W126 High Wind Stability

[geoellis]

The wind is gusting to 30kts here in the New York area today and my 1989 300 SE was a bit difficult to control during a short highway run. I've seen some posts before regarding worn suspension components and high wind stability. The thing is, my supension seems tight and has passed recent dealer inspection.

Of course, a big piece metal moving along at high speed will be impacted by the wind. My question is, how do other W126 owner's find their car handles in high wind? For all I know the aerodynamics of this car may not provide for a great amount of stability, or maybe I have a problem. I'm just curious to know what others are experiencing.

Cheers,
George

when we lived in nebraska it seemed the same way on the roads a lot of the time it was a combo of ice and wind. My car wasnt that bad i guees because of its weight

[Q]

I have the same problem. Feels like I am driving a UHaul truck instead of a tight German auto. I KNOW my rear subframe bushings are shot. I have replaced everything on the front end. After I get this stuff done, I will post my results, as it is beyond annoying to me now.

[David C Klasse]

Same problem in C280. I get that sometimes on the freeway when going pretty fast. BUt I have heard that the 202 is affected by crosswinds somewhat.

by the way trying to get more members in y w126 club feel free to join at the link in my signanuter thank you sorry forgot to put that in my last post

[420SEL]

In high cross winds my 420SEL can be moved quite a bit. It takes very attentive driving to keep on course. Now, by high winds I am talking high winds (40mph+) and at highway speeds 60mph+. I have heard many other w126 owners mention this. I can't explain it. I have been in cars that are much worse.

I think a great many cars are affected by high winds, including the benz. My Expedition was a real handful today in 40mph gusts.

[Q]

My wife's ML320 takes the crosswinds better than my 380SE does. I think one of my problems is those tall 14" tires. Those 70 series things are too tall and flex more than I care for.

[ymsin]

The 300se I currently drive is also affected by crosswinds.

Initially, I thought it could have been the springs, struts, etc ... and had them all changed. It still didnt work when I cruise at about 160 - 180 km/p. So, I tightened the steering, and realigned/balance the tyres, and there was "a little" improvement.

I then read the threads here and decided it is quite normal. However, at around 120 km/p the wind gush by the drivers' side window gets a little distracting (unless the audio system is pumped up to drown the noise). That, I have aligned and changed all the rubber linings - and it improved. Though not much.

However, compared to other non-MB cars at 160 km/p the 300se fares much better. Perhaps we MD drivers are a demanding and fussy lot. I know I am.

[Jim H]

Try riding a motorcycle at freeway speeds in 30-40mph crosswinds. Cars are really stable by comparison.

Been there, done that.

BCingU, Jim

[ymsin]

Well said!

I sometimes think we MB owners are spoilt maximum and drive (read "demand") for further perfection. Perhaps I can't speak for all here, but I know I speak of myself of sometimes being a little too demanding of our fellow German MB-makers.

[william rogers]

ever drive a V.W. bus in a cross wind, like a sail boat with out a keel . My 81 sd seems much more stable than my 74 240 in a goodly side wind.
William Rogers........

[geoellis]

Thanks for all of the good comments. It's good to see that I'm in good company. Yes, it does seem that we MB owners are a demanding lot, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as it's kept in the proper perspective.

Regards,
George

I know I am late on this one but I drive the sdl and winds seem to highly a/effect the car. They push it around more than my miata. It must have something to do with the size but I only notice it on really windy days.

I noticed this as well --

First thing that came to mind was worn suspension bushings, but I've driven other cars equal in size with more wear and not had the same experience of having to constantly "correct" my steering on a straight stretch of highway.