2001 E320 rear floating
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Joined: Mar 2013
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2001 E320
2001 E320 rear floating
We have a 2001 E320 with 157K. All MB serviced.
We have had it only 2000 miles and had non luxury cars before.
We find that the ride seems to float, feeling especially when sitting in the rear.
Body weight shifts left-right. Kids say they feel they are on a boat, get nauseous.
Had MB service check the suspension and they said there is nothing wrong. That's how a luxury car feels.
Seems too "floaty" for us.
What should we check?
Is there a way to stiffen?
Thanks in advance.
We have had it only 2000 miles and had non luxury cars before.
We find that the ride seems to float, feeling especially when sitting in the rear.
Body weight shifts left-right. Kids say they feel they are on a boat, get nauseous.
Had MB service check the suspension and they said there is nothing wrong. That's how a luxury car feels.
Seems too "floaty" for us.
What should we check?
Is there a way to stiffen?
Thanks in advance.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 144
Likes: 7
From: Seattle
1999 MB E430 1998 SL500
Floaty Boaty
The 210's are a bit soft but not that soft. I have been trying to solve this problem for a while now and replacing the front sway bar bushings and end links clearly helped. I am also changing the rear sway bar link. None of this is very expensive if you buy Moog brand parts off Amazon. The other thing that I have noticed is that my rear shocks are very loose. I ordered exact replacement Bilsteins from shockwarehouse.com for $176 for both including freight. Ball joints and A-frame bushings are a problem on these cars but if the car is floating around on smooth and level pavement then most likely it is shocks all around. My E430 is fairly stable up to about 80 miles per hour so it is possible to make a very comfortable cruiser out of these. Another thing to check is the front end alignment. You should be able to let go of the steering wheel at 70 MPH and have the car remain in a straight direction. None of these items are a budget buster but all need to be checked.
The other obvious solution is to leave your kids at home.
The other obvious solution is to leave your kids at home.
Last edited by J spaulding; Mar 9, 2013 at 01:00 PM.
