New member introduction
I am a new member to this forum, and will say that it is without question the best and most informative forum I have ever associated myself with. I have gathered numerous priceless information over the past 2 months and hope to contribute every chance I get.
I have owned a black 1997 E320 for the past 5 yrs and have begun my project to give her a facelift.
Current upgrades:
Wood/leather steering wheel
Wood/leather shift knob
Alpine NAV system – Make life heavenly
Universal integrated digital cell phone system
16” EVO 5 wheels
Intended mods:
Euro projection lights – Being shipped – should arrive in 3 days
Carlson front bumper – Have PM to Alexbenz for purchase info
02 rear bumper – On hold
17” wheels – On hold
02 taillights – Currently bidding
Aftermarket replacement side mirrors with lights – Currently bidding
Clear side bumper lens – Currently bidding
Brabus side skirt – On hold
Roof/rear windshield spoiler – On hold
I have no plans to do any performance upgrades as I am not about speed nor do I intend to lower her. I do have a concern about going to 17” wheels in fear of losing smoothness in the ride. (Hate rattles and bumpy rides).
A friend of mine has the 02 W210 with 17” wheels and it’s a smooth riding car, even smoother than mine. Does anyone know if the suspension was redesigned for the 02 to compensate for the lower profile wheels? If not I will feel better about going to the 17s.
Sorry for the war and peace, but your input is invaluable.
Last edited by awtrott; Mar 5, 2005 at 07:51 AM.
I am a new member to this forum, and will say that it is without question the best and most informative forum I have ever associated myself with. I have gathered numerous priceless information over the past 2 months and hope to contribute every chance I get.
I have owned a black 1997 E320 for the past 5 yrs and have begun my project to give her a facelift.
Current upgrades:
Wood/leather steering wheel
Wood/leather shift knob
Alpine NAV system – Make life heavenly
Universal integrated digital cell phone system
16” EVO 5 wheels
Intended mods:
Euro projection lights – Being shipped – should arrive in 3 days
Carlson front bumper – Have PM to Alexbenz for purchase info
02 rear bumper – On hold
17” wheels – On hold
02 taillights – Currently bidding
Aftermarket replacement side mirrors with lights – Currently bidding
Clear side bumper lens – Currently bidding
Brabus side skirt – On hold
Roof/rear windshield spoiler – On hold
I have no plans to do any performance upgrades as I am not about speed nor do I intend to lower her. I do have a concern about going to 17” wheels in fear of losing smoothness in the ride. (Hate rattles and bumpy rides).
A friend of mine has the 02 W210 with 17” wheels and it’s a smooth riding car, even smoother than mine. Does anyone know if the suspension was redesigned for the 02 to compensate for the lower profile wheels? If not I will feel better about going to the 17s.
Sorry for the war and peace, but your input is invaluable.
Hi,
Welcome to MBworld!
Sorry, I have not done any performance upgrade, and couldn't give you any useful information.
Last time, Zam2000 gave me a ride with his E320 with Bilstein HD and 17" wheels. It is great! Stable and comfortable!
May I ask you some questions about your upgrade?
1. Universal integrated digital cell phone system
Does it work with the radio, can we make phone call from the radio?
2. 02 rear bumper
Does it come with everything? strip, form,.....
Where can I find it for cheap?
3. Roof/rear windshield spoiler
Is it replica, or Wald?
Thank you very much!
Ben
Bilstein HD can handle 17 & 18 wheels comfortablely (OEM spring), anything bigger than that, you might want to change spring, and go w/ Bilstein SP.
Everything else is optional
02 taillights – Currently bidding

