W124 1991 500E Suspension

[bolide]

I want a future proof set up in that I'd like a system that could handle more power if I ever decided to go down that route

I think the setup should be dictated by your useage, not by the power output. If you're doing track work you'll want it stiffer and with less roll. If you're doing Autobahn work I would think standard would be best. For most UK roads I'd think standard with SLS rear would be hard to beat

which is why I think the OEM system is not the best option.

I don't think that follows. I think the assumption that lower + harder = better is probably untrue for most UK road situations. Without seeing how good a standard system can be I don't think you can assume a different setup will be better

Nick Froome
*****************

 

[uchiha]

Nick,

I would never track the car and it would rarely go over 70mph.

The suspension is very crashy over bad roads and wallows at anything approaching speed around a corner.

I want something more comfortable and something that controls body roll and dive better. I do not necessarily want the car lower as I think it sits perfectly as it is.

From the research I've done my main options are: Stock / Koni&H&Springs / AMG.

My question is, how does the adjustable Koni setup compare with stock? Is it more comfortable on the softest setting than OEM? Also, how much harder is the AMG set up?

 

[paddy@polyposta]

My 500E

Well its been a while I must say. I have not done much more with my car for some time now, Had all that work done previously and now its worse than before!! Have to laugh, set up just does not feel right at all and the Brabus Springs that I bought are no where near Genuine as the ride height is now a lot higher.

What do I do now? Bought an RS4 B7 a few months back and have been driving that, not touched the Merc, got fed up with it, but still love it, still have the Merc! What to do. Want to sell but dont.

Not happy selling knowing that ride height set up dont feel right although some might like

To add to that reverse gear still playing up and now engine revs up and down on its own, specially when in gear and stopped at lights, rev needle just bounces up and down

Advice any one...help, get me in the 500E groove again!!

Paddy

 

[500E]

All i'm gonna say is, if you don't drive that Merc - I will!

And seriously, the 500E is probably one of the best cars Mercedes ever built.

 

[paddy@polyposta]

All i'm gonna say is, if you don't drive that Merc - I will!

And seriously, the 500E is probably one of the best cars Mercedes ever built.

So what do I do now. have been driving her on and off for the last couple of weeks as did not want her seizing up

 

[500E]

Sell it to me for £2500 and we'll call it quits?

You might be able to fill up the Audi for a couple months with that if your lucky!

On a more serious note, get the suspension redo. Your best off taking all the BRABUS stuff off, and trying to source a W124 E60 AMG kit.

I had this fitted on my E500 and it was amazing. We've got two 500's in the family so you could really tell the difference. I had 18" BBS alloys and the ride length was perfect.

Just my 2cents!

 

[500E]

You might need to get the diagnostics checked out on the car regarding the revs.

You can also approach Talbir - he is a very knowledgable member in regards to the E500's and will be able to help you problem solve.

Remember - it's a 18yr old 5.0L V8 with isnt the most simplest engine in the world - it'll need tampering with now and again - but thats the fun part!

 

[W124Collector]

Sorry guys but a bit off subject my W124 Estate looks the nuts but just looks too high, somebody told me i can remove some rubber on top of the springs which should drop it about 1". Is this right or what springs can I put in without losing the smooth ride? As from what i know the estate has self leveling rear suspension.

 

[d w124]

Sorry guys but a bit off subject my W124 Estate looks the nuts but just looks too high, somebody told me i can remove some rubber on top of the springs which should drop it about 1". Is this right or what springs can I put in without losing the smooth ride? As from what i know the estate has self leveling rear suspension.

Yes:You could change the spring pads.

 

[pupsi]

You cant and shouldnt remove the rubber completely, you can however buy different thickness rubbers from MB which is what i did on my car.

 

[W124Collector]

Oh ok.... do you know what the part is called...?

 

[d w124]

Oh ok.... do you know what the part is called...?

^spring pads,but first you need to check what you have.

 

[Uberwagon]

Well its been a while I must say. I have not done much more with my car for some time now, Had all that work done previously and now its worse than before!! Have to laugh, set up just does not feel right at all and the Brabus Springs that I bought are no where near Genuine as the ride height is now a lot higher.

What do I do now? Bought an RS4 B7 a few months back and have been driving that, not touched the Merc, got fed up with it, but still love it, still have the Merc! What to do. Want to sell but dont.

Not happy selling knowing that ride height set up dont feel right although some might like

To add to that reverse gear still playing up and now engine revs up and down on its own, specially when in gear and stopped at lights, rev needle just bounces up and down

Advice any one...help, get me in the 500E groove again!!

Paddy

Can you describe exactly what the car is doing?

Personally, I found the set up on my 100% standard 500E to be fantastic on UK roads, lots of droop which IMO is needed on the roads we have.

A proper geo done by someone who knows what they are doing will make a big difference.

My personal feeling is that too many changes have been made. If it is of any use I will do my best to get any measurements of my static ride heights aslong as it will be useful, my car is still in storage but it can be done.

In the wet it is very controllable, in the dry on standard tyres I never had any traction problems at all.

Dave!

 

[W124Collector]

^spring pads,but first you need to check what you have.

See I am having the Whole car resprayed in the same Bormite colour and having it all colour coded. I have 17" Original AMG Wheels to go on and it looks too high. Someone suggested cutting a single coil of the standard spring which would mean the same ride quality and also lowered ride....

Is this right from your experience guys....?

 

[d w124]

With the price of a new springs,i would not bother.By the way,nice colour.

 

[Uberwagon]

Just go to Merc and get a set of number 1 spring pads and then go from there, cutting springs is a bodge.

Dave!

 

[pupsi]

Avoid cutting springs, most hardcore bodge possible!

 

[W124Collector]

Thanks guys for the responses, getting number 1 spring pad, does this mean the ride will have a harder impact as there would be less rubber to bounce on? is it noticeable from your experiences?

Thanks

 

[W124Collector]

With the price of a new springs,i would not bother.By the way,nice colour.

Thanks Mate... I spent ages looking for an estate and then finally found one a week ago near Southampton... clean but a little rust on the aluminium surround so getting it replaced and the whole car a paint job....

 

[Uberwagon]

I noticed a little more intrusion on rough roads through the steering, although my spring cups before I changed them were quite new. If yours are original you may even see an improvement.

Dave!