Side note on the 500E struts. The early struts use an M12 horizontal bolt to clamp the strut to the knuckle. The later struts use an M14 bolt. I believe the torque spec was also increased to 200Nm as well (!). The only 124 chassis to use this M14 bolt are the late 500E, all 400E, and the convertible coupes. All other 124's (except 4Matics) use the M12 bolt. Oddly, the EPC only shows the new 129 steering knunckle, used above a certain VIN. It does NOT show what knuckle was used before that! I wonder which part it was? Hmmm. That lends some credence to my theory that the 500E brakes would bolt up to older cars' knuckes with no mods required. Also, the rubber bump stop used on the 500E strut shaft is specific to the 500E.

On my cars, I'd prefer to use the same springs on all 4 corners instead of a mix & match (all 500E, all Sportline, all Neuspeed, etc.) So if I swtich to 500E springs I would do all of them. The dampers are not as easy because I don't have self-leveling. I guess I could use rear Sportlines, KONI's, or Bilstein Sports to match a set of early 500E struts up front... but I haven't a clue which would be the best match. My current ride with Neuspeed springs IS harsh all the time, probably equal to (or worse than?) the Sportline springs. I've never used the factory Sportline setup so I don't know for sure.

I currently have the Sportline 16.5mm rear bar and plan to upgrade to the 500E 18.0mm rear bar soon.


Regards,

__________________
Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!

You can download the PDF-files I made at:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1039/mercedes/

First download mbna040_025a.pdf and then pdf-file for your model 124, 129, 140, 201 or 202. There are two kits to buy if you install AMG wheels on your 124: Fender flare kit #B6 602 0073 and Spring Compression kit #B6 602 0074 .

AMG Light Alloy wheels for 124 (from 040_025a):
8.5 x 17 ET30 tire 235/45ZR17
7.5 x 17 ET42 tire 225/45ZR17
7.5 x 16 ET31 tire 205/50R16
7.0 x 15 ET25 tire 205/60R15

My stock car using 7.5 x 17 ET35 with Kumho 712 ECSTA 225/45ZR17 did rub (the plastic shields) but with 215/45ZR17 no problem.

__________________
Patrik Sjoblom....1993 MB 320 CE......Bought Jan 2001. Only 16.8 mpg
Stockholm.........Silvermetallic....DEFA immobilizer/alarm + Original larm
SWEDEN............17x7.5 ET35 wheels with 215/45-17 Kumho 712 ECSTA .

patrik_the_swede,

Great files. Do you have info for pre 1990 w124's. I assume the instructions are the same, but I have learned that assuming is dangerous and costly.

Thanks,
George

George,

I have some other Mercedes wheel install PDF's at this URL:

http://www.meimann.com/docs/mercedes/

Most of it applies to all 1986-95 models (except the 500E of course). For 86-89 models, the front fender spacer kit may not be needed, depending on how wide your wheel/tire package is. The 90-up wide lower side moulding would contact the tire and therefore the spacers were needed for clearance. You may still need to roll the fender lips, again depending on the package & wheel offset (which is critical on these cars.)


Good luck,

__________________
Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!