Considering an E320 Cabriolet
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
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From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
6. Vibration damper on left strut. It's a big piece of lead imbedded in rubber bolted to the strut mount under the hood. When the rubber cracks and breaks, the damper doesn't dampen and bangs around, and there may be shimmy in the front suspension that no amount of wheel rebalancing will remove.
Thanks again,
- FD
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
300TE, 300CE
Vibration damper front strut
Yes, that is the correct part number.
Mine has cracks on the four inner rubber braces connecting the outer rubber wrapped chunk of lead to the mounting support, so there is movement that probably wouldn't be present on a new damper.
I took it off and bought a standard strut mount plate to replace it. I have not driven the Cab on the highway yet, but at city street speeds I do not notice any difference.
Mine has cracks on the four inner rubber braces connecting the outer rubber wrapped chunk of lead to the mounting support, so there is movement that probably wouldn't be present on a new damper.
I took it off and bought a standard strut mount plate to replace it. I have not driven the Cab on the highway yet, but at city street speeds I do not notice any difference.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Got One!
I am now the proud new owner of a 1995 Black/Tan E320 Cabriolet. It's a one owner, dealer maintained car with 96K miles. Everything works as it did from the factory except for the the driver's headrest (I've read the thread on that issue). The interior/exterior are very good (there is one small door ding). It even has the optional CD changer.
I just finished adding keyless entry and have ordered a newer MB Becker radio from Europe that supports D2B fiber optic so that I can add a Dension Ipod/Bluetooth interface to the car. I will need to work on some speaker upgrades later.
I would really like to thank everyone for their input/help with this!! It helped me find/buy the best car for my budget. I will post some pics once I have a chance to take them.
The car came with the OEM series 92 15" wheels/tires and new Michelins. It also came with a set of of AMG VI 5 spoke wheels from a newer CLK55 (staggered 17x7.5 & 1&x8.5). While they seem to fit fine, they really don't look "correct" on the car. But the OEM wheels are, well, just too boring. So I've been looking for alternate wheels. Of course, the classic Monobock Aero or Aero II are high on the list. But they are also low on the availability list.
It turns out that I can get a set of the "propeller" design wheels from an R129. I like this design and I think they are "period correct" (close to the monoblock actually). They are 17x8.25 ET34 all the way around. Does anyone know if they will fit a Cabrio? The "guide" says E500/500E, but being new to the W124 chassis, and the Cabrio in particular, I'm not sure what the differences (from the wheel/tires perspective) are.
Any info would be appreciated - the wheels may go to someone else if I don't say I want them soon.
Thanks again,
- FD
I just finished adding keyless entry and have ordered a newer MB Becker radio from Europe that supports D2B fiber optic so that I can add a Dension Ipod/Bluetooth interface to the car. I will need to work on some speaker upgrades later.
I would really like to thank everyone for their input/help with this!! It helped me find/buy the best car for my budget. I will post some pics once I have a chance to take them.
The car came with the OEM series 92 15" wheels/tires and new Michelins. It also came with a set of of AMG VI 5 spoke wheels from a newer CLK55 (staggered 17x7.5 & 1&x8.5). While they seem to fit fine, they really don't look "correct" on the car. But the OEM wheels are, well, just too boring. So I've been looking for alternate wheels. Of course, the classic Monobock Aero or Aero II are high on the list. But they are also low on the availability list.
It turns out that I can get a set of the "propeller" design wheels from an R129. I like this design and I think they are "period correct" (close to the monoblock actually). They are 17x8.25 ET34 all the way around. Does anyone know if they will fit a Cabrio? The "guide" says E500/500E, but being new to the W124 chassis, and the Cabrio in particular, I'm not sure what the differences (from the wheel/tires perspective) are.
Any info would be appreciated - the wheels may go to someone else if I don't say I want them soon.
Thanks again,
- FD
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
Congratulations!
I like the "propeller" wheels too, but...
500E500 wheels will have a lower offset - therefore they will not clear your fenders. They will be too wide and they'll rub.
Regular wheels are likely cheaper anyway.
I like the "propeller" wheels too, but...
500E500 wheels will have a lower offset - therefore they will not clear your fenders. They will be too wide and they'll rub.
Regular wheels are likely cheaper anyway.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
Agree about the wheel size not going to fit w reasonable effort. I think I may have a set of the B&G springs I used on the white Cab, bought them for the wagon, installed them, and am second guessing myself right now. Wheel wise, til you lower it, new Michelins on stock wheels roll out fine. 
