Hello Everyone...

After installing H&R Springs, my 92 400E has a severe rear camber problem (I think it's like +3.5 degrees). I'm thinking about shortening the rear lower control arms, therefore bringing the bottom of the wheel in. My question is: will this cuase a problem between the axle shaft and the wheel hub (will there be enough clearance)??? If this seems like a bad idea, can anyone give me ideas about how else I can correct the rear camber? There is a rear toe adjustment on the 124 but not a camber.

Thanks...Peter

Pbalias,

How much did the springs actually lower your car from stock?

Renntech makes adjustable control arms for w124 series MBs. The 2 piece camber adjusting arms are about $500, the 6 pc set is ~$1500. Either set is available through http://www.************************ and the $500 set is described as "...perfect if all you want to do is adjust camber after installing a set of H&R lowering springs."

500 bucks is alot to spend for a camber adjustment. Im still thinking about taking an inch or so out of the lower control arms. I think this will be easy, but I'm just not sure if this will affect the axle and hub spacing...

jdoc7: at least 2 inches, as an estimate
JCE: thanx...looking at performance products right now...


Peter

JCE...where did you see them on ************************ ???
I can't seem to find the kit.

Peter

Its all about looks, spend a parcel of money to destroy the ride and all that fine engineering and then whine about a measly 500 to try and straighten it out.

Get a bigger stereo that will fix it.

Sorry, after thirty years of trying to save people money on auto repairs, I just find it amazing what people will spend money on. One croud spends 70 grand on a car and then puts Yugo tires on it, the other puts race car tires and suspension, both ruin the product.

Everyone has a right to their own opinion though, more power to you.

Ditto Steve!

Pbalias:
Sorry, I should have been more clear. Performance has SOME of their products on their web site. If you fill out the online form a catalog of everything specific to your chassis/model is sent to you, and the suspension parts are in the catalog. Or, their toll free number is 1-800-243-1220.

About the only things I order from them are items like P21s wheel cleaner that I can't get from PartsShop, which is less expensive and faster. The catalog is kind of nice though, in that it has exploded line drawings of the various parts on the w124, including the front and rear suspensions!

Steve...

It's not ALL about looks. The 400E is a helluva car. As long as I've owned it though, there seemed to be something lacking in it's suspension. I installed the springs and what a difference in handling it made. Cars are designed for the average driver in mind...which means everyone from grandma to grandkid. I don't want to drive the AVERAGE car, though. I want to drive something that has been tailored to ME. Therefore, I modify the vehicle to fit MY driving style. So far, I have improved the engineering in the suspension of this car, not compromised it. I don't see how lowering the center of gravity of the car to improve stability and handling compromises the integrity of the vehicle whatsoever. And, to be honest, the ride of the car hasn't changed. As far as the camber goes, I know it's going to be a problem. But, I'm going to use my creativity, and possibly the creativeness of those on this forum, to come up with a solution to this problem without spending 500 dollars for an "adjustable" control arm set.
Steve...do you condone the use of window tint? Why didn't MB tint my windows from the factory? Lord knows those UV rays kill interiors. Perhaps because if MB did ALL the little things to this car to make it almost perfect, it wouldn't cost 55K but maybe 155K. Understand what I'm saying?
I have noticed that the reason problems arise on this forum (which happens rarely) is because when members ask for help, or advice, others reply offering their ignorant, self-centered opinions which are COMPLETELY irrelevant to the thread. I don't recall asking in my post, "Hey guys, what are your opinions of installing sport springs?" I asked for advice on a how-to project. Offering offending opinions is nothing more than an exhibition of one's own boredom and ignorance that causes problems. We are all here becuase we love MB vehicles and offer support when car problems or questions arise. Let's not forget that.

Just an observation........

Peter

Camber adjusters
 

Been gone to Sebring all week and not home yet but there is an outfit in Ohio that sells an adjustable camber bushing that fits your car and is made in Australia called J-Mac or close. I'll be home tomorrow night and if you can wait I'll give you all the info in a few days as I have a set in my office with invoices etc. It replaces the inner joint bushing and is adjustable like the front lower control bushings are. Just rotate until adjusted and tighten the bolt. I'll be using these on my 93 400E. Price is around $325 for the kit and press in.

Have patience...
TobiasMB
4 MBs

Thanks Tobias...let me know!!!

Peter

As a novice I suppose it is easy to NOT SEE the difference your modifications make. This is the reason for my comments, maybe I will save some poor soul.

I get numerous private e-mail every day asking my opinions, all of which are free. So were my comments to your post. When I make a reply on these forums I make a professional judgement as to how I can best influence those who are listening. My honest opinions, whether they suit you or not, are made for the total audience. If I appear contrary its because I have no interest in PC conversations. To tell you the truth, I highly believe in controversy, it brings all sides to an issue.

If you don't like my point of view, consider it the view of a dogmatic, old man and do as you please.

As to MB making a general car, what hogwash. They make very specific models that do exactly as they were intended. They can't be simply improved on. Changing springs without doing the rest of the engineering; shocks, stronger bushings, and appropriate geometry is a kids dream. The fact that you don't recognise the difference biases your credability when you say it isn't just looks; hogwash again.

BTW, I hate window tinting. To each his own!

I believe that in most case the factory engineering is the best. So any deviation from that, (lowering the car) will cause you problems that can be fixed at a cost. But enthisiasts will always try to improve on the factory engineering, which can get expensive on a Mercedes-Benz. You will need a camber kit and even some modifications to the front to correct bump steer.

Aside from the sniping, this is a fascinating thread as I was also considering the H&R lowering springs. Please, those of you with experience doing this modification, keep the info coming!!

Comments.
 

PBALIAS, I have to agree with you on this one. See my post http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/14992-w210-spring-removal-process.html for the flames I received for helping people out with lowering their car. Unfortunately, I have no help for you.

JDBUB, "I believe that in most case the factory engineering is the best. " Would that apply to the 1996 Grand Voyager, and the 1985 Mustang GT? I can only imagine that these cars could not possibly be improved upon.