W-126: '88 420 SEL: front riding too high
 

Funny thing:

Regarding my front ride height, it is just too high!!

Gap from top of tire to Wheel Well top is 4 inches. On both sides.

It looks odd, and I think this affects both airflow considerations as well as weight distribution for handling purposes.

Is there any way to reduce this gap? Note: Everything on the car is stock specs. Bilstein Comforts are in front, HD's in rear. Stock springs, spring pads, etc.

Any ideas? What can I adjust?

My 91 300SE is the same way. It's clearly higher than the SDL parked beside it. I think it's because the rear sags because the SE is lower than the SDL in the rear.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL

My car was the same way.
I put H&R lowering springs (and Koni shocks) on it that were supposed to lower it about 1.5 inches all around. It was lowerd 1.5" in the rear but a little over 3" in the front:eek: . I'm glad though, the car looks much better...more evenly proportioned.

Are your shock worn or leaking? Mine were which is what I suspect.

No. shocks in rear are HD Bilsteins, only 15K miles on them.

I somehow theorize that my alignment in front is off, could be upper bar juxtaposed with tie rods, which creates the higher ride height. Reason I say this is that when my tie rods were poed-out too much, car actually sat TOO low in front.

Any thoughts?

**Also:

I have comfort Bilsteins on front, and HD's on rear. Do you think this decision kind of screwed-up the car?

I don't really know.:(
My front shocks were worn and leaking, so I just made the assumption that was the reason for the high front end. Since a shock absorber basically keeps the spring under control, my theory was that the worn shocks allowed the spring to decompress more than normal making it ride higher in the front. (if that makes any sence). Shock experts please chime in here.:D
My car was out of alignment too.....worn outer edges and it appeared to have some positive camber when looking at it the right way. But the car still dropped over 3" once the springs were put on before I had it aligned.

The comforts on the front & HD's in the rear could be a possiblility.
Might want to contact a Bilstein expert to see if the 2 give the same ride height characteristics if they even effect ride height.

Wish I could be more helpful.