I just installed a 5000e sway bar on my 1995 E420 last night.

It has made a considerable difference in body roll - most noticeable on long sweeping turns where tthe car used to roll considerably.

The car now corners much flatter - and feels much like the 1988 BMW 735i I used to have (which had amazing handling).

For $200, including the bar and 4 new bushings, this is one inexpensive upgrade that you can feel a noticeable difference with. I'd recommend it to any 400E / E420 owner out there.

I'm just wondering why Mercedes wouldn't have put this bar on the car to begin with. Maybe there's a price to pay somewhere else by putting on a stiffer bar, but I haven't noticed any change in ride quality at all.

Troy
1995 E420 98k

You just need to look at the customer demographics at the time (1990's) and who actually drove these cars.

Most were not too concerned with BMW-like handling.

Fast-forward fifteen+ years, and second or third owners, usually (not always) come from a demographic that appreciates a better handling (usually stiffer) vehicle.

70's-90's Cadillacs were floaty soft, IMHO, but some of today's Caddy's ride just like a BMW and/or Mercedes.

:-) neil

Mite anyone know of an upgrade swaybar for a 94 S Class?

I bet there is a "limo" bar, probably from Europe.

:-) neil

Are you talking about the front or rear?

I have experimented with several sway bar combinations on my 300E and finally came up with a stock bar on front and 500E bar on the rear. It doesn't make much difference in body roll, but that does not matter. Stiffening the rear bar takes out some of the understeer. Stiffening the front bar puts in even MORE understeer.

The vast majority of cars intentionally have understeer in them for liability reasons. The average driver will sense the understeer and back off before getting into trouble. This makes the car safer for Grandma, thus cutting down on product liability risks.

Have a great day,