I have not been happy with the 'feeling' of my '86 300E lately. It has been very unstable in side winds and when driving over uneven surfaces. -As if every single wheel were going in their own direction.

I took it to the shop where the tech went "Uhh.. Ohh.. That's not good" for every control arm, bushing and bearing he checked.
My suspention was totally shot. My wheel bearings were shot. My rear diff needed to be "re-packed" (new bearings) and every single piece of rubber in the entire suspention needed to be replaced!
Not exactly a DIY-in-my-driveway-during-the-weekend-thing.

Estimated price: $ 2000. -Bye-bye skiing vacation!

The tech told me my MB wold feel like brand new when i get it back late tomorrow. -Will post results then.

Freestyler.

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

I would make sure you get all the original parts back. Although you can expect deterioration in rubber that old, the majority of it should not have failed. In particular, likely only one thing caused your problem. It would be nice to have diagnosed and found that before randomly replacing the works. Does this shop guarantee this will solve your problem, or might the expense go up in the end? It would be a shame to get back a car that feels like 'new' except it still wanders all over...

Steve

Your car will certainly drive like a new one but I am not sure such a radical job was required.
I had the same symptoms on my 1989 with 245K on it.
Carefull examinations/test concluded that only some of the bushings (especially at the rear) needed to be replaced. All bearings were in good conditions.
I had the defective bushing replaced, 4 new shock absorbers, wheel alignment for $1,300.Can, (say $850.US). The difference is enought for a few week-end of ski.
Good luck with your new ride
jackD

As long as you are going that far, you might want to investigate installing a Sportline suspension. There are notes about it on the baord and you will ***LOVE*** the results

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

I agree, especially if it sounds like they are going to drop the rear you might as well slip in a sportline sway bar in there and use sportline sub frame bushings and lower control arm bushes. Well worth it then.

Just an idea.....

Picked my baby up at the shop and WOW! It feels like i'm hovering above the road now! Sooo much better.

And yes i should have considered going for the Sportline package. But that's too late now.

They offered me all the used parts i a box if i wanted them. Sure i did.
Most of the bushings were more or less worn away. A few of them wasn't that bad but they were well worn and i'm glad it's all new now. -Pics to follow..
The front wheel bearings didn't look that bad either. But they did have some 'wear-marks' in them. So replacing them was ok.

Best part was that the job went faster and easier than expected. So the price dropped from $2000 to $1500 How many shops will give you a lower price when you already accepted the higher?

Here are most of the used parts:

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

This is the reason the intire car moves sideways when going over small bumps on the road. -Such as the white stripes!

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__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

Rear diff mount:

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

This is definately WORN:

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__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

From other angle:

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

Rear subframe bushing:

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

I'd say you have a great shop there. Looks like they nailed that one!!

For you Sportliners... What did the Sportline upgrade cost?

Freestyler

How many miles on your E?

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

My 300E has 278k kilometers = 174k miles on it.

And yes. I'd say that i found a good shop too. Where authorized shops go for the $$ (because they'll have lots of customers anyway), this shop apparently go for happy customers. (who will come back again and again)

Freestyler

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

Man thats nearly unheard off in the US of A. If you get an estimate chances are you'll get charged that or higher (usually higher). Never lower unless you and the shop owner are buddies or something.

Man those are some badly worn bushings. Your car must ride like a Benz now.