OK, an update: So far I've fixed the loud 'clunking' when going over speed bumps. Seems that the new rubber bushings supplied with the Bilsteins is somewhat more compliant than the OEM. This allows the large flange washer on the top mount of the shock to actually come in contact with the metal cup that supports the bottom of the bushing during more aggressive damping such as going over speed bumps.

I reduced the washer size down to 1 1/2" and this eliminated all of the routine clunking that I was experiencing during my daily commutes. I still can make it clunk but it takes a fairly abusive run over a bump which I would normally only do accidentally.

Next up is the wheel bearings. After jacking up the car, I found that I could actually wiggle the tires up and down by hand. I'll take this opportunity to inspect and re-pack them as well.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

You get it figured out Evan?

I ended up replacing my entire front end, upper and lower control arms, balljoints, shocks, sway bar links and bushing a while before. Rides well.

Although, I prefer the steering feel of my '97 to the '99. That parametric steering or whatever on 98/99 and up doesn't feel right to me.

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#dieselFLEET
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'97 E300
'99 E300

The steering problem mentioned in the first posting on this thread sounds like the car is set up with insufficient toe-in:

Initial turn-in appears to be fine (it is nice to have the car react quickly to initial steering input) but then the car, on its own, turns-in more. That's not nice, and is probably due to inherent suspension rubber/bushing compliance under steering stress allowing the front tires to increase the "turn-in". This is a characteristic of insufficient toe-in.

Toe-in compensates for this and also contributes to straight line directional stability.

A race car is often set up with zero or slight toe-out. The target being aggressive turn-in and quick steering input in competition. The same car will be disconcerting to drive at speed: it will want to dart around and requires constant little steering inputs to keep it in a straight line but this is an acceptable race trade off.

If your suspension bushes are not completely shot take it to an alignment shop and have them check the toe and caster. Incorrect toe-in may be the cause. It is also worth checking caster as it too contributes to directional stability.

But first do your wheel bearings...........

Regards,
bobf

Sorry to put in an obvious.
What tyres do you have on.

A W140 I once owned had the same steering vagueness as you describe. I had the car wheel aligned a couple of times, wheels balanced etc etc.
Changed to a different tyre set - problem eliminated. Car originally had tyres not on the MB recommended list. I changed to a recommended brand, could not believe the difference.

My two cents.

I would not increase toe in over stock. I would use about one sixteenth of toe in.

I would not go wider on the tires. I would go with stock tires if the turn in sensitivity is a problem for you.

More caster should help this tendency. Mercedes went with an alignment from the factory for a few years that emphasized initial turn it over highway stability. It was imho to make the car drive more like a lexus. It also was imho a mistake. MOst mercedes use about nine degrees of caster which is race car like and contributes to straight line stability and emphasizes good response in a corner.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

When I got my new 01 Ewagon I did not like the high speed handling, they checked the alignment and replaced right and left caster and camber pins under warranty. It felt much better.

I've noticed this delay effect on our wagon: your turn the steeeing wheel to follow the curvature of the highway and the car doesn't respond right away...there's a slight lag. I've noticed it's somewhat related to the tire and probably sidewall construction. Our car was fitted with the Continentals from the factory. They did not exhibit this tendancy at all. Some tires that have been fitted since were fine, some have not been so good.

Only the dealer handles alignments. I recently fitted new shocks to the front, that eliminated the highway "swaying" effect.

My diesel is fitted with the 18" AMG wheels/tires. That is flawless on the highway concerning tracking + steering + turn in.

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1998 W210 diesel (wiped out by a texter)
Baum spring compressor "for rent"

I noticed weird steering on my 99 E300, it seemed unstable. The best steering car I had was the W124 400E.

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2010 ML350 Bluetec
2012 Mustang Convertible