if you have $$$ burning a hole in your pocket, upgrade the brakes to 600E-spec (320mm front rotors, up from 300) or do a set of those monster Porsche brakes
3.)SS Brake lines-I just ordered a set, and for $75ish it's a cheap upgrade
4.)Bigger, stickier rubber-weigh the wear/stickiness characteristics you can live with. My Pilot XGT-Z4s in 245/45-17 have taken a tremendous beating, and have still lasted 27k mi. so far
5.)Front sway bar-if you live where the roads are smooth, then AMG or RennTech can sell you a stiffer bar that'll tighten things up a bit
6.)Stuff a huge motor in it-if you have to ask why, then you don't get it
7.)Drop it-I'd personally go the AMG route and retain the adaptive rear suspension

Hope this helps. Enjoy your car!

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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

Mine currently has staggered AMG Monoblocks with 235/40x18s in front and 275/35x18s in the rear. Lights have been upgraded to Xenons. That's the way I got it (which was two weeks or so ago)

It will be undergoing a 94 facelift tomorrow, together with an oil cooler. When the tires do wear out, i'll either be replacing them with 245/40x18s up front and 285/35x18s in the back or "downgrade" a bit to 17 inchers (due to road conditions here) and get a set of EVO IIs with 245/45x17s all around.

A primo sound system (posted elsewhere in this forum) will be put in after the facelift to make the car a true all rounder (for those who can't appreciate the rumble of the engine and for leisurely cruising). Unfortunately, this *might* necessitate the upgrading of the alternator.

I've just ordered an ASR defeat switch from RENNTech so I guess that's the next iteration.

The remaining mods to be done include the following:
- RENNTech transmission cooler with fan
- First gear start valve body (still debating whether I get this from RENNTech or Satish as I'm trying to understand the difference in execution of both...any opinions? Anyone?)
- RENNTech carbon fiber air cleaner.
- RENNTech limited slip differential (to take full advantage of both the ASR defeat and 1st gear start --but only if they send me a whole diff for the price they quote. I'm not about the ship my differential halfway around the world! Imagine trouble shooting that!)


The following would be nice but not necessary:
- Eprom upgrade (but I would probably have to send local fuel samples to the tuner to see if the fuel in my neck of the woods is compatible, otherwise it might just be a waste or potentially harmul as the engine might run too lean)
- Timevalve center muffler Y pipe
- RENNTech front sway bar (but it might make the ride too stiff for our less than perfect city roads)
- RENNTech or AMG lowering kit (only if the hydraulic system will remain operative)

If cost were no object, the following would be considered:
- supercharger with the consequent bulge in the hood
- Xenon beams in place of the driving lamp, and xenon fog lamps (can you say "Daylight"?)
- Movit brakes

Oh, and a normal handbrake would be nice!

[Edited by rainmaker on 06-03-2001 at 12:11 PM]

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Rainmaker
93 500E, 43k mi, Pics of upgrade parts
Evo II Wheels on Dunlop FM901 235/45x17s
94 Facelift
RennTech CF Airbox
RennTech ASR Defeat
RennTech Chip
1st Gear Start
97 Range Rover 4.6 HSE Vitesse, Yellow, "Tonka" (sold)

Thank you very much, Alon, for your compliments; I most appreciate them.

I may drive down to Los Angeles in 6 months or so...
If I do, I will definitely stop by and say hello.

If you ever plan a trip to the Bay Area, please let me know and I will be happy to recommend some hotels/restaurants/day trips/etc.

Kind regards,

Hmmmn... what modifications would improve a car like that?

Well, I have been speaking to Satish about some mods I plan to make to my car presently (a '94 E500) and here's what I am thinking about -

Currently my car has is stock excepting a PAD chip, and upgraded wheels/tires (now rolling 17" x 8.5" AMG Monoblock II's with Dunlop SP5000s

I am planning to add ASR defeat and 1st gear start mods, and the perhaps something a little more radical?
By changing the final stage from a 300TD (am I getting this right, Satish?) I should be able to marginally increase my torquy-ness, and shave a little time off of accelleration, by sacrificing a dozen miles/hour off the top end...

In Canada, the speed limit on freeways is about 63MPH, and I rarely go faster that 140MPH myself, so it's not a problem for me as a non-race driver.

Good luck!

John Epstein
'94 E500
'88 750iL
'89 ZX10

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'94 E500 (Black on Black)
'88 750iL (Black on Black)
'89 Kawasaki ZX10 Ninja

Hey John. If your in the Calif area. My friends mercedes shop does awesome trans work. He did my 1st gear start, in my 500E. The damn thing flys now. Renntech,and all those other companies charge soo much. For a complete valve body, my friend does it for a fraction of the and it retains your OEM valve body which is nice. Where you planning on sending your car to a trans shop or do the work yourself. He installs all new valves and not just replacing springs like some places do.



give Oscar a call at

STAR PERFORMANCE
(310) 477-2778

West Los Angeles Tell him Guido told you about the
converstion.

The valve body modification is completely unnecessary. PLUS, it's permanent. An electronic method for first gear start on the 722.3 transmission is MUCH better. Not only is it more consistant, it is:

1. reversible (can be removed quickly without touching the transmission or valve body)

2. it is defeatable (for wet weather and winter use)

3. it is solid state so much more reliable

4. it is cheaper

5. it ALWAYS takes on the first try, without messing with the control pressures, etc.

Any questions? Call me: (248) 737-4229.

Regards,

Satish - PS, if anyone is interested in this modification, I WILL be out in the LA area for 2 weeks during July. I'd be happy to install this mod out there as well for someone.