Swapping suspension from w126 to w140
 

I want to duplicate the ride of the w140se on my 1990 560 sel. I've thought of grafting said suspension on to my w126. What's involved here? Is it doable? Has anyone done this kind of thing before? I also intend to install amg 18" rims 8.5 front 9.5 rear, and lower the car 1.25 inches. Can I achieve the same effect using aftermarket shocks and struts? Reason for this: the interior noise level was unbearably high for me when I lowered my 1985 500sel using Voigtland springs and RH 17" rims, Eagle 235 x 45 X17 tires all the way around. I felt every pebble on the road. I welcome all suggestions or word of wisdom on this before I embark on yet again another project. Mine has the Zender ground effects when I bought it, but the old 16" rims don't cut it.

Buy a W140 chassis! Completey different suspension design!
Plus the 18" tires will make the car ride more like a TRUCK.

re: suspension swap
 

you mean it's possible to graft w126 body onto a w140 chassis? the thought occured but what about the chassis dimensions vs. the body dimensions?

To elaborate on M.B. Doc's response:

1. Sell the W126

2. Buy a W140

Do not meld W126 parts with W140 parts.

Re: Swapping suspension from w126 to w140
 

Money.

Yes, with enough money.

You're probably one of a kind ;)

Seriously, the 5-link suspension in the W140 (I think that's what it has) has more in common with the W124 than the W126. The structure of your W126 would have to be completely redone to accommodate this next generation suspension. Then the suspension would have to be tuned to be softer because a W126 doesn't weigh as much as a W140.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

suspension swap
 

hoooookay. i get the idea. thanks for the responses, guys. :) next option then, is to soften the ride, with 18" wheels and tires. i simply fell in love with the 2-piece aero amg's. any suggestions? i could forego lowering the car ( i think it already is, but not by much). the car came with those deep dish 16" alloys all the way around.

funfenix69
 

funfenix69...if you do happen to upgrade your rims, I might be interested in buying the old ones off of you.....any pix?

rim upgrade
 

i'll be getting a hold of a digital cam on tues. will try to send pics by thurs

126 ride with 18" rims
 

The 126 suspension system (which includes the body structure) is highly developed for a good ride and superb handling with the factory OEM size tires and wheels. Going to larger diameter rims (and lower profile tires) will cause much greater road harshness/noise/vibration than the OEM tires.

Hi Angelo Switching to 18" wheels will only increase the harshness of the ride! With lower profile tires ( meaning less sidewall height ) you'll feel more of the road. The lower profile tires will greatly improve handling due to less sidewall flex, but at the expense of ride smoothness.