Hey folks. I have a 1999 E300TD that feels a bit funny.

It feels like the rear end yaws, or drifts out just a bit when steering to and fro from 10 to 30 mph.

When around 50+mph the handling is better, but the suspension is rather sensitive to ANY road irregularities. Of course some of the roads I drive are pathetic, but I feel even minor divits on smooth roads.

The steering wheel points slightly right, but there is no steering drift if I let go of the wheel at speed.

There is no clunk, rattle, or nasty vibration that would signify any true issues.

I put the car on the rack:

- The end links of the front sway bar look okay, but will shift a bit on the bar.
- The lower control arm bushings look okay (no cracks) but I could move the front pivots of them a millimeter or two when I applied pressure with a pry bar.
- The ball joints are tight as far as I can tell (lightly, gently pried on them).
- The rear sway bar links are tight.
- Alignment was checked and given a thumbs up at MBZValencia in the past 7 months and no curbing or offroading has occured since.

Tried to check bearing play on all four wheels:
- Rear wheels are tight
- Front wheels are tight but emit a bit of a click as if there is some play.
- Tire pressure, on a set of Goodyear ComfortTreads is 2psi over MB spec.

Any clues, hints, advice?
Is this just characteristic of my 210 diesel?
Would any suspension upgrades help, and if so what would make the biggest difference?

I don't want a harsh ride, I just want to make sure all is well and the car will stay on the road.

 

You forgot to check your tire pressure.

Alignment?

Your posting was a bit difficult for me to read.

 

Nope,

Tire pressure, on a set of Goodyear ComfortTreads is 2psi over MB spec.

Alignment was checked at MBZValencia in the past 7 months and no curbing or offroading has occured.

I will see if I can edit my post to make it more reader friendly.

 

i had those same tires... my rear would feel like it was all over the place. i replaced them and all is better now.

 

I guess that solves that then. I'm just going to wear these down and deal with it until I have the money and time to pick up a wheel/tire package.

I had a set of the GY Tripletreads on my '01 GTI and it was rock solid. It seems that either this car or the ComfortTreads or the combination is not really what I'm after as far as a stable yet soft ride.

 

Tell Doug Holland I said "Whats new!" (Manager of Parts / Service)

Note: I live at MBZValencia

 

I haven't met Doug. But I feel like I should invite Felix and Eric to Thanksgiving dinner sometime.

 

Wow, it seems like E300 owners have taken over the forum as of late...

Tire choice can make a big difference in driving characteristics.