Suspension Questions
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e400
Suspension Questions
Oh, great, another thread by Zach1328, I'm sure you guys are excited. 
But no worries...Because, Zach2.0 is BACK!
I went to a drift event/car show, and after seeing all of the low *** cars there, my heart is set on getting susp/lowering springs.
I already know i want Bilstein suspension and H&R springs, because after searching through many threads, people seem to be most passionate about that setup. I will probably get the Sport edition, although it seems most people on this forums recomend the HD's.
So, I'm getting suspension and a lowering kit, I'm 100% sure ill end up with them..Eventually..!
The question is, when and how.
H&R doesn't make the springs for W124's anymore, so where can i find/pickup a good NEW(un-used) set of H&R springs?
On the other hand, Thankfully, Bilstein still makes the suspension for our cars. But, most of the shops ive been to in my area said the Bilstein Sport suspension would be in the $900-$1000 range (excluding installation).
But why would it be so expensive??
TwinTube strut assembly (front): $257.00
Monotube Shock absorber (rear): $179.00
That equals $435, plus shipping & handling, which is im guessing $50 at the most..
So lets say $485..
Why are all these places telling me its double that?
Is there more than that that i need for the suspension..or are they just trying to make some extra money by ripping people off?
But no worries...Because, Zach2.0 is BACK!
I went to a drift event/car show, and after seeing all of the low *** cars there, my heart is set on getting susp/lowering springs.
I already know i want Bilstein suspension and H&R springs, because after searching through many threads, people seem to be most passionate about that setup. I will probably get the Sport edition, although it seems most people on this forums recomend the HD's.
So, I'm getting suspension and a lowering kit, I'm 100% sure ill end up with them..Eventually..!
The question is, when and how.
H&R doesn't make the springs for W124's anymore, so where can i find/pickup a good NEW(un-used) set of H&R springs?
On the other hand, Thankfully, Bilstein still makes the suspension for our cars. But, most of the shops ive been to in my area said the Bilstein Sport suspension would be in the $900-$1000 range (excluding installation).
But why would it be so expensive??
TwinTube strut assembly (front): $257.00
Monotube Shock absorber (rear): $179.00
That equals $435, plus shipping & handling, which is im guessing $50 at the most..
So lets say $485..
Why are all these places telling me its double that?
Is there more than that that i need for the suspension..or are they just trying to make some extra money by ripping people off?
Last edited by zach1328; Nov 29, 2010 at 04:39 PM.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
'91 C124 300CE,'06 ML 500 W164, '00 BMW MCOUPE, '65 COBRA REPL.
H&R still makes springs.
http://hrsprings.com/scripts/appguid...ind3&MakeID=25
The price you quoted for the shocks, are EACH.
Not per pair.
So.....257+257+179+179=872
Try eshocks.com for pretty good pricing on shocks.
I paid $487 at eshocks for all 4 HD.
For springs, try ebay. They have H&R for around $240.
BTW, these will work for your car...double check part numbers....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H-R-S...Q5fAccessories
Research is your friend....
http://hrsprings.com/scripts/appguid...ind3&MakeID=25
The price you quoted for the shocks, are EACH.
Not per pair.
So.....257+257+179+179=872
Try eshocks.com for pretty good pricing on shocks.
I paid $487 at eshocks for all 4 HD.
For springs, try ebay. They have H&R for around $240.
BTW, these will work for your car...double check part numbers....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H-R-S...Q5fAccessories
Research is your friend....
Last edited by semis1; Nov 29, 2010 at 05:13 PM.
Thread Starter
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e400
Ok thank you guys.
I really didn't know that H&R still made them. 2 local shops told me that they wern't available anymore, so i would have to pick them up on my own.
As for the suspension, i finally got a hold of bilstein to ask some questions.
I did find out that the price is for EACH shock, but the guy i was talking to was quite generous and said i shouldn't pay NEAR that price.
He said that is the MSRP and i can get them for MUCH MUCH cheaper, which is nice to know.
