Saijin_Naib

Always fantastic info from you Dave, thanks.

I had found the Part Numbers to "build" the Sportline Steering box, but if it really is just the Sedan box I should have no trouble finding one (saves me a ton trying to buy one from the dealer too!).

I can't check it cause I'm currently up at school, but I will check it before I run the PBX rally this November. Would be a shame to have the steering crap out on me mid-run.

By deadzone I meant that when centered, there was a bit of play before the steering would respond. It (the wheel) also felt much less drag upon it in this position.

ksing44

Is that true for almost every single part of my W124? Well, at least almost all of the parts that have fluids. Too bad the AC evaporator can't leak without failing.

I already installed shorter and stiffer springs and shocks, so if I finally get the Sportline or Sportline plus swaybars bars and the subframe bushings will I almost have a Sportline sedan? I thought the different steering ratio would always be missing, in addition to the bigger bolsters on the seats. I may have to find a Sportline badge if I order the bars.

Saijin_Naib

Get the smaller steering wheel, the seats, and you can call it a day with the badge methinks

ksing44

I'll be cool in my almost Sportline. At least I would be if my evaporator wasn't leaking.

AMGDave

LOL! Sorry, I should have clarified... the steering boxes usually just leak, requiring about $20 in new seals. But the hard parts internally almost never wear out. It would be highly unusual that the entire steering gearbox on a 124 would need replacement. Think of it like the front crank seal on the engine... that's a common leak, but the engine itself didn't fail, or need replacement. Just swap the seals.




You'll be pretty close. To complete the full package, you'll also need the front lower control arm bushings (optional, since late Sportline models used the standard bushings instead of the super-firm bushings from early Sportlines), steering box (very hard to locate), shift knob (as hard to locate as the steering box!), seats and steering wheel / airbag (both available from a 500E... I know of a couple being parted out). I assume you already have wider wheels & tires, which were also part of the package... topped off by the fender badges.

I actually have the complete kit on my '87, sans fender badges. The steering box & shift knob were the hardest to obtain. The seats were the most expensive. I'm planning to install an AMG Gen2 kit and have the car painted, along with a 1995 facelift... at which point I'm not sure if I'll badge the car Sportline, or AMG-something (i.e., E30 AMG). After I get the engine power increased, I'll be more tempted to go with the AMG badge... almost all AMG models had added horsepower, while Sportline models did not. Probably be another couple years before I get the paint & body done though.

Saijin_Naib

Dave, can you clarify something for me here?

So, the Coupes used the Standard steering box from the Sedan right?

Did the Sportline Sedan use a box even better than that?

So would it go in this order (loosest to tightest ratio)?
Coupe -> Sedan (Sportline Coupe) -> Sportline Sedan (Super Sportline Coupe)

AMGDave

Exactly correct! You can read the specs in the factory document at this link.

Saijin_Naib

The 2.4-2.7 Ratio one is the impossible one to find, right?

I can't tell what one I have now and what one the default sedan box is.

Is the margin of error in the box due to manufacturing or is that the range that it can be adjusted to?

AMGDave

Standard coupe gearbox is 765.908, ratio 14.6-16.1
Standard sedan gearbox is 765.904, ratio 13.9-15.3 (typical 300E / 300D)

Sportline coupe gearbox is 765.904, ratio 13.9-15.3
Sportline sedan gearbox is 765.928, ratio 13.3-14.6


Don't get hung up on the turns lock to lock... the boxes with 2.4-2.7 turns are 4Matic models, which have different geometry since there are front drive axles in the way. So they have fewer turns L2L, but the exact same ratio otherwise.

The box I'd really like to get my hands on is the 400E Sportline box (765.955), that is super rare... it would be an "upgrade" to the 500E box (765.921). I've never actually seen a factory 400E/E420 Sportline, not even on forums or Euro car sites (it was never offered in the USA, there are none here AFAIK). I think I even tried to locate one new, and they are NLA in Germany, zero stock, and would have been a few thousand dollars if they were available. Oh well.

Saijin_Naib

Thanks again Dave.
I'm just looking because mine is acting up, but my dad is confident we can crank it down and it'll hold. Maybe I'll just find a 300E box for price's sake and be happy with the ratio.

Saijin_Naib

Most recent photo of Bucky. From the summer.


