W124 sedan ride height

[Zulfiqar]

Just noticed my car from the window, it seems it to sit lower on the front than the back, The tie-rods/drag link are shot and going to replace them this weekend. Do those affect ride height.

The top of the fender to the top of tire has about 2 inches of space. my car is a 95 E300D - but all other 124's usually older ones have equal front and rear height.

Would an alignment correct this? or am I looking at other costs.

[Chris W.]

I don't have measurements handy, but my '95 sits with a definite nose down attitude. It's not huge, but subtle. I like the way it looks compared to other 124's. I don't think changing tie rods, etc. will alter it.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 340K

[Zulfiqar]

I'll take a pic once I get a chance, no doubt the stance looks classy euro sedan - but made me wonder if this is correct. when I jack up the car th camber changes massively and the height remains high and refuses to settle unless the vehicle is moved. <-- I was think along those lines that maybe a camber adjustment would correct its height.

BUT the wheels are perfectly sitting on the road..

[Orv]

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

I'll take a pic once I get a chance, no doubt the stance looks classy euro sedan - but made me wonder if this is correct. when I jack up the car th camber changes massively and the height remains high and refuses to settle unless the vehicle is moved. <-- I was think along those lines that maybe a camber adjustment would correct its height.

I think that's just tire friction...for the suspension to squat the wheels have to move outward a bit. With the car stationary there's probably too much friction to let them slide. I think if you watch as you jack it up you'll see them pull inward and slide against the concrete as the car lifts.

[babymog]

Note that on the 124, if the front end is toed-in significantly the front will RISE as driven forward, DROP when driven backward.
Alternately a bad toe-out will cause the front to LOWER when driven, RISE when backed.

[scottmcphee]

Incorrect shocks on the rear can cause it to ride high in the rear.

[Zulfiqar]

yes - the wheel does slide inwards when lifted,
@babymog, I have noticed that the front does rise when the car is moved forward.

abt - the rear shocks, they are the OEM sachs units - (front also), Im trying to hunt down a weird stupid rattle from the rear which sounds like a loose tie rod or worn bush - or a broken shock absorber. All the bushes (S-frame and links) are solid they dont move, including the plastic arm, the shock is not loose, Is a test drive without a shock possible (I dont want the spring flying out)

and finally I saw a 95 E320 today in the parking where I work, it sat somewhat the same as my car - nose down.. (I believe the last 124s had this nose down look)

[iwrock]

What condition are your front struts and rear shocks in?

[whunter]

Inspect your car for this issue, it happens to the W124 also...

W210 DANGEROUS FLAW please read (crosslinked in post #1 to all on topic data)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=147997




.

[Zulfiqar]

Originally Posted by iwrock

What condition are your front struts and rear shocks in?

no leaks - just a little firm I beleive - car is jerky on slow drives but is smooth at higher speeds.

[iwrock]

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

no leaks - just a little firm I beleive - car is jerky on slow drives but is smooth at higher speeds.

How firm?



The nose on my W124 raised up with a new pair of front struts. I do not have an exact number, but it is/was noticeable.

[babymog]

Broken front springs are extremely common on the late 124s. The bottom coil is almost always broken, lowering it slightly.

If it rises when driven forward, you've got a bad toe-in problem most likely.