So, if i can find the suspension for $500-$550 and springs for $250, thats around $700-$800. Then i'll need to check some local shops for installation pricing.
ALLOUT (Off-road performance shop) told me it would be about $500-$600 for installation. But they don't specialize in European cars, so i would be worried letting a place like that work on my suspension.
I think someone on here told me they got it installed by a porsche dealership for about $450, which seems like a fair price to me.
This upcoming weekend, i'll stop by 4 or 5 places and get some price quotes from different places. Also some shops won't accept outside parts (they only order the parts themselves), so i need to double check and make sure they will accept parts i have purchased.
@ Saijin & Semis
Thank you guys for your quick responses.
Very helpful =)
I really didn't know that H&R still made them. 2 local shops told me that they wern't available anymore, so i would have to pick them up on my own.
As for the suspension, i finally got a hold of bilstein to ask some questions.
I did find out that the price is for EACH shock, but the guy i was talking to was quite generous and said i shouldn't pay NEAR that price.
He said that is the MSRP and i can get them for MUCH MUCH cheaper, which is nice to know.
So, if i can find the suspension for $500-$550 and springs for $250, thats around $700-$800. Then i'll need to check some local shops for installation pricing.
ALLOUT (Off-road performance shop) told me it would be about $500-$600 for installation. But they don't specialize in European cars, so i would be worried letting a place like that work on my suspension.
I think someone on here told me they got it installed by a porsche dealership for about $450, which seems like a fair price to me.
This upcoming weekend, i'll stop by 4 or 5 places and get some price quotes from different places. Also some shops won't accept outside parts (they only order the parts themselves), so i need to double check and make sure they will accept parts i have purchased.
@ Saijin & Semis
Thank you guys for your quick responses.
Very helpful =)
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Posts: 4,968
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Best of luck Zach!
Make sure your strut towers are in good shape while you are doing this.
Here is a good example of what they should not look like (my car
)
https://mbworld.org/forums/4037073-post357.html
Also, check the strut perches for rust. You also might as well get new boots for the front struts while you are at it if yours are worn.
Make sure your strut towers are in good shape while you are doing this.
Here is a good example of what they should not look like (my car
)https://mbworld.org/forums/4037073-post357.html
Also, check the strut perches for rust. You also might as well get new boots for the front struts while you are at it if yours are worn.
Thread Starter
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e400
I would ATTEMPT (probably not succeed) the installation myself, except im 16 years old, and honestly would have no idea what im doing. And messing with an 18 year old car, you never know. If you take parts off its hard to put them back on the right way.
Especially if there is any plastic, or material that is easily cracked!
Hell i can't even put the car on a jack.
@ Saijin
Just snapped a few pics of my towers, ill post them up here in a minute on another.
And strut perches? If you have a pic or two of those, could you please post it up on this thread. If my towers or perches are bad, ill replace them too along the way.
Sorry for all the questions, but i want to do this the right way.
EDIT:
If all checks out, I'm going to order some H&R springs and Bilstein sports some time next week.
Then I will probably look to get them installed after Christmas break, as shops will probably be closing by the time i actually recieve the springs & susp.
Also, i want to make sure i have $1800-$2000 just to be safe. Don't want to install it and run into problems i can't fix.
For example: My tires rub on the fenders under speedy turning, or slight cornering only if there is a bump. They never run in a straight line. So i don't know how much they will rub once its lowered 1.5" in the front. May have to get the fenders rolled. (idk, im expecting the worst and hoping for the best)
Especially if there is any plastic, or material that is easily cracked!
Hell i can't even put the car on a jack.
@ Saijin
Just snapped a few pics of my towers, ill post them up here in a minute on another.
And strut perches? If you have a pic or two of those, could you please post it up on this thread. If my towers or perches are bad, ill replace them too along the way.
Sorry for all the questions, but i want to do this the right way.
EDIT:
If all checks out, I'm going to order some H&R springs and Bilstein sports some time next week.
Then I will probably look to get them installed after Christmas break, as shops will probably be closing by the time i actually recieve the springs & susp.
