E320 Suspension ...
 

Hi everyone:

Have been enjoying my '98 E320 for almost six months now. It's a 4MATIC and has done an excellent job navigating the terrible rural roads I drive everyday. The car just turned 112k.

The car drives pretty well, but I've got some wandering issues when I hit bumps, and a marked vibration beginning at 35mph when it's the worst, and getting a little better as I approach 55-60.

I'm guessing I need to turn my attention to some of the parts that make up the suspension. With a car at this mileage, what would members suggest I look at in terms of "wearing out"? Shocks? Struts? Tie rods? Other items?

I'm guessing the vibration problem is because of a wheel out of balance - that's almost always why my W202 vibrated when it did. Other ideas?

Thanks for the help!

I'd think about the shocks, then a wheel balance and alignment.
The roads in this area (Dubuque) the last 2 winters have been tough on us!

Bushings ...
 

in the front lower control arms.

Make sure the wheel are true...not bent at the rim or even warped. We have a 560 SEL and a 300 SD and the suspension on both of those cars has never been an issue except whne I hit a curb and bent a rim and I had the same type of vibration you described.

Well, an update on my situation here. I didn't even realize how worn the front tires were on the car, that was the problem it seems. Decided to get a whole new set of tires, and the vibrations are almost completely gone.

Took the car to an indy this morning, and they pointed out the wear on the front tires. We also looked at the shocks, and it seems they're pretty bad, too. The front end bounces around like a hoppity horse, and it's quite loose going over speed bumps - car "wanders" a lot, which seem to be classic signs that it's time for new front shocks.

What would I expect to pay to have the front shocks done? Mine's a 4-MATIC, if that makes a difference. I've also read some info. on self-leveling suspensions. I don't think I have one of those, but how can I make sure? Are the KYB shocks still as crappy as ever?

The shop said that they needed a special tool to replace the shocks. They didn't have it, so they said I'd have to go to the dealer to have it done. Is that right?

Thanks for the continued help!

-Michael

I talked to another indy, and they also suggected replacing the following parts:

-Front springs
-Lower ball joints
-Front axle boots
-Tie rods

Is it probable that all of these parts are worn out and should be replaced? Could some of these parts still be good? Can one elevate the car and visually inspect these parts to see if they're ok or need replacing? Those four items = a WHOPPING bill, and that doesn't include the shocks!!! :eek: