Well done on the R129 wheels. They’ll look great on the W124 since they are the same pattern. For tyres I use Kalken FK451 and I’m very pleased with them. I did have Nankang NS-1 but they used to slide all over the place in the wet. Maybe the NS-2 is better?
Lowering your car…..
First and most important step.
Make sure all the suspension bushes are in good condition. There is no point adding sports suspension to a car that has knackered bushes. In particular check the rear suspension links for wear. Check the rear subframe bushes visually and the front lower control arm bushes. If either have seen better days replace with Sportline bushes. It’s too much hassle changing them if they’re not faulty. The difference is minute anyway. Check for broken rear anti-roll bar links. Check that there are no cracks in the front strut mounts.
Spring pads.
These little chaps are rubber pads that sit on the top of the spring and cushion the springs from the chassis. They are available in different thicknesses (4 front & 3 rear). If your car has the thickest pads, changing to the thinnest will lower the car by about an inch without sacrificing comfort. The different thickness pads are identified by the number of bumps (4 is the thickest, 1 is the thinnest). You can easily see these bumps if you peer underneath.
Springs.
Having tried original, Sportline, H&R and Ventura springs I can say my choice would have to be MB Sportlines.
There are several reasons. The Ventura springs sold by Eurocarparts are very firm and the ones they sold me for my coupe where actually designed for a saloon and where way too low on the front. The H&R springs were expensive and are actually quite soft. My choice would be Sportline springs (if these are available for the 220, not sure about that). Mercedes spent millions developing the suspension and if it’s good enough for the E36, it’s good enough for yours. By fitting genuine Sportline parts your insurance company will not know they’re non standard. (don’t sue me if you get caught out!). Sportline springs lower the car slightly but not so much that you’ll get problems with alignment. MB dealers will align cars with Sportline suspension but will probably refuse if you use aftermarket springs. The problem with buying Sportline springs is that there are several types depending on type and spec of your car (again, if the Sportline springs are available for the 220). Don’t expect MB dealer parts staff to help you! Maybe a good way around this would be to find someone with a similar car but with factory Sportline suspension and use their chassis number to order them? Genuine MB springs are about the same price as aftermarket parts.
Removing the front springs is a pain! If you’re thinking of using this type of spring compressor, don’t! You will find it almost impossible due to the lack of space.
You need to use a special spring compressor like this one
http://www.etoolcart.com/browseproducts/Telescoping-Compressor-M-0070.HTML
The best bet is to try to hire one.
Shocks.
Bilstein Heavy duty (black) would be an ideal match for Sportline springs. If you want to save a few bob you could go for the Bilstein Sports (yellow) that are sold on e-bay for about £60 a set (speak to Howard). They have the same damping as HDs but are designed for lowered cars. They should still be fine with Sportline springs.
Alignment.
After fitting new springs and shocks you’ll need a four wheel alignment done. MB dealers are the best bet for this job. Cost is about £200. It may be possible to get it done at a garage that has a computerised four wheel alignment rig but this is definitely not a job for quick-fit!
There is a different alignment spec for Sportline cars. Make sure the garage knows this and uses the right spec.
The front of the W124 has limited adjustment and the rear is not adjustable at all for camber. If you lower the car too much (eg. by using cheap springs) the alignment will never be done right. There are ways of adjusting the rear camber using aftermarket kits but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Anti roll bars.
It’s worth changing the front and rear anti roll bars for Sportline ones to keep the car flatter in the corners. The front is easy to fit, the rear almost impossible without a proper ramp. If you have to change the rear subframe bushes this would be a good time to add Sportline anti roll bars.
If you need any part numbers, or anything else, just ask.