Also, i want to make sure i have $1800-$2000 just to be safe. Don't want to install it and run into problems i can't fix.
For example: My tires rub on the fenders under speedy turning, or slight cornering only if there is a bump. They never run in a straight line. So i don't know how much they will rub once its lowered 1.5" in the front. May have to get the fenders rolled. (idk, im expecting the worst and hoping for the best)
Last edited by zach1328; Nov 29, 2010 at 09:38 PM.
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Thread Starter
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e400
Ok so here are some crappy quality, junky photos i just snapped quickly in a dark garage a few minutes ago. 
Had no lighting, and i was trying to hold a flash light and hold my camera steady at a low shutter speed. 1600 ISO too and i couldnt get the Shutter up enough 
Here's passenger side, as i said bad pic. Can't really see it well.
But it looked fine in person, althought im not expert. Whats everyones thought on this one?
Drivers side(bottom)..Decent size crack right there, not too bad overall though right? I would say the passenger side was in slightly better condition.
Personally, i think they are in good enough condition to not worry about them at this point in time. Maybe sometime down the road.
But could i have some opinions/comments please?
How are they in everyones opinion? Good, bad, okay, and why?
Thanks a lot guys
I think price will determine my final decision on whether or not to get new towers. Can someone please give me a price on how much a new SET of 2 will be? But still give me opinions/comments on the towers please!
Had no lighting, and i was trying to hold a flash light and hold my camera steady at a low shutter speed. 1600 ISO too and i couldnt get the Shutter up enough Here's passenger side, as i said bad pic. Can't really see it well.
But it looked fine in person, althought im not expert. Whats everyones thought on this one?Drivers side(bottom)..Decent size crack right there, not too bad overall though right? I would say the passenger side was in slightly better condition.
Personally, i think they are in good enough condition to not worry about them at this point in time. Maybe sometime down the road.
But could i have some opinions/comments please?
How are they in everyones opinion? Good, bad, okay, and why?
Thanks a lot guys
I think price will determine my final decision on whether or not to get new towers. Can someone please give me a price on how much a new SET of 2 will be? But still give me opinions/comments on the towers please!
Last edited by zach1328; Nov 29, 2010 at 10:13 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Excuse me, spring perch, I mis-spoke. It appears that this issue afflicted the w210 to a larger extent, but the w124 is not immune to it. However, seeing as you are in Texas, I doubt you have a rust issue. I'd wager you're fine on this.
The one strut mount looks a bit worn. I'd say for the little extra in parts they'll cost you, you'd be better off getting them done at the same time as the struts/shocks/springs. Why not?
You've got 3 options for strut mounts: OEM/OES (Febi etc), MeyleHD (slightly more beefy), and RDMTek (adjustable, rare, $$$).
The one strut mount looks a bit worn. I'd say for the little extra in parts they'll cost you, you'd be better off getting them done at the same time as the struts/shocks/springs. Why not?
You've got 3 options for strut mounts: OEM/OES (Febi etc), MeyleHD (slightly more beefy), and RDMTek (adjustable, rare, $$$).
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2010
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e400
Hm, if you don't mind, could you give me a rough estimate on the cost of the strut mounts.
If i'm going to change out stuff in my car, i prefer to get top of the line stuff. What price would i be looking at for the beefier ones? (As a set)
And what advantages do newer strut mounts give? If they don't give a big enough advantage then i don't see the point in getting them.
Do they make it handle better or anything?
If i'm going to change out stuff in my car, i prefer to get top of the line stuff. What price would i be looking at for the beefier ones? (As a set)
And what advantages do newer strut mounts give? If they don't give a big enough advantage then i don't see the point in getting them.
Do they make it handle better or anything?
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
'91 C124 300CE,'06 ML 500 W164, '00 BMW MCOUPE, '65 COBRA REPL.
Hey Zach,
it is a good idea that the strut mounts are changed.
For any part that you need for your car go here.
www.autohausaz.com
For the strut mounts, input this number : 1243201444 These are the heavy duty ones.
The parts are around $28 each. You will need 2.