When it comes time to look for a speaker solution...take a look at this thread.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-your-car.html
I have a friend who can for the moment obtain dealer cost price on these and they are, I think, worthwhile for their stealth improvement. I have them in my 3 regular cars now- the Cabriolet, Sportline and wagon.
Congrats on finding a nice example, love the description. Was it the car you described weeks ago?
And as my sig shows, even iPhone pics are better than nothing.
When it comes time to look for a speaker solution...take a look at this thread.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-your-car.html
I have a friend who can for the moment obtain dealer cost price on these and they are, I think, worthwhile for their stealth improvement. I have them in my 3 regular cars now- the Cabriolet, Sportline and wagon.
Congrats on finding a nice example, love the description. Was it the car you described weeks ago?
And as my sig shows, even iPhone pics are better than nothing.
Last edited by RHW; May 2, 2010 at 11:26 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
. .
When it comes time to look for a speaker solution...take a look at this thread.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-your-car.html
I have a friend who can for the moment obtain dealer cost price on these and they are, I think, worthwhile for their stealth improvement. I have them in my 3 regular cars now- the Cabriolet, Sportline and wagon.
When it comes time to look for a speaker solution...take a look at this thread.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-your-car.html
I have a friend who can for the moment obtain dealer cost price on these and they are, I think, worthwhile for their stealth improvement. I have them in my 3 regular cars now- the Cabriolet, Sportline and wagon.
Thank you! I have been lusting after a set of the Jehnert door panels! After I get the wheels taken car of, I'm going to look into them.
- FD
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
A few pictures
For better for worse (I'm not the best photographer), here are some pictures of my new Cab. Sorry it took a bit of time to post them, but it's pollen season here in New England and I needed to get some time when I could wash it and take pictures before it was covered with yellow tree pollen again!
I also included a picture of the Radio 10 upgrade I did today (In-dash CD + D2B fiber-optic CD control) and the MB switchblade style keyless entry I installed (no relays and controls factory alarm).
I love the car and am looking forward to being a member of the W124 community!
Thanks again everyone for your help.
- FD
I also included a picture of the Radio 10 upgrade I did today (In-dash CD + D2B fiber-optic CD control) and the MB switchblade style keyless entry I installed (no relays and controls factory alarm).
I love the car and am looking forward to being a member of the W124 community!
Thanks again everyone for your help.
- FD
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
The extra wheels
Here is a picture of the extra AMG wheels/tires that came with the car (eventually, I plan to sell these).
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
1995 E320 Cab; 2007 E350 Sport
Welcome to the club. I have the original 15" rims also but they were chromed and make me a bit queasy. I bought but have not installed a set of e420 5 hole rims from a W210 like these
I think they will work and I know they fit.
I think they will work and I know they fit.
Last edited by vexed; May 9, 2010 at 10:32 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Propeller Wheels . .
Well, I've always been good at ignoring good advice, so I went ahead a picked up the set of propeller style R129 wheels. I did this for two reasons -
1), I really like the looks of these wheels on the W124 (couldn't stand them on the R129); somehow they seem period correct for the W124.
2), the sticky post fitting guide showed that 17x8 ET 30 w/235/45R17 works for a regular (e.g., non-500e) W124. The wheel offset calculator says that for the R129 wheels (17x8.25 ET 34) the outside dimension is 1 mm less than the MB configuration. However, it also says that the inside clearance is 7 mm less, so I figured that if they didn't rub on the struts, they should be okay with the fenders.
Well, tried them on and everything seems to clear on the inside. Interestingly, I do get some fender rubbing during hard cornering (the wheels came with 245/45R17's), but it is so slight I suspect that fitting 235/45R17's or 225/45R17's (the 225 size exactly matches the diameter of the OEM wheels) will fix that. While changing the wheels I discovered also that my front fenders have been rolled already, but the rears are bone stock.
I really like the looks of them - what do you think? I'd be interested in comments.
Thanks,
- FD
1), I really like the looks of these wheels on the W124 (couldn't stand them on the R129); somehow they seem period correct for the W124.
2), the sticky post fitting guide showed that 17x8 ET 30 w/235/45R17 works for a regular (e.g., non-500e) W124. The wheel offset calculator says that for the R129 wheels (17x8.25 ET 34) the outside dimension is 1 mm less than the MB configuration. However, it also says that the inside clearance is 7 mm less, so I figured that if they didn't rub on the struts, they should be okay with the fenders.
