First of all I just wanted to say thanks to everyone here on the boards for the hours of great reading, stories, information, and experiences. I have found these pages to be a wonderful resource, and I thought it only fitting that, after careful research and study, I would post my comments and impressions after doing some handling improvements for my car. Here goes:
First of all, I have a 1995 E420. I don't have to tell you people what a great car it is... I'd just be preaching to the converted. Great power, timeless looks, and that great German feel. But... there was room for some handling improvement, so that's what I tackled first.
I purchased some progressive rate Eibach Springs, and got some smaller pads from the dealership (#1.. the thinnest). The combination of these two items dropped the car a tastful amount (approx 1.5-1.75"). No more 4x4 look in the wheel wells... in my humble opinion, this is the way the car should look: classy and understated elegance.
Next was the part that took the most research, rims and tires. After numerous calls to Bekkers, Discount Tire, The Tire Rack, and a couple of local Mercedes Dealers, I came to a couple of conclusions. Mainly, that most of the people I spoke with didn't *really* know what they were talking about, as almost everyone had a unique solution to my problem. After sorting through a lot of B.S. I came to these conclusions:
As the stock size for the tires is 195-65-15, the near perfect match would be 225-45-17 on a 17 by 7.5" rim. No odometer adjustments... an excellent fit. Trouble is, that tire is just a wee bit too wide for the fender... a 215 would fit better, but would result in a slightly smaller overall wheel diameter. The question was, would the resulting rubbing require a fender roll? I'd say that if you do not plan on lowering the car much, there's really nothing to worry about. I've dropped the car probably as much as anyone here would without going for that "slammed" look (ugh!), and it only rubs a little bit when I hit a dip/bump too fast. Really nothing to worry about, and a small price to pay for such a dramatic improvement. My main concern was getting as wide a tire in the car as possible, since I do not have ASR, and it rains like crazy here in Seattle. Which brings me to my tire choice...
The Bridgestone Potenza RE-730. After doing my homework on the forums, websites, and telephone, this was the hands down winner for what I wanted- a good handling tire with excellent Seattle-weather ability. Plus they look cool. They look especially tasty on the rims I got... the 17" AMG Monoblock II copies from Bekkers. As soon as I get my pictures developed I'll be posting a link here for everyone to check out. I *highly* recommend these modifications, as it provides an excellent combination of practicality, functionality, and looks.
So, on to the driving impressions. Lowering the center of gravity did wonders for this car. I don't need to slow down for corners, brake dive and acceleration squat are nonexistent, and again, just the look of the car hugging the ground is worth the price of admission alone. The 17" rims, while a bit noisier at highway speeds, provide a substantial improvement in steering feel and cornering. Plus, those rain tires are a terrific improvement over the wimpy stock rubber. Yes, I can still break the tires loose if I plant my foot on the gas, but I don't feel like I'm going to do a 180 if I take a corner in the rain.
So what's next? I've already put K&N filters in, but that seems to be about it without spending tons of dough. PAD doesn't sell the e420 chip anymore (recall problems, I hear), and a differential swap is a bit too spendy, although that would be the biggest improvement you could do outside of adding a turbo/supercharger, of which they also do not sell for the V8. They make them for the I-4, I-6, and V-6 (and the diesels, of course), but I guess they just figure that if you've got a V8 you have enough power. Can you ever have *enough?* : )

So that's it. Thanks guys! Enjoy your rides!

Dr. Julio Fuentes, BS MD PhD

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1995 Mercedes E420

Bilstein Sport Shocks
Eibach Sport Springs
ATE Slotted Front Rotors
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Motul Race Fluid
Euro Headlights w/PIAA superwhites
17" Monoblock Rims
K&N Air Filters
Matched Leather/Burlwood Shift Knob
S Class Leather/Burlwood Steering Wheel

Did the K&N do anything?

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E

Well, the E420 has two good-sized air filters, and I'm sure there's been some improvement, but it's really only something you'd see on a dyno. It's kind of hard to tell the difference between say, 275hp and 280hp... I guess my butt-dyno just isn't that sensitive. : ) From previous experience with these filters they really helped in the top speed grunt. I had one installed in my Lexus, and it seemed to pull a little easier in the 90-100mph range. I've only had the chance to get over 115mph once so far in the E420 (with the K&N's), and it sure did pull hard all the way. Gotta love that V-8....

Almost had some sun today... but by the time I got outside it was raining again. Curses! I'll get some pictures together soon.

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1995 Mercedes E420

Bilstein Sport Shocks
Eibach Sport Springs
ATE Slotted Front Rotors
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Motul Race Fluid
Euro Headlights w/PIAA superwhites
17" Monoblock Rims
K&N Air Filters
Matched Leather/Burlwood Shift Knob
S Class Leather/Burlwood Steering Wheel