Look at all the parts that are available for your car in the above site.
The strut mounts are removed by 3 bolts. Very, very easy to do once the struts are to be removed and replaced.
In my previous post, I gave you the sites with the best prices.
If you do not feel comfortable with putting your car on a jack, do not attempt the R&R of the suspension components.
As mentioned above by Saijin, it is a good idea to get the boots and the bump stops for your car, as these parts tend to wear out. All found in the autohausaz site.
Bump stops part # 1293230744 (2 required for the front)
Boots part # 1293230192 (2 required for the front)
All bolts for this job are included with the struts.
As I mentioned, this is a very easy job. Do not over think it. It does not require a Mercedes or European expert. If you have stock rims, you will have no rubbing at all. I have 17", 7.5 wide rims with ET 35 and I have no rubbing at all.
BUT, you will need to get the car aligned after the job. Very important, do not skip this part!!!
If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to ask. Again, poke around in the above site and learn how to work on your car. Start with the easy stuff that you feel comfortable, and then progress slowly to harder things.
it is a good idea that the strut mounts are changed.
For any part that you need for your car go here.
www.autohausaz.com
For the strut mounts, input this number : 1243201444 These are the heavy duty ones.
The parts are around $28 each. You will need 2.
Look at all the parts that are available for your car in the above site.
The strut mounts are removed by 3 bolts. Very, very easy to do once the struts are to be removed and replaced.
In my previous post, I gave you the sites with the best prices.
If you do not feel comfortable with putting your car on a jack, do not attempt the R&R of the suspension components.
As mentioned above by Saijin, it is a good idea to get the boots and the bump stops for your car, as these parts tend to wear out. All found in the autohausaz site.
Bump stops part # 1293230744 (2 required for the front)
Boots part # 1293230192 (2 required for the front)
All bolts for this job are included with the struts.
As I mentioned, this is a very easy job. Do not over think it. It does not require a Mercedes or European expert. If you have stock rims, you will have no rubbing at all. I have 17", 7.5 wide rims with ET 35 and I have no rubbing at all.
BUT, you will need to get the car aligned after the job. Very important, do not skip this part!!!
If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to ask. Again, poke around in the above site and learn how to work on your car. Start with the easy stuff that you feel comfortable, and then progress slowly to harder things.
Last edited by semis1; Nov 29, 2010 at 11:52 PM.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
Hm, if you don't mind, could you give me a rough estimate on the cost of the strut mounts.
If i'm going to change out stuff in my car, i prefer to get top of the line stuff. What price would i be looking at for the beefier ones? (As a set)
And what advantages do newer strut mounts give? If they don't give a big enough advantage then i don't see the point in getting them.
Do they make it handle better or anything?
If i'm going to change out stuff in my car, i prefer to get top of the line stuff. What price would i be looking at for the beefier ones? (As a set)
And what advantages do newer strut mounts give? If they don't give a big enough advantage then i don't see the point in getting them.
Do they make it handle better or anything?
Eventually, this would allow the strut to pop up during cornering, and impact under the hood of your car, damaging the hood and shock tower, at least, and possibly causing loss of control of your car.
At $56 for the set, that's cheap maintenance. It's just like doing your brakes every few thousand miles - routine.
While you have your front end apart anyway, you can do this and save $$$ on labour.
This lowering mod, and the suspension renewal will be very rewarding - you will be very happy with your car and it will perform better ( and more safely) for you.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
As 190e has stated, if the strut towers do fail, which isn't terribly likely to happen (did an off-road rally with mine and still intact) you've got a horrible problem.
The real benefit, like the replacement of any suspension rubber, is an improvement in stability, firmness in the suspension, and elimination of slop/slack/wobble/buck whatever you want to call it. Plus, if you go for the MeyleHD units, you'll get a small improvement in front end stability resulting in better turn in and less sway.
Its cheap, it is good preventative maintenance, and coupled with all the other new suspension goodies, will give you a VERY nice feel.
I'd humbly suggest doing the swaybars + bushings and (if needed) subframe mounts/bushings at this point as well. Get all the suspension rubber taken care of and you'll be amazed.
