I agree with Jim. I prefer the contrast in color. Mine is Black Opal. The cladding is rather tired looking, but not bad. I removed the front plate holder to see the original color. Quite different, but I hate to start buffing on the cladding because it's supposed to be more of a satin finish.

Does anyone know if the plastic pieces between the Front and Rear doors were originally black? Mine are sort of a bronzish purple. Wondering whether this is just weathering.

Steve

I understand Jim's point, but personally, I think the 2-tone is the only feature on the style of the car that dates it. The two-color schemes were really popular in the '90s, but the style of the car carries itself very well today. I had my other car shot all white (was white / dove gray) and it looked much more current. Just a personal preference.

It seems there have been poly bushings used in the lower arms to assist in controlling oversized wheel & tire combos - see the end of this article...

http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic4232.html

Another note - I just talked to the local Hunter alignment guy who mentioned the use of a toe-bar to preload the front end during alignment. It's designed to push outward on the wheels to simulate road force acting on the front wheels while driving. Anyone know the specs on this bar? It has to be adjustible to work with multiple cars, but how do you know it's set right?

Yes, that is the standard spreader bar used at the dealer for alignments. I have always used the dealer for alignments. That's about the only thing I've used them for.

Brotherton has an interesting article on alignments and mentions the spreader bar. Here it is http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic4232.html

Steve

Hi Jim! Just wanted to tell you that my S 500 L came factory fitted with Continentals and replaced them with the same. They work great!

I have tried Michelins and Pirellis on my W124Ts and they all have failed miserably. Our roads here in Costa Rica are horrible (and I mean HORRIBLE!!!). The Italian fancy tires cannot stand them. On the other hand, the Continentals do not complain at all.

Thanks Buckwheat.

The car drives really nicely, save for the shake. It amazes me that a car built to this level is known for such an affliction... and I still have not heard a difinitive cause. I understand the combination of tires, pressure, balance, wear, alignment, brakes, shocks, bushings, end links, tie rods, and more contributes to the problem, but does anyone really know what the deal is?

It's especially bizarre being non-specific to speed or other conditions.

At any rate, it won't hurt to have the car aligned after I install my other set of stock, non-plated wheels. Perhaps those are better balanced and won't shake at all. If not, we'll start the process.

- KO

Armando, tnx for the info. I plan to replace my stock wheels and tires (when they wear out) with a larger wheel, 18" and the appropriate tire (plus 1).

I'll keep your suggestion in mind re Continentals. I had experience with Pirellis and Dunlop with very poor results.

Sway Bar replacement suggestion
 

Peter

in your submission ...

I have the sway links on my 1992 500SEL (W140) hanging loose, but I have no clue how to remove them

The nut is removed from the top, but the link will not come off.

Thanks for your help and suggestion

As an update, I think ALOT of vibration issues stem from tires. I've seen big improvements with new and properly balanced wheels and tires!