500e antisway bar on 16v - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jasondew · #1 06-20-2002, 11:04 PM

what modifications are involved with installing a 500e bar on my 16v? my understanding is that it is only slightly more complicated than R&R.

thanks

Alain V. · #2 06-20-2002, 11:49 PM

You need to cut about a half an inch off of each end (if I remember right) get the 500 bushings/brackets & flip them around because the 500 bar will fit closer towards the front than the stock one,,,,and do a little trimming/grinding off of each bracket where it bolts to the chassis.

Easy-easy thing to do if you have access to a grinder & a cut off saw or good hack saw.

yhliem · #3 06-21-2002, 02:11 AM

Alain,

Isn't the 500E sway bay in fact, not as rigid as the stock W124 bar? I've read several articles on the 500E that make this claim, stating that as a result of stiffer springs and shocks, a more limber sway bar was installed so as not to sacrifice a supple ride while at the same time increasing firmness.

Alain V. · #4 06-21-2002, 07:05 AM

I don't remember the exact size, but the 500e bar is quite a bit thicker than the 16v bar.
I have looked at most sway bars on 124&201 cars & belive the 500e bar is about the thickest stock one you can get. It is without a doubt- stiffer than a stock 16v bar.
The 500 bar is designed for a car that weighs nearly a thousand pounds more than the 16v.
When you put a 500e bar on the front of a 16v- there is a very noticeable change in roll.

I have done this conversion on many street 190s, and have used a 500e front on 3 different 190 racecars that I've built.
On the street it is fine, but for the track, you need to also firm up the rear to reduce understeer.

One note for those of you planning a Mosselman tubo for your 16v. In order to still use a 500e front bar with the turbo system,,,,the front swaybar needs to be lowered about an inch so that it won't interfere with the tube from the turbo to the bottom of the intercooler.

jasondew · #5 06-21-2002, 08:14 AM

alain,

good info. thanks. how do you lower the bar? i would think one only needs longer brackets, but where to get them? i would probably just install it like normal and make mods whenever i get my wife's approval for the turbo purchase.

thanks

2phast · #6 06-25-2002, 05:51 PM

The stock 500E bar is 28mm, the AMG E60 front sway bar is 29mm, so it is the largest available and made from a different material than the 500E bar, so it is definately your best choice. Also, you can get it through Bekkers.com, for me it was even less than the 500E bar from the dealer.

Alain V. · #7 06-25-2002, 10:46 PM

I only had to lower the front bar in order to "clear" the air tubing from the turbo to the intercooler.
I just made a couple of spacers out of a block of 6061 T6 aluminum I had sitting here & a couple of longer bolts.

I wouldn't do this until you are installing the turbo, since it kind of "reduces" the ground clearance of the front swaybar.
Priest's bar sow sits about "even" with the lower edge of the front spoiler.

#8 07-01-2002, 03:15 AM

How good is a 400E sway bar for an 8V 2.3 190?

ke6dcj · #9 07-03-2002, 01:29 AM

I have both the W124 SportLine bar and 1993 500E bar.

While the 500E bar is thicker in the front that crosses the engine, it is narrower at the bends so it is more progressive. The 500E doesn't need a very thick swaybar because the OE front shocks/dampers have built-in buffer springs for both compression and expansion. That's how the 500E has a luxury ride but stiffens up when pushed.

The W124 SportLine bar actually provides more resistance at the expense of a luxury ride.

I'd put a W124 SportLine bar in the wagon which is very inexpensive. I believe about $60 or less.
I also have 500E rear swaybar. At WillowSprings raceway, my wagon out handles the 500E.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

2phast · #10 07-03-2002, 01:27 PM

Thats a big sell point for people to get the AMG E60 bar and not the E500 bar. The 1 mm increase in size is only part of the re-design for the bar. Its incredible on a 2.6 190E BTW.

#11 07-03-2002, 08:18 PM

Does anyone at all have the slightest clue what a 400E sway bar would do for a 2.3L 8V 190's handling?

yhliem · #12 07-03-2002, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sisco2gs
Does anyone at all have the slightest clue what a 400E sway bar would do for a 2.3L 8V 190's handling?

it will reduce body roll, but also add a touch more push (understeer). not sure how much though.

It will most certainly improve the cornering.

#13 07-05-2002, 02:41 AM

Thanks Yhliem, now I cant wait to get my set delivered (I recently won a set in an auction from a member here).

jasondew · #14 07-05-2002, 01:51 PM

for those who have used the e60 front bar, e500 front bar, the EVO II rear bar, or other rear bar, how much did you pay for the bars and mounting accessories?

thanks

Alain V. · #15 07-05-2002, 03:36 PM

sway bars are actually pretty cheap from MBZ.
I think you can get a front bar w/brackets for a hundred bucks (or less).