In my mind, better to have the baseline be all at the same time or close to it.
The real benefit, like the replacement of any suspension rubber, is an improvement in stability, firmness in the suspension, and elimination of slop/slack/wobble/buck whatever you want to call it. Plus, if you go for the MeyleHD units, you'll get a small improvement in front end stability resulting in better turn in and less sway.
Its cheap, it is good preventative maintenance, and coupled with all the other new suspension goodies, will give you a VERY nice feel.
I'd humbly suggest doing the swaybars + bushings and (if needed) subframe mounts/bushings at this point as well. Get all the suspension rubber taken care of and you'll be amazed.
In my mind, better to have the baseline be all at the same time or close to it.
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e400
Thanks for the helpful comments everyone!
It seems at $56 for the set of mounts that i don't really have a choice. Might aswell throw down a little bit more money so i won't need to worry about it down the road.
The RDMTek are sounding pretty good, but the $$$ doesn't sound so good. If i can find some of those for a reasonable price, i may just have to buy them.
And i see that the Boots and the Bump stops are reasonably priced, so what the heck, might as well get those also.
If i have a shop install the boots/bump stops/mounts, it won't be too much extra money will it? If they are already installing the susp, i would imagine its easy, and might not even be an extra charge?
Guess the only way to find out is to call or drive to different shops and find out.
EDIT:
Damn $400 for the RDMtek towers and mounts. They look really good though, and im sure you can get them for a little cheaper than $400, assuming $400 is just the MSRP.
I hope they handle damned well for $400
If i had that kind of extra money those RDMtek's would be on there way to my house within a few days.
And other question:
Can we get strut bars for our cars?
If they were out there i would think that a lot of people on this thread would have them. And i havn't seen any strut bars on here, although i guess it is because i havnt seen many peoples engine bays on here
It seems at $56 for the set of mounts that i don't really have a choice. Might aswell throw down a little bit more money so i won't need to worry about it down the road.
The RDMTek are sounding pretty good, but the $$$ doesn't sound so good. If i can find some of those for a reasonable price, i may just have to buy them.
And i see that the Boots and the Bump stops are reasonably priced, so what the heck, might as well get those also.
If i have a shop install the boots/bump stops/mounts, it won't be too much extra money will it? If they are already installing the susp, i would imagine its easy, and might not even be an extra charge?
Guess the only way to find out is to call or drive to different shops and find out.
EDIT:
Damn $400 for the RDMtek towers and mounts. They look really good though, and im sure you can get them for a little cheaper than $400, assuming $400 is just the MSRP.
I hope they handle damned well for $400
If i had that kind of extra money those RDMtek's would be on there way to my house within a few days.
And other question:
Can we get strut bars for our cars?
If they were out there i would think that a lot of people on this thread would have them. And i havn't seen any strut bars on here, although i guess it is because i havnt seen many peoples engine bays on here
Last edited by zach1328; Nov 30, 2010 at 10:33 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
[Quote: Zach]Damn $400 for the RDMtek towers and mounts. They look really good though, and im sure you can get them for a little cheaper than $400, assuming $400 is just the MSRP.
I hope they handle damned well for $400
If i had that kind of extra money those RDMtek's would be on there way to my house within a few days.
And other question:
Can we get strut bars for our cars?
If they were out there i would think that a lot of people on this thread would have them. And i havn't seen any strut bars on here, although i guess it is because i havnt seen many peoples engine bays on here [Unquote]
RDM's are not likely available for cheaper, for now anyway. They are rare - an item made for the W124 500E owners of a certain forum, but fit W201 as well. I bet there were only one or two hundred sets ever made.
Strut Brace: Ask "RivCalforlife" - he has RDMTEK's which he feels are superior, but he did have a highly-regarded front strut brace for sale. He knows about those and he may still have it. Ask him for sources.
Ok, I'm done. You need to Google this *****.
I hope they handle damned well for $400
If i had that kind of extra money those RDMtek's would be on there way to my house within a few days.
