W126 Suspension

[h17n dj]

Good Afternoon,

I'm looking for recommendations on suspension parts for my W126 500SEL please?

I'm looking for a slight drop too... was thinking of stock shocks (buying new of course) along with H&R springs? Which shocks should I go with? OEM from the dealer? or other?

I was going to fit air ride but I've heard this can be too much work and it isn't quite a straight fit.... Also gone away from it as it can look a tad over-done if that makes sense?

I look forward to your suggestions.

 

[ianrandom]

Standard Bilstein shocks worked very well for me and not expensive from online. Dealer might be much more expensive but you never know.

If buying springs be aware there is a strange anomaly with part numbers, on the front springs at least. That's the dealer ones anyway. Something like two different lengths of spring with the same number, and you need to specify long or short when you buy. (after using the MB points calculator to ensure the right springs.)
Or just buy H&R..

 

[h17n dj]

Ian,

Thanks for your help! Looks like Blistein is the way to go. Definitely want H&R springs as want to sit slightly lower and I have them on my daily runner. Looking at the H&R site they're 45mm drop all round?

 

[ianrandom]

I think the specified drop is a bit of a joke. Different results for everyone. It's rarely an awful result though.

 

[h17n dj]

Cheers Ian

 

[ray_hennig]

Ian,

Thanks for your help! Looks like Blistein is the way to go. Definitely want H&R springs as want to sit slightly lower and I have them on my daily runner. Looking at the H&R site they're 45mm drop all round?

If you are dropping by 45 mm you might wish to use Bilstein B8 dampers. I had these on my 124 with Bilstein springs in a matched kit type B12. Some said that the springs were H&R.

Ask Oliver Stoner at PCS to comment as I think he knows something about this.

And, yes, it is very important to get the springs that match your car's options. In my case, I had to order the B12 kit with the stiffest springs. I've just seen that H&R lists only two spring options for a 126 so you may have to alter spring pads to achieve a realistic ride height.

Bonne chance.

RayH

 

[h17n dj]

Thank you for that useful information! I shall make some enquiries.

 

[h17n dj]

Gents, I have narrowed it
Down to either H&R springs or eibach... which ones are recommended? H&R claiming 45mm drop which may be too much? Eibach claiming 40-45mm at front and 30-35mm at the rear....?

 

[grober]

I notice you have a 500SEL =long wheelbase version. Does the car have rear self levelling suspension because the rear springs/suspension is different?

 

[h17n dj]

Yes indeed I do have the SEL. No rear self levelling in mine. Just normal suspension. It needs renewing and want to lower slightly so not sure which to get?

 

[grober]

H and R would be a good bet. Remember you can make ride height adjustments with the spring pads of different thicknesses. Perhaps your best guide would be ask guys who have lowered their SEC Coupes- virtually the same suspension and many have been lowered.
One of the forums MB specialists JAYMANEK lowered his SEC coupe a while back he would be able to advise you

 

[h17n dj]

So does the coupe have a similar set up to the long wheel base then?

Hopefully Jay Manek will see this post and comment

 

[alabbasi]

HR are well respected among W126 people that like to lower their cars. Eibach is also well respected

So does the coupe have a similar set up to the long wheel base then?

Hopefully Jay Manek will see this post and comment

Yes, the coupe is basically the same underneath as a W126 SE. Front and rear suspension is exactly the same with the only differential being whether they have SLS or not which would apply to both body style.

 

[h17n dj]

I have the Long Wheel Base So has to suit that! Eibach as different lowering measurements where as H&R has an even lowering measurement. That’s where I’m slgrly confused what to do as I don’t want the front up in the air. It has to sit right...

 

[alabbasi]

The wheelbase will not matter. It's the weight on the sub frame which counts. Go with H&R and let them know which model (500SEL, 560SE etc). They'll provide you with the correctly rated springs.

 

[h17n dj]

Thanks

 

[h17n dj]

Just to update this thread, im 90% sure that I will be putting the car on MB genuine stock suspension. not too sure I want to lower it at this point in time to compromise ride quality.

 

[h17n dj]

For those interested, I've gone with MB stock suspension set up