I will post my stock pic as well as pics of the mods that I have already done. But I will wait to until I have finalized the intended mods.
Yes, lots $$$$! but my baby is worth every dime. She has been exceptionally good to me and therefore trading is not an option so I a may as well give her an overall. Either way you take its’ cheaper than a new car payment.
Bilstein HD can handle 17 & 18 wheels comfortablely (OEM spring), anything bigger than that, you might want to change spring, and go w/ Bilstein SP.
Everything else is optional
Thank for your input. I have installed the Bilstein HD, new control arm bushings, sway bar linkage, and lower ball joints. The ride is nice, tight, and smooth. A new car couldn’t feel any better.
I however would like to now if the 02 suspension system is different from the 97.
Welcome to MBworld!
Sorry, I have not done any performance upgrade, and couldn't give you any useful information.
Last time, Zam2000 gave me a ride with his E320 with Bilstein HD and 17" wheels. It is great! Stable and comfortable!
May I ask you some questions about your upgrade?
1. Universal integrated digital cell phone system
Does it work with the radio, can we make phone call from the radio?
2. 02 rear bumper
Does it come with everything? strip, form,.....
Where can I find it for cheap?
3. Roof/rear windshield spoiler
Is it replica, or Wald?
Thank you very much!
Ben
I removed the stock analog cell phone and installed the universal integrated digital cell phone system in the centre console in place of old hand set. It has a separate speaker that I installed under the dash on the driver side, which does not get in the way of my leg or anything for that matter. I choose this system because I can use most any cell phone with it by simply purchasing the associated adapter. (I have changed 4 phones since I installed the system 4 years ago). I will post pics.
I saw the 02 bumpers on EBay (new) for roughly $240.00, not certain if it comes with everything because it is not currently on the top of my list so no extensive probing has been done. This is also true for the Roof/rear wing.
I will post details once I have gathered all the needed information.
Trending Topics
I however would like to now if the 02 suspension system is different from the 97.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Thanks for the response. So in other words going to 17” wheel should have no adverse affect on the smoothness of the ride?
I saw the 02 bumpers on EBay (new) for roughly $240.00, not certain if it comes with everything because it is not currently on the top of my list so no extensive probing has been done. This is also true for the Roof/rear wing.
I will post details once I have gathered all the needed information.
Don't forget to get all other parts for the 02 rear bumper!


Last edited by awtrott; Mar 11, 2005 at 09:25 PM.




what other parts do we need to have the 2000+ bumper look.
Is ebay a reliable place to pick up the bumper???
what other parts do we need to have the 2000+ bumper look.
Is ebay a reliable place to pick up the bumper???
The rear bumper will fit the pre 00-02s but will require changing the reinforcement bar. I have also looked closely and compared both the older and newer bumpers and at first glance they are identical until you look at the valance at the bottom of the bumper which flares out. This valance comes as a separate part and thus I am considering purchasing just the valance and replacing mine to see if that will give me the look I'm trying to get. The stealership sells this valance for $200.00, so I have been trying to find it on EBay with no success so far.
As for shopping on EBay; you will need to pay close attention to the seller's rating. I don’t usually do business with anyone rated less than 96% taking into consideration the total number of sales. I have spent $1000.00 in the past 60 days and have had no problems. You should never use your check card, and you should always use Paypal against a major credit card, which gives you two lines of defense against thieves, and unethical business practices.
I will post the results of my experiments once I get my hands on the needed parts.
Good luck.
Last edited by awtrott; Mar 14, 2005 at 06:40 AM.




have U thot about the sl grill for w210?
have U thot about the sl grill for w210?




who did U get the CL grill from......ebay??? if so, which seller???
any news on the rear bumper....
Keep the mods coming, I mentioned the "CL grill" to you and U got it b/4 me...uhmmm.
Any pics of your mods????
cheers!
Last edited by d2Benz; Mar 24, 2005 at 12:11 AM.
who did U get the CL grill from......ebay??? if so, which seller???
any news on the rear bumper....
Keep the mods coming, I mentioned the "CL grill" to you and U got it b/4 me...uhmmm.
Any pics of your mods????
cheers!
Here is the eBay link to the seller of my grill.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWN%3AIT