And other question:
Can we get strut bars for our cars?
If they were out there i would think that a lot of people on this thread would have them. And i havn't seen any strut bars on here, although i guess it is because i havnt seen many peoples engine bays on here [Unquote]
RDM's are not likely available for cheaper, for now anyway. They are rare - an item made for the W124 500E owners of a certain forum, but fit W201 as well. I bet there were only one or two hundred sets ever made.
Strut Brace: Ask "RivCalforlife" - he has RDMTEK's which he feels are superior, but he did have a highly-regarded front strut brace for sale. He knows about those and he may still have it. Ask him for sources.
Ok, I'm done. You need to Google this *****.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
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e400
As of now, im still trying to work everything out, and get a worst casenario cost. My parents don't want me to buy anything until im 100% sure of how much it is going to cost as far as parts and labor go.
So the Bilstein Sports are $541 on eshocks.com
H&R springs are about $250
Meyle mounts are $58 (for both)
Bump stops are $21 (for both)
Boots are $15 (for both)
All of that is equal to $885, then hopefully no more than $75 in total for shipping.
After shipping that puts me at $960.
I still need to go around and get quotes for the installation, but im guessing it will be in the $400-$600 range.
In the end, looks like it will be $1,360-$1,560. HOPEFULLY it will be in that lower range, but we'll see.
With that being said, i really need this question to be answered the best it can be:
My tires already rub on my front fenders, how much worse will it be if its lowered 1.5" with the H&R springs?
Basically, when im driving in a staight line, the tires NEVER rub on the fenders. If i take a corner too quickly, the tire pretty much rides on the fender, but i have to take a corner really quickly for that to happen. It also rubs when I have the wheel turned even a tiny bit and hit a bump.
Tires are 8" wide in the front. I believe the offset is 35MM, and then i have 5MM spacers (i think).
Its not too bad, i just want to know if i will need my fenders rolled or not?
EDIT: It might not even be $75 for shipping as eshocks offers free shipping on orders of $200 or more. So unless its $75 to have bump stops and boots shipped, then i should be good.
So the Bilstein Sports are $541 on eshocks.com
H&R springs are about $250
Meyle mounts are $58 (for both)
Bump stops are $21 (for both)
Boots are $15 (for both)
All of that is equal to $885, then hopefully no more than $75 in total for shipping.
After shipping that puts me at $960.
I still need to go around and get quotes for the installation, but im guessing it will be in the $400-$600 range.
In the end, looks like it will be $1,360-$1,560. HOPEFULLY it will be in that lower range, but we'll see.
With that being said, i really need this question to be answered the best it can be:
My tires already rub on my front fenders, how much worse will it be if its lowered 1.5" with the H&R springs?
Basically, when im driving in a staight line, the tires NEVER rub on the fenders. If i take a corner too quickly, the tire pretty much rides on the fender, but i have to take a corner really quickly for that to happen. It also rubs when I have the wheel turned even a tiny bit and hit a bump.
Tires are 8" wide in the front. I believe the offset is 35MM, and then i have 5MM spacers (i think).
Its not too bad, i just want to know if i will need my fenders rolled or not?
EDIT: It might not even be $75 for shipping as eshocks offers free shipping on orders of $200 or more. So unless its $75 to have bump stops and boots shipped, then i should be good.
Last edited by zach1328; Dec 2, 2010 at 05:10 PM.
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
'91 C124 300CE,'06 ML 500 W164, '00 BMW MCOUPE, '65 COBRA REPL.
If your total purchase from autohousaz is over $50, shipping is free.
You have spacers on wheels that are ET35 and 8" wide?
Remove the spacers. The 8" wheels barely fit without them (with no rubbing).
If you don't, you will have more rubbing.
You have spacers on wheels that are ET35 and 8" wide?
Remove the spacers. The 8" wheels barely fit without them (with no rubbing).
If you don't, you will have more rubbing.
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 76
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From: New Jersey
1995 E420
+1 on removing the spacers and will need to change the lugs as well.
You could consider a smaller tire (215 or 205) to reduce rubbing.
