Hi,
I am wondering what the difference between handling is between the 124 sedan and wagon.
Actually I should say, what the factory design philosophy for wagon handling, as compared to the sedan is.
For example, BMW makes it a point to note that there is virtually no difference in the way their 5 series sedans and wagons handle.
The reason I ask this is that the handling on 95 E320T is suboptimal. I just cant find another to which to compare this with. Hence, if there is consensus here that the wagon and sedan should handle similarly, I might drive a sedan to get an approximation of where my wagon is.
Thanks
farrukh

The W124 300E sedan and estate/wagon have the same track and wheelbase. Of course, the wagon is heavier, and it does have the self-levelling suspension. However, the 500E also has the self-levelling suspension, so you should be able to make the wagon handle as well as the 500E with the proper upgrades.

A W124 300E and especially the W124 SportLine, handle much better IMHO than the 500E due to the reduction in weight (both unsprung and static).

Hope this helps,

:-) neil

whatever handling differences there will be, would also be attributed to differences in weight distribution. Although the wagon will be heavier, it can be expected to have a better weight distribution than the sedan, i.e. nearer to 50/50. A weight distribution nearer to this figure makes for more neutral handling and maximum use of all 4 contact patches.

Farrukh:

Subjectively, I'd say my 94 E320 wagon handles (drives, rides, corners) better than my wife's 92 300E. Both are fine cars, however.

Bill

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Bill
92 300E (Black/Grey interior: wife's car)
94 E320 Wagon (White/Saddle interior, Eibach springs, '96 E420 16 x 7.5 wheels)

MB used to have an on-track performance driving outting for dealers once a year. In 1993 we(service dept.) were able to go to Charlotte N.C. & drive all of the M.B.'s & other cars on track & autocross. Almost everyone there had faster times in the W124 wagon than any other car. The sportline 190E 2.6 was the exception.

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190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
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Retired Moderator

That's interesting also because a wagon is about an inch taller than a sedan, and I am not talking about the roof racks.

Compare a wagon side-by-side to a sedan. Check the space between the top of the doors and the roof (not including the roof rack in any way).

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

that is impressive. i would have said that you couldnt feel the difference in your seat of pants but that the wagon would be a little slower in the slalom due to the extra weight and higher center of gravity.

cool!

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.