Okay, here is my problem. I have a 94 E420 with 17" rims with 225/45 tires. I also have Eibach springs (don't know the model #) that lower the car (by 1-2 inches?)

The other day, I noticed that the front passenger side is lower than the driver side. By this, I mean that the gap between the top of the tire and the fender is smaller on the passenger side (about 2 inches) than the driver side (about 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches).

Lately, I've also noticing that when I cruise at 60-65 mph, my streering shakes a little.

I don't know too much about suspensions, springs, etc. What could be the cause for the uneven level of suspension? Could this be the reason for the shake of the steering? I have the original springs. Would chaning the springs back to the original help this problem?

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about suspensions in general and the modifications were made by the previous owner, I don't know the exact current set up, but I believe only the springs were changed to Eibach and the rims are 17"

Please educate me on this topic.
Thanks

From afar there is only one real answer; dump the wheels. Ride height affects alignment and alignment can effect the tire clearance differences, BUT! It will not cause vibrations.

There is no way you will be able to keep those wheel tire packages from shaking. THE SUSPENSION WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR THE LOADING. It can work with new tires for short period. if you only drive freeways it can last longer. If you drive city streets the front end caster will cause scalloped edges even if you continuously rotate (at least every 1000mi). This tire wear is exaggerated on the cheap aggressive tires most people buy after spending all that money on rims. If you put a set of Michelin MXM Pilots the shake will stay away longer, but they won't go 30k.

They sure do look good but they really ruin a fine car. One tire size or wheel dia change is all I recommend. A total of two (one of each will also work- I think this is about what the 210 chassis E430 uses.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

I believe the orginal rims on 94 E420 were 15" but 16" was an option. Doesn't 210 E430 sport come with 17"?

Anyway, I do have oringal springs that came with the car. I am not crazy about lowering cars.. if I put the original springs back in, would I still be able to use the current rims? Or, are there any proven good setups that the members can suggest on this model?

I didn't want to get into my opinions of lowering as the question revolved around the shaking, I thought. MB has decided to accept the money people wish to blow making their cars handle like race cars. It does not mean that it will be acceptable to any but diehards. There just isn't any way for one to have it both ways.

As I pointed out there are ways to minimize the problems. I have lived with high speed low profile tire problems with my 928 for 15 years (only 55k miles and 4 sets of only the best Pirelli's then Michelins - the Michelins are by far the best for my purposes. Most of these tires were replaced because they performed poorly- not wear). I was really glad when my 97 540i handled so well (lack of shake criteria) at speed with 16in 55 series tires. To me it is more important to be smooth at 85+ than to be able to go around corners a tenth of a "G" faster.

The 210 chassis may be better able to handle the extra weight and adhesion of the larger wheel/tire combination. I can tell you from a lot of experience the 124 chassis will not take those tires without continual suspension problems: bushing wear, shaking, alignment, balance and tire maintenance, etc.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

The lowering off one side is refered to as "sagging" and is rather common (thankfully, not on my lowered car). My friend had an Integra that sagged on the passenger side but no shaking whats so ever, leading me to agree that its not the problem.

Thanks for information. How bad is sagging? Why is it a common problem? What's causing it? If I don't do anything about it, would it harm the car? What can I do to fix this problem?

I am thinking that maybe the tires are the causes for shaking at higher speed. (they are sumitomo tires.. anyone has any experience on these? they are not due for a change, but i will be sure to get michelins which i've had good experiences with.)

Best and most cost effective thing for you to do first is to take the car into a shop you trust and have your tires checked for balance. Sounds like the shaking is from throwing some of your weights off or a poor alignment, I have experienced both and this was the cure for the shaking. As far as sagging, sorry I can't make any suggestions other than check with a reliable suspension person.

slight shaking at speed is most likely balance most tire shops hire mininum wage people that don't take the time and care for a perfect balance I got the shop manager at Americas Tires to do my new rainforce Michilens after many failed tries by his young employees ,what a difference........
William Rogers