spatel96

I bought a 2002 E320 Sedan with 45k miles in mint condition. I was originally driving a 1997 E420 with 96k miles. Ever since I've been driving the E320, I've never felt comfortable as I did in the E420. The E320 doesn't drive on the road as smooth as the E420 does. I feel every bit of obstacle on the road in my E320 vs my E420. As much as I love this car, I don't love the ride. Everything on the E320 is factory stock with toyo tires (idk if that makes a difference).
All opinions appreciated.
Cheers.

Beverly Sharp

Interesting. I have a '96 E320 w/ 109K, Michelin tires, and just bought a 2001 E430 w/ 64K. No doubt about it; the E430 rides noticeably better than the E320. Granted, there is a mileage difference of over 40K, but I don't think that explains it; I think it's the heavier V8 engine. Besides that, I just put four new MB shocks on the E320. Ugh.
That V8 runs so quietly, that at a stoplight, it sounds like the engine died. I love it (my first V8 engine since the 1980s).
James

RichM

Nothing wrong with Toyo tires. The only Toyos that fit the stock setup are either Extensa HP or Versado. The Extensa will give you a rough ride as they are V rated tires, and have a very stiff sidewall. The Versado however will give you a nice smooth comfortable ride. That said, your description of ride quality can't be blamed on tires alone. Get the car up on a lift and have the bushings and ball joints checked out. It is not unusual for a low mileage 13year old car to need rubber suspension parts. Lack of use is actually worse than being a daily driver.

spatel96

Did the new shocks make any difference to the smoothness of the ride?
I really hope there isn't a problem with my shocks. The previous owner had it in a garage all it's life and barely drove it.

Beverly Sharp

Yes, the new 320 shocks improved the ride, but not a huge amount. Given that, I still think the improvement was worth the investment. If I were you, I'd leave the factory shocks on unless they aren't giving a decent ride.
For me, I should have left the originals alone, but I put on new Bilstein so-called "comfort" shocks, but they were horrible---rode like a 1940 worn-out Ford pickup---harsh beyond belief.
Then I replaced them with MB shocks, hence the improvement. However, the 320 definitely still doesn't ride as smooth as my "new" '01 E430. Again, I'd leave the originals on unless they are shot. You know the old adage: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Will I even learn?
Beverly

spatel96

I'd probably go with the opinion that the weight of the v6 engine vs. the v8 contributes to the smoothness of the ride. After all, the v6's have better gas mileage since it's lighter than the v8. But I've sat in a 2003 E320 (v6) and it was very smooth indeed. Made me think of why the 2002 isn't as smooth.

Beverly Sharp

According to federal government stats, a 1996 E320 gets only one mile per gallon more than a 2001 E430. The penny is worth it!!! Part of that is likely because the 2001 has an overdrive gear, whereas the 1996 doesn't.
Beverly

spatel96

what would be the most recommended tire brands for these particular models? I think Continental's are in the lead but of course there are equivalents. I've always believed that toyo tires are more suitable on sports vehicles and whatnot.

Beverly Sharp

What?! You're not buying Michelins? Heresy! What's the world coming to, with Mercedes Benz cars designed with no tri-star ornament on the hood? The end must be near!
Seriously, choice of tires for a Mercedes is pretty much a "you pays your money and takes your choice" thing. You can read reviews and "testimonies" until your head spins and still have no clear answer to the question, although you're less likely to be disappointed with Michelins or Continentals. Make your choice and pay your money.
Beverly

spatel96

Just went outside to take a look at the tire type of my E320 and unfortunately I don't have either the Extensa nor Versado. I have the Toyo Proxes TPT (215/55R16).... your feedback please

RichM

It looks like this was a tire Toyo made for some large tire chains like Discount Tire etc. All season tire that came in S, T, H, V speed ratings. I don't know anything about this tire as far as ride characteristics other than it was billed as a touring tire, which is strange as the Proxes line is their performance line of tires. Have you had the tires checked for cupping or flat spotting? I still think it is worth getting the car on a lift to check bushes, ball joints etc. Where are you getting this feeling? Steering wheel, seats? Getting a floaty ride with lots of head toss?

spatel96

@RichM- I did read about those particular tires being made for Discount tire,etc. It was odd to read that it's now discontinued. (not sure why)

I'm getting the feelings solely from the steering wheel then of course it passes to the seat. I feel almost every crack, gap, even a pebble on roads when driving. Also I live in Memphis, TN where 90% of the roads are a disaster so I won't blame my car for the most part. At some point, I will get the bushings, ball joints, shocks, etc checked.

Also, in addition, (idk if this pertains to this situation) but I did get my tires rotated in January excluding wheel alignment.

RichM

It is not unusual that a manufacturer discontinue a "price point" tire, especially since the big chain stores started carrying Chinese tires. I travel to Memphis and the Mid South often as I have family there. I don't consider the roads there to be that bad. I split my time between DFW and West Michigan. Talk about bad roads. Pot holes, frost heaves and general disrepair from salt and chemicals. I keep one of my W210s and a W211 up there. Other than the impact from hitting a pothole, both cars are very smooth riding. How old are the tires? Is there any sidewall cracking? Hopefully you will get this sorted and start enjoying the car. It is getting harder to find such low milage one owner examples.

spatel96

The age of the tires is a question that I haven't gotten an answer to myself, unfortunately. On the other hand, there are no visible cracks,etc. The sidewall also appears to be healthy.
Overall this car is indeed fun to drive and whatnot. The problem begins as soon as I drive over small bumpy roads, cracks, potholes, gaps, etc.

RichM

It is very easy to find the age of the tire. Look for the letters "DOT" on the sidewall. The "DOT" code is usually 8 alpha neumerics followed by 4 digits. The 4 digits indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example "3414" would be the 34th week of 2014. The 4 digits are separated from the DOT code and surrounded by an oblong ridge in the sidewall. Whenever getting new tires, it is always a good idea to check the manufacture date to make sure you are getting fresh tires, and not ones that have been sitting in a warehouse for an extended period of time.

spatel96

Just checked the last 4 digits of my tires. The digits are: 4404.
Seeing that these tires were manufactured in 2004, I believe it's time to change these tires.

RichM

Yes, I would say it is time. It is probably not a good idea (no matter how good the tire looks) to be riding around on 11 year old tires. You may want to check the spare as well. Chances are it is the original, and quite possibly has never been on the ground. Views differ as to whether it is safe to use a tire this old, but if you don't road trip it should be good to get you home or to the local tire shop from across town.