After once swearing off the black art of performance modifications, I am ready to attack the 95 E420 :-) I have quite a collection of upgrades mapped out, most of which have undergone thorough testing by the enthusiast community. The suspension plans are somewhat more untested based on my research. My primary goal is to improve handling without destroying ride quality on the fine speedways of this country. Current setup includes Bilstein HD in the front, Bilstein Comfort in rear, stock springs, stock wheels and 205-60HR15 Turanza LS all around. Not a bad ride, but as I plan to refresh the suspension anyhow...

An ideal compromise between ride quality and handling seems like the 400E Euro Sport suspension package with 7Jx15 wheels. For reference, the package includes 500E stabilizer bars, 500E front shocks, sportline rear shocks, and shorter 400E springs than your typical NA model. I hesitate to go with the common 7Jx16 and 225-50VR16 because of the horrible road quality in this region.

Questions:

Is it worthwhile upgrading to Pilot XGT+ in the wider 215-60VR15 with a lowered suspension, or might they lean into the shocks during hard cornering?

My wheel choice is an eight-hole reproduction from Germany advertised as a "lightweight alloy". Changing out the differential (2.24 ASR -> 2.65 ASR) is a real possibility. Any indication whether the combination of lightweight wheels and shorter gearing will result in frequent ASR activation on downshifts?

Finally, how well does the rest of the 400E/E420 front suspension work with W124 Sportline control arms? I understand that these simply have a harder bushing compound to reduce chassis flex under load. My concern is whether they also increase chassis vibration from coarse road material.

Thank you in advance!
-DM

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1995 E420 SE black/black
2004 Volvo V70R AWD