How does your W126 ride??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hatterasguy · #1 03-21-2006, 10:41 PM

Ok here is an interesting queston. I think both of mine ride like Model T's honestly. The SDL has a fresh set of Bilstein comforts all the way around with pretty much all new suspension parts. The SD had the front end gone through by the PO about 5 years ago, has Bilsteins as well. Tire pressure 30 in the SD, 34 in the SDL with 225/55/16 tires.

Both ride very stiff you notice every freaken bump, expansion joint everything!

Compared to a W140, W220, XJ8, W210, G35, 3 and 7 series, they don't soak up the bumps and provide that silky smooth ride.

Also don't give me the stiff ride improves handling line, these cars don't really deliver much of what the suspension promises. A W140 will run circles around one in the corners.

Is it a 1980's thing? I don't remember 80's vintage Jags riding like this?

fahrgewehr2 · #2 03-21-2006, 10:58 PM

My 300SE rides exactly as you describe. I really never have been impressed.

My 300D is smoother and feels more solid to be honest. Soaks up bumps around town and I feel less shudder/shock through the steering wheel. Both have rebuilt front ends.

My old 116 was smoother riding than either, and was the most solid of the three. Out-cornered both too.

Don't think I will buy another 126. Keeping my eyes peeled for a 450SEL or maybe a 280E, with a 5 speed. 210 and 140 too flashy and modern. I prefer frumpiness.

wbain5280 · #3 03-22-2006, 12:01 AM

Mine wallows. I need new shocks.

Hit Man X · #4 03-22-2006, 04:56 AM

My SDL has new shocks on it and I too notice it stiff about town, but it feels fine on the open roads. SD is receiving new ones next week, I'll comment once installed.

Snibble · #5 03-22-2006, 05:06 AM

My 560 will be getting a suspension upgrade around summer...

purchased the last set of w126 springs sold by Lorinser and hope to find AMG shocks or Koni yellow's to go with them. I hope this will give the car a new tight feel on turns and handling.

blueeagle289 · #6 03-22-2006, 05:41 AM

I don't really get a rough ride in this car; it rides smoothly -- with power in all kinds of normal road situations, as I would expect. (My 99 ML rides a little stiffly, but that is to be expected of that car; and the Corvette is stiff because of its suspension -- as would be expected. (My 68 230S rides very well over the road; again as expected.)
I guess all this is in the minds of the driver ..... so many different opinions of the same car models always come up in the Forum... I think some are super sensitive about little bumps and noises and others seem to accept their cars as normal, probably with exactly the same bumps and noises.
Anyway, we all seem to be fairly happy with our Mercedes, don't we?

microtoad · #7 03-22-2006, 06:48 AM

Mine is terrible. In Minnesota the roads are in tough shape and the heaving of the pavement leaves small breaks in the pavement at regular intervals. The ride is heavy and loud. Every bump is amplified into loud thuds. I had an '85 300D that was a dream. The suspension was so smooth and quiet. I just figured this car needed some suspension work but it looks like there are many that have similar experiences.

BenzOnline · #8 03-22-2006, 08:12 AM

Mine (which I passed back to my dad) rides firm but is loud and has lots of body roll. NOTHING and I mean nothing compares to the ride of the W140s that Ive tested out when buying another car. Its incredible.

t walgamuth · #9 03-22-2006, 08:15 AM

firm but supple.

the 225 tires will be heavier so will contribute to a harsh ride. also you might lower the air pressure a bit. and if you have aftermarket wheels they are prob heavier than the benz wheels. the weight of the wheel tire combo is crucial to good ride.

my best riding benz prob was a 240d with the black alloy wheels and hubcaps with 175 tires. that is a light wheel tire combo.

tom w

Gary Ganaway · #10 03-22-2006, 08:36 AM

My 380SE rides very quiet and smooth but I do feel and hear, what I call that typical Mercedes "thump" when hitting expansion strips and bumps. After new shocks it is much more stable on turns but I'll bet 15 inch wheels would ride and look better vs. stock 14". Not as quiet as my E420 but its 10 years older too.

raymr · #11 03-22-2006, 09:19 AM

Sometimes I miss the big old American boats with their numb steering and total road isolation. But all in all I prefer the slightly harsher more connected feel of the MB, which helps keep you alert on long drives.

andmoon · #12 03-22-2006, 09:23 AM

My 90 sdl with 225/55/16 rides as well as it gets for a 126.
123s have much better curb jumping potential.

Compared to a 94 legend w/ sport suspension, the mb does better w/ bigger bumps but the legend absorbs all the small imperfections. The 126 is a 70's design (I know they came out in the 80's but they must have designed them in the 70's) and for that they are great.

donbryce · #13 03-22-2006, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Ganaway

My 380SE rides very quiet and smooth but I do feel and hear, what I call that typical Mercedes "thump" when hitting expansion strips and bumps. After new shocks it is much more stable on turns but I'll bet 15 inch wheels would ride and look better vs. stock 14". Not as quiet as my E420 but its 10 years older too.

My '85 380SE has aftermarket 15" light alloys, and I hate the way this car 'bangs' over every hole and bump around town, most of this coming from the front end. All my front end ball joints are less than 5 years old, the shocks are good. Not my idea of a nice riding sedan. OK on the highway, but most heavy cars are.

benzboy87 · #14 03-22-2006, 09:53 AM

I think the only way to compare is to drive another non-Benz car, then drive the 126. I felt the same way until I drove another car and then my 420SEL. It makes a big difference.
I agree. The W140 has the best ride of any vehicle I have ever driven.

BrianH · #15 03-22-2006, 11:15 AM

Sadly my 190 2.6 and 1993 Range Rover ride better than the 560sel.