W126 Suspension Upgrade Done Yesterday, car handles fantastic!
 

1983 W126 280SEL (M110 Engine), riding on 15-inch MB wheels and 205/60/R15 tires.

Swapped my stock springs n shocks to new Vogtland (Germany) "Red Violet" Lowering Springs & KONI Red shocks yesterday, and the car now handles like a gem. Body-roll is gone (so far I've tried cornering at 80kph without any hint of roll), pick-up has improved dramatically due to the lowered front end, and braking is sharper n decisive than before. Ride is firm but not harsh. No fender rubbing. Car feels like it wants to be pushed into corners, really a GREAT difference, and I'm soooo happy! :D

Here's the details:
Stand-alone height difference between Stock & Vogtland spring: 9cm (front)
Stand-alone height difference between Stock & Vogtland spring: 4cm (rear)
Fender Gap before installation: 8cm (front); -ve 2cm (rear) due to worn shocks
Fender Gap after installation: 0.5cm (front); 3cm (rear)
Spring pads before installation: 3 bip (front); 3 bip (rear)
Spring pads after installation: 2 bip (front); 3 bip (rear)
KONI shocks set at softest setting.

Handling is simply wonderful, my only question is: is my front too low? I could replace the 2 bip spring pad with a 4 bip pad, and that will give me a front fender gap of 2.5 cm. Any comments?

Mervyn
Singapore
REMUS Twin DTM Exhaust & rear muffler
DBA cross-drilled & slotted front rotors
Coming soon: 18 inch wheels

Vogtland (Germany) "Red Violet" Lowering Springs KONI Red shocks

Pics
 

Do You have a picture of your car?
I'd like to see the "Stance"


thanks,

barndoor

'85 380SE

barndoor,

I havent got down to taking pics yet, but I'll do so over the weekend. Will post them here, since a picture is worth a thousand words.

Mervyn

Heres a picture of my '85 380SE in front of one of my favorite signs.

Great job, Merv- Can't wait to see the 18" wheels!!

I had my tyres changed in Singapore recently. Much cheaper than if I did it here: Michelin Primacy 205-65-15.

You might want to rust proof your MB, now that its in great condition!

Drive it up to KL one day ... your engine needs some breeze running through the speed-needle!

:)

YMsin,

Sure, will let u know when I'm driving up to KL. Meanwhile, the driving experience is totally new with the suspension upgrade, and I'm enjoying every moment of it. Just can't get enough of the firm ride and solid handling, and I've been throwing the 126 into every corner turns whenever there's a chance.

:D

Mervyn
PS. the 18-inchers wont be so soon, and they'll most likely come form Japan. Here's a potential candidate that comes in MB 126 specs (offset, PCD etc.)