Benz newbe
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
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From: S.L.C., UT
01 E430 sport mod; 95 E320 wgn; 95 SL500 Conv; 86 C280
Benz newbe
I have an 01 E430 sport I'd like to pretty up. It has an aftermarket grill w/no star (can't find). And I heard you could loose the governer (130 on the track sucks, w/ z class tires). The rear wing is needing replaced (no clue). And I have no clue what else is even avail for the thing. The other is An E320 wgn, cause I have kids. Not sure if thats even a thought. I should have never traded my 926 for a truck. Live and learn. Help would be loved.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: S.L.C., UT
01 E430 sport mod; 95 E320 wgn; 95 SL500 Conv; 86 C280
benz newbie
I'm afraid of tint; the head rests are limiting access. And the Bose sound would cost to replace. I had my E320 wgn done w/limo and it looks crappy (the job they did). I'm unsure . . .
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
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1997 E420
wheels/lowering...
I agree with the previous poster. Do lots of research on wheels, tires and lowering the ride- this gives you the most improvement in my opinion. The stock three inch front wheel gap I had looks funny to me now that I am lowered down:
Photos:
(i) non-lowered wheelgap w/stock 16 inch E420 wheel,
(ii) non-lowered wheelgap w/17 inch E430 sport wheel, and
(iii) lowered w/18 inch staggered monoblock II wheels from a 2000 E55...
Photos:
(i) non-lowered wheelgap w/stock 16 inch E420 wheel,
(ii) non-lowered wheelgap w/17 inch E430 sport wheel, and
(iii) lowered w/18 inch staggered monoblock II wheels from a 2000 E55...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: S.L.C., UT
01 E430 sport mod; 95 E320 wgn; 95 SL500 Conv; 86 C280
BenzNewbie
The E430S has Kumho 235/45R17 94W on it right now. There's bearly 2" from top of tire to fender. Will that still lower and not rub anyplace? I don't want to risk damage.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 193
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From: Kansas City
97 E420 90 300E
My back tires are tucked just a little bit and I can just barely get a pinkie in between my front tires and the fender and I have never rubbed. Course I'm still running my stock rims too.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
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1997 E420
lowering the car...
Here's my opinion on lowering and adding larger wheels:
When I asked for advice on lowering on several boards, nearly everyone tried to convince me that lowering my car and putting 18 inch monoblock II wheels from a 2000 E55 would cause rubbing. Others said that the ride would be too harsh- neither has happened to me.
It's been nearly 3 weeks of daily driving, and I've yet to experience any rubbing. I lowered my car about 2 inches in the front and rears, and I'm running 245/40/18 in the front, 275/35/18 in the rears. The drive is only a little harsher, and is barely noticeable compared to 17's.
When these cars do rubb, it's often the front right side. The reason why my car hasn't rubbed is that I am running stock E55 wheels which are 8 inches wide with 31mm offset. The Sumitomo tires are also narrower than most, which you can verify on tirerack. Many of the aftermarket benz wheels are running 8.5 inches.
As I said, do your own research to find the best solution for your setup...
When I asked for advice on lowering on several boards, nearly everyone tried to convince me that lowering my car and putting 18 inch monoblock II wheels from a 2000 E55 would cause rubbing. Others said that the ride would be too harsh- neither has happened to me.
It's been nearly 3 weeks of daily driving, and I've yet to experience any rubbing. I lowered my car about 2 inches in the front and rears, and I'm running 245/40/18 in the front, 275/35/18 in the rears. The drive is only a little harsher, and is barely noticeable compared to 17's.
When these cars do rubb, it's often the front right side. The reason why my car hasn't rubbed is that I am running stock E55 wheels which are 8 inches wide with 31mm offset. The Sumitomo tires are also narrower than most, which you can verify on tirerack. Many of the aftermarket benz wheels are running 8.5 inches.
As I said, do your own research to find the best solution for your setup...
Last edited by E420White; Oct 25, 2008 at 12:12 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
You
dropped your car two inches,the ride is more than a little harsh compared to 16's and if you have not installed camber bolts and rear link kits and had it aligned at 2 inch drop you are at least -2.5 degrees off ideal -.5 camber in the rear and those tires won't last a year.But since they are about the cheapest brand tire you can purchase you probably are not worried about long life and high speed track use anyway,so it does not matter.
to the op you are up almost a mile high at miller and down almost 10% on power you are going to run out of track on the 3500 ft straight away at 3800 lbs even if you remove the Electronically limited top speed control so wish all you want even with Z rated tires.
E55 would have come in handy on track day
to the op you are up almost a mile high at miller and down almost 10% on power you are going to run out of track on the 3500 ft straight away at 3800 lbs even if you remove the Electronically limited top speed control so wish all you want even with Z rated tires.
E55 would have come in handy on track day
Last edited by ohlord; Oct 25, 2008 at 03:40 AM.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
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1997 E420
lowering..
Valiant,
Yes, there are quite a few considerations when lowering your car: camber arms for the rear, camber bolts for the front if needed, full alignment, new lugbolts, more expensive tires, etc.
In summary, don't go this route unless you are patient and ready to open your wallet a little bit. The cost and work involved are worth it, as I really like the driving experience now. Lastly, find someone who has a similiar car with the lowered seutp and drive their car, see how you like it. I drove another E420 with similiar amg like wheels running 18's. I noticed that it had the same power as mine, it just felt better because it was lower....
later,
Yes, there are quite a few considerations when lowering your car: camber arms for the rear, camber bolts for the front if needed, full alignment, new lugbolts, more expensive tires, etc.
In summary, don't go this route unless you are patient and ready to open your wallet a little bit. The cost and work involved are worth it, as I really like the driving experience now. Lastly, find someone who has a similiar car with the lowered seutp and drive their car, see how you like it. I drove another E420 with similiar amg like wheels running 18's. I noticed that it had the same power as mine, it just felt better because it was lower....
later,
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 287
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From: Central NJ
97 E420 W210, 95 Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon
yea i have a 97 e420 i Put new projector headlights in got 15% tints new LED tail lights and hids and **** im going to lower it soon but eveyone thinks my car is 2 years old cause its in excellent condition and all the **** i did to it makes it look more like the modern newer e classes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 5
From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Wheels and tires would improve the look the most over stock, IMHO. A good set of shocks would improve the control of your ride the most. Stay clear of replica wheels on Ebay. The casting process used in China is not as good as a German or US made set of wheels. Projector lights do look newer and there are several threads here on the subject. Seek out R Brenton on his experience and advice. Welcome and good luck with your Benzs.
