MercedesShop is considering putting together a kit for W124 owners that would include all of the Mercedes OE parts necessary to convert a W124 (300E/E320 400E/E420) to Sportline suspension specs. This would include front and rear springs, struts, sway bars, shock absorbers, bushings and mounts. All totalled there are about 20 parts included.

The great thing about this conversion is that it gives you a major handling improvement without sacrificing ride quality. Mercedes designed it...what else would you expect! It also keeps your car all Mercedes which means that you can use the Mercedes recommended alignment specs, etc that are set for the Sportline option. The conversion also lowers the car somewhat which gives it a different look.

We think we can assemble this kit and offer it for less than $1,400 + shipping. Since we would have to special order all of these parts, we want to get a sense for the possible demand first.

If you would seriously consider purchasing this kit or have further questions, please reply to this post. Also, let us know what model & year W124 you have.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

I'm VERY interested in doing up my '88 300TE as a Sportline. Does the conversion apply to the Wagons as well (with the exception of the load-leveling shocks...as I understand it per Benzmac, it can be adjusted to accept the new ride height)? If so, would the package be cheaper since I wouldn't need the rear shocks?

Thanks in advance...great site!

Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

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The issue of the star only covers W124 6-cyl sedans. Coupes, wagons, and V8's are a different story. Even among the sedans there are some parts that vary by VIN. We at Mercedesshop are trying to compile a complete conversion for each/every model and bodystyle possible. For all you 400E/E420 owners out there we should be able to get something for you as well. In any case, we should be able to offer you an ultra complete suspension package that is true OEM quality and at a comparable price to what tuners do just shocks/springs for. The more interest there is, the more we can offer.

Lee

Very interested, I don't want the hard slam of the Eibach's or H&R springs, Sportline sounds like the perfect way to go for the "needs to be rebuilt anyway suspension".
I just got the Star Sept/October 97 issue, It's not a "how to" just part #'s. and not all are correct.
Will your "kit" include the lower control arm bushing kit, and rear sub frame mounts?
Let me,(us) know!
BTW have you heard of a K-MAC rear camber compinsator?
Chris C.
86' 300E

[This message has been edited by Chris C. (edited 07-27-1999).]

We can supply all of the parts you saw in the article but, all you really need to get most of the performance are the springs, struts and sway bars. Most likely we will offer a "stage I" with the minimum parts and a "stage II" with all of the parts.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

How soon do you think these packages will be offered? I was getting ready to do tires and Bilsteins when I heard about your proposed Sportline package, but would rather hold off until after I do the Sportline mods. BTW, none of the MBZ sites I have visited come close to this site for design, ease of use, or value of content. I use the site so often my wife has suggested we put a "www.peachparts.com" license plate frame on the car!

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JCE
87 300E 53,000 miles
Shadow Silver

JCE,
Thank you for your kind words. We are trying to sort out several "stages" for the Sportline stuff. You can probably get 90% of the gains with the springs, struts, and swaybar. To get every single part would drive up installation cost and not offer much more performance than the base.
A tentative outline would be stage 1 giving just the springs and shocks, stage 2 giving springs/shocks/swaybars, stage 3 being the full conversion. Which would you be most interested in? This isn't finalzied yet but that is where we are heading. If we required a "test mule" would there be any volunteers?

BTW, we can get you front "MercedesShop" liscense plates if your interested in something like that.

Lee

My compulsive nature says to go with a stage 3 (all sportline parts), but my wallet would probably limit me to a stage 1 or 2. Let's talk about the test mule concept - I could be a volunteer, but am located in SoCal - maybe a bit remote for your purposes? Anyway, it is worth exploring. Maybe a 1-2-3 sequenced installation with subjective reports between each stage? Write it up for the web site, maybe the Star? Lots of options.

I would be interested in a mercedesshop front license plate. I think CA requires 2 plates, but like tinted windows, street use of "off road" lights, and funny truck bumper heights, doesn't seem to be more than another California feel good law.

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JCE
87 300E 53,000 miles
Shadow Silver

Lee,

If you want a TE test mule, let me know! After all, it IS critical that you consider a wagon, no....?

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