W140 Harsh Ride & Wind Noise

[benm]

I have a 95 S320 (W140) and contrary to popular opinion find the ride quite harsh. A lot of the suspension has been recently replaced (front & rear shocks, lower control arm bushes, front ball joints, rear springs & pads, rear camber and thrust arms, and front and rear subframe bushes) and this has helped a lot but I still find it harsh on rough roads mainly from the front end. It is most apparent when both front wheels hit a bump at the same time (i.e. crossing a railtrack) whereas my W124 feels a lot smoother in this situation.

I am wondering if it is due to the width of the tyres (235/65/16 Michelin Primacy) or if something is still amiss. About the only thing not replaced at the front are the upper wishbones, although I cannot detect any wear or play in these, and the springs & pads.

I also get a lot of wind noise from the wing mirrors, worst on the drivers side. The drivers door seal was replaced but this did not help much.

[Tinker]

What shocks did you purchase to the replace the factory units?

Tinker

[sixto]

What's your tire pressure? The recommended/spec tire pressure for 140s is pretty low compared to other large cars.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[benm]

The shocks were replaced with Bilstein models.

Currently I run with 31 psi at the front and 34 psi at the rear. Certainly if the tyre pressure is reduced the ride is more comfortable but I am loath to run at pressures below the MB recommended values. The front tyres are nearing the end of their life (2mm remaining) and I imagine new tyres will help.

I was wondering if a V rated tyre as opposed to the current W rated tyres would have a softer more supple sidewall. Unfortunately we don't have autobahns in the UK so I am unlikely to be driving anywhere near the maximum rated speed of the tyres.

[W140 S600]

When you change the tires i would recommend either continetals or pirelli p rezo neros(both got great reviews from tirerack)...I have BFG T/As on my car and the ride is not that great, lots of road noise. There is absolutly nothing wrong with running at the recommended tire pressures found in the gas tank flap. Also, check the suspention switch on the bottom right side of the ashtray, if it is on, the ride will be quite harsh, makes the cds skip on my pops car.

[Hatterasguy]

W140 S600's dads car doesn't ride hard even with low profile tires on 18in wheels! It isn't a super cloud like, like American cars like a Caddy or Lincoln but it is a very soft riding car.

As for the wind noise their should be no wind noise.

[W140 S600]

It used to ride real smooth with the stock tires, but the loss in ride quality was nothing compared to the much more aggressive stance the amgs gave the car...plus the added stability and ability to cruise at 90 during heavy rain

[Hatterasguy]

Yeah big wheels really make the W140! It is such a massive car it can wear 20's and they won't look to big!

[W140 S600]

I not sure, but anything bigger than 19 is two big...some cars can pull it off like the brabus k8 SL, with 19s in back and 18s up front...besides, dont want to look like a drug dealer...jk :p

[Hatterasguy]

Yeah 20's are getting a little blinging but the W140 can still not look like to much of a drup dealers car with them.

[DaveL]

I replaced most of the front suspension compenents in my 92 500sel, and installed 18" Lorinsers on Conti CH90s (235/265 staggered).

Granted, it isn't "cloud like" 70s Caddy ride, but that is not what I want, either.

The ride is quite comfortable, and yet still sorted out enough for spirited driving.

My mom (who complains about most things) found the ride in my 140 to be excellent.

The wind noise (from anything, including mirrors) is minimal.

-David

[sixto]

As to my comment on tire pressure, I mentioned it because the inflation guide in the S420 says 27 psi all around for normal driving. I run 35 psi all around for better mpg and the ride is noticeably harsher.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL