E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

New member introduction

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 4, 2005 | 07:00 PM
  #1  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
New member introduction

Hello my fellow Mercedes enthusiast.


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.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 02:16 AM
  #2  
MBZ12's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,997
Likes: 0
From: Fullerton, CA
'07 R350. '05 C230. '93 454SS Truck. '71 Chevelle SS.
Welcome. That's a lot of mods and big $$$. We'll need before and after pics.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 02:26 AM
  #3  
Ben'z's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
From: LA/OC
E320
Originally Posted by awtrott
Hello my fellow Mercedes enthusiast.


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
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 03:08 AM
  #4  
zam2000's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 9
From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
These two, along with the Bilstein HD, worth every penny in term of improving the look & handling of your car.

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

Originally Posted by awtrott
17” wheels – On hold
02 taillights – Currently bidding
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 07:34 AM
  #5  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by MBZ12
Welcome. That's a lot of mods and big $$$. We'll need before and after pics.

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.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 07:37 AM
  #6  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by zam2000
These two, along with the Bilstein HD, worth every penny in term of improving the look & handling of your car.

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.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 07:48 AM
  #7  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by benchang88
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

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.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 10:16 AM
  #8  
zam2000's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 9
From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
02 suspension is identical to the 97. The steering mechanisim is a bit difference between the two, but suspension is the same

Originally Posted by awtrott
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.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

 
story-4

7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 10:55 AM
  #9  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by zam2000
02 suspension is identical to the 97. The steering mechanisim is a bit difference between the two, but suspension is the same

Thanks for the response. So in other words going to 17” wheel should have no adverse affect on the smoothness of the ride?
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 12:11 PM
  #10  
Ben'z's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
From: LA/OC
E320
Originally Posted by awtrott
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.
Thanks for the information!
Don't forget to get all other parts for the 02 rear bumper!
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2005 | 08:39 PM
  #11  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by MBZ12
Welcome. That's a lot of mods and big $$$. We'll need before and after pics.
How do I go about posting my pics as show in the picture thread?
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2005 | 07:31 PM
  #12  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by MBZ12
Welcome. That's a lot of mods and big $$$. We'll need before and after pics.
I have posted my before pictures in the pictures thread for your viewing. It includes pictures of the digital hands free phone system and Alpine navigation system.

Last edited by awtrott; Mar 11, 2005 at 09:25 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2005 | 05:07 PM
  #13  
d2Benz's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 409
Likes: 8
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
I'm seriously thinking about replacing my pre-2000 bumper with the black rubber.
what other parts do we need to have the 2000+ bumper look.
Is ebay a reliable place to pick up the bumper???
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2005 | 06:39 PM
  #14  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by d2Benz
I'm seriously thinking about replacing my pre-2000 bumper with the black rubber.
what other parts do we need to have the 2000+ bumper look.
Is ebay a reliable place to pick up the bumper???
I'm currently doing researches on what’s necessary to achieve the 2000 bumper look. As it stands you can count out the front bumper as an option unless you are willing to do some major mods (New hood, Grill, & fenders just to name a few). I’ve been looking at the carlsson front bumper which looks closest to the 00-02s.

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.
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2005 | 01:23 AM
  #15  
d2Benz's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 409
Likes: 8
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
Awtrott, thanks for the 411. I shop ebay a lot, so I know the rules...thanks though....
have U thot about the sl grill for w210?
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2005 | 02:19 PM
  #16  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by d2Benz
Awtrott, thanks for the 411. I shop ebay a lot, so I know the rules...thanks though....
have U thot about the sl grill for w210?
I installed both sport grill and flat emblem last night. Very impressionable.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2005 | 12:04 AM
  #17  
d2Benz's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 409
Likes: 8
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
Awt,
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.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2005 | 10:09 PM
  #18  
awtrott's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dekalb Count GA
97 E320, 98 S70, 02 HD VROD
Originally Posted by d2Benz
Awt,
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!
Yes, got the sport grill and have posted pics of my mod thus far in the picture thread. I am still working on the bumper, will let you know my finding.

Here is the eBay link to the seller of my grill.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWN%3AIT
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2005 | 11:36 PM
  #19  
d2Benz's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 409
Likes: 8
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
thanks, the ride looks tight!!!
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:14 PM.

story-0
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 bring a new-generation V8, subtle design revisions, and familiar supercar-rivaling performance figures.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-17 12:52:51


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-2
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-3
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-5
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-7
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE