I understand that during the course of a model's life various small revisions are made to certain aspects of a vehicle. For example I believe that the suspension on the A-class in Feb 2002 was on its seventh "generation" set up.

I believe that these sort of issues are not made too public, particularly in view of the adverse publicity the A-Class received at the outset which delayed the UK launch.

If revisions are made I would be interested to know if and what revisions were made to the W201 range, particularly following the facelift in about 1989, for example stiffer/softer springs, different dampers etc.

I ask as I feel my '91 W201 is quite soft at the rear. With even a small load, either in the trunk or a passenger in the rear seat the vehicle tends to wallow a little and something "grounds" occasionally. I have checked the mudflaps but cannot find much evidence to suggest it is these.

I would be interested to know if this was a common "fault" with the car, or perhaps what revisions or recommendations there are. I would like to keep the car as near to original as I can.

Would an upgrade to the "Sportine" set up be feasible. If so what is involved?

I look forward to your thoughts.

Bruce

Sounds as though the rear springs are rather weak. Going to sportline would help but the car would be about 15-20 mm lower all of the time.

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You may want to check out this 190E Forum for more information.

Regards,

Don

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1999 C230 Custom 5-Speed Manual

By 'wallowing' you might be referring to a condition that can occur with loose or deteriorated suspension components. You have ten moving suspension members, a sway bar with plastic links, and four subframe mounts - all aside from springs and shocks. A lot of stuff to still be in top condition after 12 years.

With the car on the ground, wiggle each rear wheel vigorously in various planes. ANY play at all requires attention. Shake the car from side to side - it should feel compliant but damped, and you should not feel anything shifting as if unsecured.

Steve

Thanks for your responses

I guessed my springs may be weak, I just wanted to know whether it was just me or whether others felt the same way.

I did not know of the 190 Forum. Whilst there is no doubt that the 190 is a great car, it is far more interesting to talk MB rather than 190.

I have just renewed my two rear tyres, and the left on was worn on the outside edge. On the inside edge there was still a fair amount of tread left. It was as if the wheel is not aligned properly. Is this a bad sign or simply that it needs realigning?

Thanks once again (so far !)

Bruce

Worn springs would tend to cause wear on the inside edge - and of course the car would be 'squatting'. Look for worn bushings or pivots in the rear suspension links.

Steve

Bruce

One easy to do and not expensive suspension refresh is to change the front and rear sway bar bushings. Depending on the miles and year of your car, this can help improve the car's cornering.

I went through several bad alignments and tire wear, all on the outside edges. Have you rotated your tires recently?

As far as the "squatting" of the rear suspension, this often is due to rear springs and/or very worn rear suspension parts.

Keep us posted

Haasman

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Im not sure if your model has it but it could be a problem with your SLS i woudl definatly recomend going over the the 190 revolution page and checking out the forums there, there is a virtual plethora of information spewing from members (many are also members on this forum, as well as bnzsport.com, and benzworld.org) the best thing to do would be to try and find someone who had the same problem you have, that way much less troubleshooting goes into solving the situation.
Good Luck!