Greetings:

I am the new owner of a 1988 560 SEL, what a car!
I love "road cars" and this is one of them.
Anyway, I am going to start to make some performance mods to the car and would like to know what mods others have done based on the most gains for the least money.
I am mainly interested in handling mods and not "break neck" off the line acceleration.

For instance, I also own a VW GTI 16 Valve that corners like it is on rails. When I take a good corner in the MB, I slide over on the seat before I reach the potential of the cars cornering ability. Anyone changed seats or "added" supports to the seat to lower the lateral movement?

So, what is your opinion on the order to make the changes??

Thanks, Timberock

. . . relax and enjoy your new drive. I compare driving my 500SEL to a fine piece of Chesterfield furniture on wheels, they simply ain't designed to be thrown around like your VW. Mine is now in the shop having both heads off for a decoke, valves and springs done as well as the chains, tensioner and rails. This is the way I pamper my old girl, should be good then for another 100,000 miles !

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1993 190E 2.0L (Euro.) sold
1991. 500 SEL (Euro.)
1991. 300 CE (Euro.) sold
1993. 500 E (U.S. spec.)

Check out Bergwerks.com For the money, in my opinion, the best mod you can make for better acceleration is getting the car to start off in 1st gear instead of 2nd. You'll get quicker acceleration off the line without modifying the engine at all. Then I'd make sure your engine is running in top shape by a full tune up with new cap/rotor. Once that's done, I'd get a K&N filter and change the exhaust. You'll pick up a few hp but more importantly shed a lot of weight by changing the exhaust. Beyond that if the car needs new shocks/struts, you could go to either Bilsein HD or Koni adjustables. I've read posts form people on this forum that say they had good experiences with performance springs and Bilstein HD shocks&struts. Just do a search and you'll find them

Good luck,

Ron B.

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Thanks,
Ron Brooks

I have done most of the standard mods to my 89 Euro 560SEL

H&R springs
17in Monoblocks
Bergwerks 1st gear start kit
One touch windows
Cats removed
Clear front side and rear lenses
80/130w headlamps
Illuminated sill plates

Next is a monotone paint scheme and fitting a power drivers exterior mirror.

Matt.