Still trying to get a smooth quiet 'Mercedes' ride from my W126 - Page 8 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

iwrock · #**106** 10-15-2008, 11:55 PM

I like the sport button.

rchase · #**107** 10-16-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Nah you don't, a Maybach is on a whole other level than the S class. Maybe some of the design underneath is based on the W140 but its a totaly different car. Far higher quality materials, better finish, and a massive bi turbo V12.

Plastic? Find some!

Every surface is wrapped in very expensive leather, or book matched wood.

Italian cars are not any more reliable than British cars!

Those SEXY black switches on the steering wheel. Nothing says luxury than black ABS plastic. Take a closer look at the climate control as well. That amber illuminated black plastic button theme looks REALLY familiar and german. I have seen similar controls in a 3 series BMW. Hmmm and that "home link" control on the door there. Looks out of place not attached to the sunvisor of some cheap car.

In all fairness though I just looked at the most recent Quattroporte and its looking rather plastic as well (at least they made their own though!)..... They truly don't make cars the way they used to...

I never said Italian cars were more reliable. They just have more passion and personality to make up for their shortcomings. One can forget about a lot of expensive repairs with 12 italian cylenders screaming up the octave range up their way to mezzo soprano.

And in addition to the insides the outsides are nice too. The Italians make a much more attractive car than the Brits in my opinion.

turbobenz · #**108** 10-21-2009, 06:03 AM

My w126 rides great. It used to ride horrible but I replaced LCA, UCA, guide rod bushings at footwell and LCA, UCA bushings at sway bar, sachs shocks in front, bilstein comforts in rear. Replaced tie rods, Lower ball joints, wheel bearings, that bushing that the drag link connects to with the giant bolt (so tired i cant think right now, i should just go to bed lol). Didnt replace drag link. Replaced steering dampener. Installed eibach lowering springs and cut the rear springs off to achieve a half inch rake. Installed 15 inch wheels with 4 brand new michelin primacy mxv4's and had a 4 wheel alignment done to correct the new parts and the camber from lowering. Car rides marvelous and handles very well in the curves.

The rear suspension is loud over harsh bumps I will admit but everything else is great. It may also transmit a little more noise to the driver also but I dont mind. It has a "grand" Mercedes Benz feel to it. It just feels so stable and planted. It absorbs bumps in a firm but comfortable fashion. Not cushy, but not at all harsh. Lowering certainly probably made the ride harsher but I replaced everything at the same time so I don't know exactly. However body roll has been greatly reduced and the car feels like a train at 100mph.

When I ride in other cars I tend to get annoyed very quickly with the ride quality. Today I rode in my dads 94 Lexus GS300 which has been religiously maintained throughout its life and the way it rode almost made me feel sick. It feels japanese despite being a top of the line luxury toyota. It feels exactly like a 93 LS300, or a 93 camry, or a 93 accord or a solara or whatever. They all feel the same. It absorbs bumps well and quietly but it just doesnt feel like an elegant cruising machine on the highway. It has constant subtle side to side movement which makes you feel fatigued after a few miles and the ride just overall feels plasticky. I suppose this is why I can drive 400 miles to LA and not even get out of benz once. The w126 ride quality, interior, exterior, safety and overall worksmanship combine to make this car simply breath taking. A few months ago an older gentlemen rode in my car and commented on how well it rides for being an 80's car. My grandma made the same comment just yesterday.

It may not ride like a w140 but you have to realize that the w140 is the ultimate mercedes (in my opinion its to complicated and cheap compared to the earlier cars).

Not to mention the suspension and car is ridiculously simple (however im sure its a top of the line spring/shock suspension).

dhjenkins · #**109** 10-21-2009, 09:28 AM

I just got my first benz. A grey market '85 380SEL. I have no idea how old the shocks are, there is a slight "loose something" up front on the passenger wheel, but it rides smoother than any car I've driven lately, including an E240, my '00 GMC Sierra, my wife's '07 Mazda CX-7, and a few lexi (plural for lexus).

I got the car very recently as a project, and I haven't even started working on the suspension or under-car pieces (I hate working on my back), but I can only see the ride improving. Taking a speedbump at 40mph might make noise, but you barely feel it.

It definately sways at the corners, but it's a heavy car with a long wheel base on 14" rims & Michelin something or others.

Granted, it'll probably stiffen up when I find some 16" or 17" AMG rims.

Personally, I love it, and I'm already planning on which mercedes I want to buy next!

Oh, and it's also extremely quiet. I do get some road noise, soemtimes, but the tires sat weighted for 2 years so they probably have flat spots & need a balancing.

vegburner · #**110** 10-21-2009, 03:58 PM

Don,

You didn't mention replacing the guide rod bushings. The quality of your ride suggests looking into these. I had the same sort of issues and found they went away when I replaced those guide rod bushings. Good luck!