stickygreen

The '97 e320 is in dire need of a suspension overhaul with over 250k miles on the clock. We have owned the car since new, and from what I can remember, the only suspension/steering parts that have been replaced to date are the control arm bushings (lower?) and shocks (with Bilstein HD's) at ~ 110k. May have had a couple tie rods replaced a long time ago, but don't recall.

Want to go ahead and replace the tired Bilsteins with new OEM/Sachs Supertouring shocks, and then need to focus on the front suspension. Plan on buying all parts from AutohausAZ, but am having trouble putting together a master parts list.

Does anyone have a link to a parts list for a complete front suspension overhaul? Also, at 250k miles, which parts in the rear suspension are likely to need replacement? I'm going into this with the mentality that every wear item should be replaced "while in there". And finally, which brand/line of parts is preferred? Meyle or Lemfoerder? I recall with my old BMW that Lemfoerder parts were said to be the best, but Meyle has some "heavy duty" offerings.

Want to get this thing ready for the next quarter-million...

stickygreen

anyone?

RichardM98

I'm not aware of a prepared list for this work. Generally, a mechanic inspects the vehicle based on customer complaints and makes a list of the parts he will need.

There are some postings on the internet for DIY suspension repairs. If you understand how the suspension works you could identify the parts needed and join EPC-net and make a parts list. If you plan on having the work done by someone just let them decide. That's what you are paying for.

mistertonyn

congrats on the mileage you have put on the car. At least I know that if I take care of it properly then I will have my car for a long time.
Sounds like you are planing to put on another 250K on it since you are investing on the over haul.
Just one question...you are not going with the Bilstein HD's again?? why?

stickygreen

Having a good friend (master BMW mechanic) do the work for me, as I don't have the time and can't justify spending >$2k to fix the suspension at an Indy or dealer on a car that isn't worth much more than $3k. Because he's "hooking me up" on hourly labor charges, I'd love to get all reasonably-replaceable wear items knocked out while he's got it apart. Getting the parts ahead of time would make things go faster.


Thanks...it should last a while with proper maintenance. This was our first Mercedes, and actually the first "nice" car that we ever bought. Previous cars to the e320 were a '90 Camry, '89 Grand Caravan, '85 Escort, and '84 Chrysler E-class (k-car). Because if this, the car hold a special place and we could never justify selling it for market value (~$3k-$4k). So might as well get it ready for another 250k, right? I'm looking forward to 312,500 miles to get the next "high mileage" award from MB.

To answer your question, I always found the Bilstein HD's to ride a bit firm with the otherwise-stock suspension. They did improve the handling, but IMO not enough to justify the degradation in ride. And this is especially the case with the staggered 18" S600 wheels & low-pro tires that are currently on the car. If I want a firmer ride, I'll drive my old euro 635csi or either of the Dodge work trucks.

mistertonyn

This is also my first luxury and first Mercedes that I bought new. At around
60K miles my tires started to wear funny and I replaced with Bilsteins HD's and enjoyed the improved handling. However, I have to be honest.. at times I wished I had replaced them with the original OEM shocks. Luckily, this is not my daily driver...so I can put up with the rougher ride quality.