Suspension mods to '93 400e

Howdy,

I have a 400e with a stock suspension... and 110k on the clock. Any suggestions on getting a bit more out of the chassis? The car rolls waaay more than I'd like to see. I'd like the normal wishlist for a performance (luxury) car: less lean and crisper damping with a "reasonable" ride... I don't want to turn it into my former solo2 car (eibach race springs, tight dampers, ...) but want something a bit more aggressive than stock. I'm running Yoko AVS/db on the stock rims right now. In time I'll go more aggressive on the tires which will help some. Any comments on springs/ shocks/ bushings?

[Ashman]

Why not see if there is a mercedes sportline suspension kit for your car. If there is, its a very nice alternative to a more hardcore setup. The car will handle better and still give a very nice ride.

[ATATEXAN]

I have a 1994 E420 and had the same complaint relative to the wallowy ride of the W124 compard to my W201 16V. I think that I have the most elegant solution having converted my car with springs, shocks, and sway bars to an E500, all using stock parts. There were a few wrinkles but it was easy, relatively inexpensive, and the car rides and handles just like a 500. I am happy to share this with you if you like.

Howdy,

I'd be interested in the changes required to move my car closer to 500e territory. I've found out via MercedesShop parts that a sportline kit *is* available... contrary to my local dealers insistance that I must order a car from the factory that way. I'd love to understand my options, the sportline kit isn't exactly free...

TIA!

-jb

[-fad]

JackBishop- fyi-

E500Man will probably post invite here soon or on Hotrods forum for a SF Bay Area Saturday (8/18) Morning get together....maybe you can participate.


-fad

the 18th sounds like a strong possibility. Will have to check racing calendar to ensure I'm not double-booked.

How do I find out about events in CA (or NJ, Chicago where I spend a lot of my weeks)? Is there a Bay Area club page? Any ideas about other (local is relative) pages?

Thanks!

[-fad]

To my knowledge, this will be a 1st "social" gathering for SF Bay Area Mercedesshop types.

I'm not up on MB autocross, drag, ralley, or SCCA type events as I'm not a MB car club member (but I think that would be best source for each area).

If you are racing this weekend, I'm always interested in spectating MB entries. Pass on info is possible.

tks-fad

Hi FAD,

Likely should have been more explicit in racing: sailboats this weekend... gotta have more than one way to get the endorphin rush!

I'm not a MB club member either... I was for a year or so and didn't get much out of it. Maybe I should rejoin...

[-fad]

Hey Jack- sailboat racing!!!.....very serious business....I volunteered to be crew once.... for "fun" and had a killer workout (mentally and physically).

Hope you'll be able to join us Mercedesshop types soon.

My social time and identity isn't all MB related, so I've shy'd away from MB Club stuff myself. I'm always up for a car show though.

-fad

Originally posted by ATATEXAN
I have a 1994 E420 and had the same complaint relative to the wallowy ride of the W124 compard to my W201 16V. I think that I have the most elegant solution having converted my car with springs, shocks, and sway bars to an E500, all using stock parts. There were a few wrinkles but it was easy, relatively inexpensive, and the car rides and handles just like a 500. I am happy to share this with you if you like.

Hi Charles,

I would be very interested in knowing as much as you have time to tell me about these mods, including the "E-Code". What is that exactly.

Thanks for taking the time...

Best Regards,

Steve Schwegler

[ItalianBenz]

Jack I rec Bilstien sports shocks all the way around for youe car. also I have a set of springs from a 1974 SL500 which are stock but have more of a progressive dampening than your stock springs on your 400E. The 500SL are heavier cars than our E classes. So these would be great progessive sport springs for you. Let me know if your interested. My customer had them on his car but he wanted to lower the car more so Installed some H&R's for him . This is why I have them .
Let me know thanks






Guido
Factory Tech Mercedes Benz 13 yrs.
1993 500E pearl/grey 89K

[bobjohnston]

Did you say that there IS a sportline kit for the 400E/E420? I'd be very interested in this if it is. So far, I've been told that the kit only would work on the 300E/CE/E320 given the higher weight of the V8 cars. To me, it seems like the springs and swaybars together with Bilstein HD's might work well. The car is less than 200 lbs heavier, that's only 50/ wheel. Just doesn't seem that much different. I've driven ATATEXAN's E500 suspension conversion. It DOES handle great, just a little firm for my taste. Has anyone tried the sportline parts on a 400E or E420? Opinions?

So I'm a bit confused... Phil Reinhardt (888.333.4642, parts @MercedesShop.com) thought a 400e kit existed, but now it appears to not be for the v8 cars. Factory kit is highly interesting for me... they likely know the car better than aftermarket does, have deeper pockets for R&D, etc.

He's looking into what the parts would be if a v8 kit were to exist, stay tuned... I'll post info here when I find it.


-jb

[E55 KEV]

AMG Suspesnion Kit Part # - 1243200530

This kit includes 4 Springs/2 Struts/2 Shocks. Make inquiry at dealer to see which years and if it fits 8 Cylinders W124.