Well, tried them on and everything seems to clear on the inside. Interestingly, I do get some fender rubbing during hard cornering (the wheels came with 245/45R17's), but it is so slight I suspect that fitting 235/45R17's or 225/45R17's (the 225 size exactly matches the diameter of the OEM wheels) will fix that. While changing the wheels I discovered also that my front fenders have been rolled already, but the rears are bone stock.
I really like the looks of them - what do you think? I'd be interested in comments.
Thanks,
- FD
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
They look real good- I've thought about them but had too many doubts to try them.
BTW, If you look at my (current) signature pic, the drop is due to a set of B&G springs. I am trying to lower a wagon too, and bought a set of the CAB springs to test on the wagon. (Net effect, lower than intended, not rubbing on et40 16 inch wheels, but more than I want for a utility vehicle.)
SO, I ordered a set of H&R springs specifically for the wagon, and am likely to pull the Cabriolet springs. I'd sell them for 60% of the best price you can find if this came to pass and you were interested. As I mentioned in another thread, I lowered the car SPRINGS ONLY first, then added bilstein sports...and the springs alone were a giant upgrade. I might still be on stockers if not for a lightly used set of bilsteins went by.
BTW, If you look at my (current) signature pic, the drop is due to a set of B&G springs. I am trying to lower a wagon too, and bought a set of the CAB springs to test on the wagon. (Net effect, lower than intended, not rubbing on et40 16 inch wheels, but more than I want for a utility vehicle.)
SO, I ordered a set of H&R springs specifically for the wagon, and am likely to pull the Cabriolet springs. I'd sell them for 60% of the best price you can find if this came to pass and you were interested. As I mentioned in another thread, I lowered the car SPRINGS ONLY first, then added bilstein sports...and the springs alone were a giant upgrade. I might still be on stockers if not for a lightly used set of bilsteins went by.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
If it's round, I replaced it
I finally decided to bite the bullet and go for some monoblock IIs. While I was at it, I decided to deal with the truck sized steering wheel too. The car is now rolling on monoblock II's with 215/50R-17 Sumitomo HTR A/S tires. I'm really glad I did it - it was like getting a new car all over again.
- FD
- FD
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
MMMMMonoblocks
(in my best Homer Simpson mmmm-donuts impression)
That is exactly what I am now running on my white cab, down to tire size. Isn't the little extra rubber nice at 215x50? (Be curb careful tho!)
And your car would look even better dropped an inch or so.
(in my best Homer Simpson mmmm-donuts impression)
That is exactly what I am now running on my white cab, down to tire size. Isn't the little extra rubber nice at 215x50? (Be curb careful tho!)
And your car would look even better dropped an inch or so.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
1996 E320 Sportline Cabriolet x 2
I finally decided to bite the bullet and go for some monoblock IIs. While I was at it, I decided to deal with the truck sized steering wheel too. The car is now rolling on monoblock II's with 215/50R-17 Sumitomo HTR A/S tires. I'm really glad I did it - it was like getting a new car all over again.
- FD
- FD
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1994 W124 Coupe
Well bought! Looks nice with the Monoblock II's. The other nice period factory-look audio upgrade for CD and iPog is the Becker 4602, essentially a Harmon Kardon Nav Pro private labeled for Benz. These are getting very hard to find, though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 2
From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
Beautiful car...congrats. I just sold my 1995 E320 Cabriolet and hopefully the new owner will enjoy it as much as I did. Mine had 85k miles and was in excellent condition, and it sold for about $12k. Considering the newer CLK55 cabs are going for mid-teens, I think that's saying quite a bit about the W124 cabs.
PL
PL
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
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From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
I got it on ebay - paid $300 for it. For me, there are two things that make the W124 interior look "dated" - the home-made-looking-carved-out-of-children's-blocks climate controls and the big-enough-to-pilot-the-Titanic steering wheel. I haven't seen I good upgrade for the climate controls, but the smaller diameter wood, wheel and leather really helped.
- FD
BTW, is that Mt. San Jacinto in the background of your sig pic? Spent a year working in Palm Springs.
- FD
BTW, is that Mt. San Jacinto in the background of your sig pic? Spent a year working in Palm Springs.
Last edited by Floobydust; Oct 31, 2010 at 06:32 PM. Reason: added question