10 e-points if you can tell me what car took the photo

AMGDave

Appears to be a W140 of some sort...?

ksing44

I don't know about the car that took the picture, but that car load of buxom beauties appears to be providing you with a perfect lowered ride height. That is if the front of the car isn’t sticking up in the air.

Saijin_Naib

Hehe Them plus a cooler full of sodas, my 19m kitesurfing kite, their beach bags, etc etc kept the rear lowered. I think my shocks/springs might be shot because between the three of them, they don't weigh over 400lbs. I alone am 235 >_<

I'll give you a hint about the car: I had it posted for sale here a while ago.

AMGDave

Well in that case, I'll guess 1992 400E, black on gray, with ASR!

Didn't look like a 124 chassis in the reflection, more like 129 or 140. So you finally sold the 400? Your old classified ads were never updated...

Saijin_Naib

Yeah, I forgot to do that. I guess I should go back and do that now :P

My cousin bought it from us because his ex took his house and his car >_<

theshrewz

I want to swap my sway bars on my 94 e320 for sportlines or e500's where are you guys ordering your sportline parts from or finding them i havent found any?

Saijin_Naib

If you call Rusty @ (http://www.buymbparts.com/) he can source them.

AMGDave has a nice PDF that has everything you need info-wise (http://www.w124performance.com/docs/...4_swaybars.pdf)

Performance Parts 4 Benz has this kit (http://www.performanceproducts4benz....0&dept_id=6421)

If I recall correctly (can't find the email) it is the 500e front and rear bar. For me, that is not ideal as I want the Cabrio front and 500e rear.

Anyway, hope that helps.

Chappy

I don't think you need to add any more options!!

Saijin_Naib

LOL! If only. All three of them are my cousins, we were going down to the beach for the day.

Thanks for the props though lol. I can at least tell people my car is a chick magnet and not lie.

AMGDave

Rusty has a new email address now: buymbparts@gmail.com

The sway bars are special order items, not on the website - have to email him for pricing. You'll want either the normal Sportline bars front & rear (approx $440 list including the bushings), or the "limo" front bar with 500E rear bar (approx $525 list). Don't bother with the 500E front bar, it's shaped to clear the V8 oil pan, you don't need that for your M104 engine. Besides, the 500E front bar is more expensive.

I may have a 124 sedan lowering kit for sale in 1-2 months, including Sportline sway bars, bushings, Bilstein shocks/struts, and H&R springs. Everything is used, but has low miles and is in good condition. Probably asking around $600 or so...? I need to remove some components from the car first, and re-install the stock items, before I'll have everything ready to sell.

theshrewz

I really appreciate ive been lookin for parts for little while now

cause i recently decided to start upgrading the car,since the engine has been completely rebuilt and i know its gonna last for long time and the handling is only thing i dont enjoy about the car but yea post up when you are selling the kit im gonna start saving up for it

bsmuwk

What's with that little shark fin antenna thing on the roof?

Dummy antenna or is it for something?

Saijin_Naib

That is a rear Vortex Generator from a 2005 WRX STI fitted to my car.

Saijin_Naib

So, first day home with Bucky after 3 months of school and I'm very happy to be driving again.

I've been driving my girlfriend's 1998 Jetta and my other friends 1995 Civic. I really miss the feel of the benz...

So, while I was gone my dad replaced my front brake rotors which (I believe) have been on the car since day one. I can not BELIEVE the difference in pedal feel and braking ability... I'm astounded to be quite honest.

The rear rotors have not been replaced as they have barely even worn down 1mm. All pads were replaced F/R. I'm looking to (finally) install the braided steel brake lines Ed was so nice to send me and do a flush/refill of the brake fluid with fresh stuff (never been flushed).

After that, I am going to put my wipers/panels on and take some pictures

The microswitch in the Driver's side door handle has gone to hell and my dad had to disable the alarm relay because the alarm would go on when unlocked from Driver's side EVERY time (and would not shut off from Driver's side).

The steering is still pretty dead/wobbly in the center, and the car is pulling right now (maybe tire pressure, couldn't be arsed to check tonight) so I guess its high time I either crank the thing down or replace it with a junkyard 300e box (tighter ratio).

Can anyone throw me a picture of where it (the steering box) is? I really want to crank it down before I get side-tracked with other work on Bucky.