AMG made a fender kit that widens the front fenders to allow for bigger wheels on a w124. The kit is NLA but you can make one for less than $20 in parts from a hardware store. Search the forums on this as there are many posts.
You could consider a smaller tire (215 or 205) to reduce rubbing.
AMG made a fender kit that widens the front fenders to allow for bigger wheels on a w124. The kit is NLA but you can make one for less than $20 in parts from a hardware store. Search the forums on this as there are many posts.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
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e400
I really wanted the RDMtek's for some reason, even though they seem a slight waste of money. I thought they looked great and everything, but $400 is a lot, and 190E picked up the last set apparently.
So, basically, it is a win-win kind of deal if you buy new mounts.
1) Better ride comfort (assuming spetz is right, which i hope)
2) Less body lean/sway
3) Less chance for anything to go wrong
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
'91 C124 300CE,'06 ML 500 W164, '00 BMW MCOUPE, '65 COBRA REPL.
RDMtek are a waste for a regular street car that has a not too aggressive car.
Not needed.
The strut mounts would not affect the ride of the car. They are metal with rubber around them. They do not cushion anything. Take a look at how the struts are mounted. Also take a look at other manufacturer's cars. They are bolted directly to the frame with no rubber in between. You would not feel any change. Now if you have some instrument that measures to the nth degree, maybe, but your butt, no.
Also, body lean will not be affected.
Chances of anything going wrong? Slight but unlikely.
But a very cheap and easy insurance plan.
Not needed.
The strut mounts would not affect the ride of the car. They are metal with rubber around them. They do not cushion anything. Take a look at how the struts are mounted. Also take a look at other manufacturer's cars. They are bolted directly to the frame with no rubber in between. You would not feel any change. Now if you have some instrument that measures to the nth degree, maybe, but your butt, no.
Also, body lean will not be affected.
Chances of anything going wrong? Slight but unlikely.
But a very cheap and easy insurance plan.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
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e400
As 190e has stated, if the strut towers do fail, which isn't terribly likely to happen (did an off-road rally with mine and still intact) you've got a horrible problem.
The real benefit, like the replacement of any suspension rubber, is an improvement in stability, firmness in the suspension, and elimination of slop/slack/wobble/buck whatever you want to call it. Plus, if you go for the MeyleHD units, you'll get a small improvement in front end stability resulting in better turn in and less sway.
The real benefit, like the replacement of any suspension rubber, is an improvement in stability, firmness in the suspension, and elimination of slop/slack/wobble/buck whatever you want to call it. Plus, if you go for the MeyleHD units, you'll get a small improvement in front end stability resulting in better turn in and less sway.
I've also read other places that the strut mounts are supposed to reduce tire noises and vibrations from the vehicle. This would make perfect sense as the strut mounts are what attatch the susp to the car. When you think about it, since it atatches the susp to the car, everytime you go over a bump, the mounts are going to have some impact on them. Older, hardened mounts arn't going to with stand the impact as easily as newer beefier ones. The newer beefier mounts should absorb a bit more of the impact.
I could be completely wrong on everything i just said, but it makes sense to me.
The bearings that are on MOST strut mounts also act as steering pivots. Renewing them should give slightly improved steering respones and result in smoother steering.
Not saying any of these things will change drastically. And i won't even know for sure b/c they are going on at the same time as the suspension.
Just trying to say, logically, strut mounts should slightly improve handling and steering.
Last edited by zach1328; Dec 3, 2010 at 11:04 PM.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
Strut mounts, combined with other wear issues, would make the difference between a tight, quiet suspension and a sloppy, loose, vague, feel. In short, not as refined, nor performing to its specifications or potential.
The difference between a new car "feel", and that of a 20 year old, beater.
Your Mercedes will continue to reward you and function as it should, if you replace wear items as needed.
So, yes, Zach, you are correct. You don't need RDM TEK's, but you do need to take care of your suspension to take out the 'play' that developes with age/wear.
Last edited by 190E 16V; Dec 3, 2010 at 11:25 PM.
