PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

ksing44 · #4 11-17-2004, 09:12 AM

Hello JoeR,

Your explanation sounds very plausible. Thank you for the insight into my problem. You are probably right about going back to the original ride height. This whole lowering thing has been quite a nuisance. It all started when I wanted new wheels and the mechanic told me that my car would look silly with a big gap between the tire and the fenders. I think there is absolutely no question that the OEM wheels and tires are a bit too small for these cars, so I began researching the idea of lowering the car. The Tirerack website and the Eibach website seemed to reinforce the same idea that was first proposed by my mechanic. In addition, descriptions of the famous Sportline suspension option also seemed to reinforce the idea that the hot set-up for the W124 was to get it just a little lower with stiffer springs, shocks, and swaybars. I went for it, and I DO LOVE THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THE CAR. The problem is dealing with the subtleties of the alignment. The camber is a real pain, even with the KMAC bushings. I am always worried that the eccentric bushing will strip or slip or something. Call me paranoid, but the camber is about 0.5 more negative than when the bushings were installed 3 years ago. The car may have just settled on the springs and new spring pads, but the ride height hasn’t changed, based on my measurements. I do worry about those "adjustable" bushings. For now, I am just going to live with the little concerns and enjoy the look and feel of the car.

Back to my issues. My printout indicates that the caster is 10.8 and 10.7 on the left and right side of the car, respectively. The specified range is 9.92 to 10.92. I wonder how much movement of the wheel can be achieved by making small changes in the caster. I could have adjusted to the maximum range or even slightly above the range, which is what I think you are indicating. I also wondered if there is any other way to adjust the orientation of the wheels, like the "set back" that I also see listed on my alignment printout?

Thank you for your help so far.

Ken