Sway Bars
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 27
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From: Cary, NC
1999 E320 4MATIC
Sway Bars
Anybody use the H&R sway bars available? I have a 4MATIC and Pelican Parts has them available. 30mm front and 20mm for the rear.
I'm looking to reduce body roll and these look like they will the trick. Thoughts?
Stacey
I'm looking to reduce body roll and these look like they will the trick. Thoughts?
Stacey
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 6
From: DFW
2 2001 E320s, 2005 E320 4Matic
During normal everyday driving, I don't think you will notice a difference with these. In fast corners at high speed, yes but on a day in day out basis, not so much. I know you want to firm up the ride to mimic that of a more modern car, but I think you are looking to spend money just to be disappointed.
If it were me and my money, I would replace all the suspension bushings using urethane where available. Even on low mileage cars, time takes its toll on rubber. By the time cars reach the age our cars are, they are ready for bushings. Even then, it still may be to soft for your liking. These cars were built for autobahn cruising, not for switchback carving. Even the AMG models are soft by modern standards. In the end, you may need to decide whether you can live with the softness, or sell and get something more modern that will give you the ride you are looking for. JMHO
If it were me and my money, I would replace all the suspension bushings using urethane where available. Even on low mileage cars, time takes its toll on rubber. By the time cars reach the age our cars are, they are ready for bushings. Even then, it still may be to soft for your liking. These cars were built for autobahn cruising, not for switchback carving. Even the AMG models are soft by modern standards. In the end, you may need to decide whether you can live with the softness, or sell and get something more modern that will give you the ride you are looking for. JMHO
Last edited by RichM; Jun 3, 2013 at 09:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 27
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From: Cary, NC
1999 E320 4MATIC
Rich, thanks for the info. BTW, I love the car and do not want to gey rid of it for something modern (I already have a Genesis 4.6). That being said, a modern firming is the desire; however, I want to keep the partial softness if I can get some firmness without making it hard.
Keep up the suggestions...
Stacey
Keep up the suggestions...
Stacey
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 27
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From: Cary, NC
1999 E320 4MATIC
Rich, you're right...
At this point, I haven't changed anything. The following is what I plan on changing:
A) 17" wheels
B) spring pads change
C) Bilstein Touring shocks (no HD for a 4matic)
Things I'm considering:
A) sway bars
B) bushing changes
C) springs or a small cut of existing
I'm not going to do the work, so, I'm asking all these questions as I plan on taking the car to my indy shop to do everything at one time.
At this point, I haven't changed anything. The following is what I plan on changing:
A) 17" wheels
B) spring pads change
C) Bilstein Touring shocks (no HD for a 4matic)
Things I'm considering:
A) sway bars
B) bushing changes
C) springs or a small cut of existing
I'm not going to do the work, so, I'm asking all these questions as I plan on taking the car to my indy shop to do everything at one time.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 6
From: DFW
2 2001 E320s, 2005 E320 4Matic
I would start with the shocks and springs. I would stick with stock springs and not the lowering type. The touring shocks should firm up the ride somewhat over the stock shocks. Make sure to keep the tire circumference the same as stock. Going to a 17 inch tire will give you a shorter firmer sidewall. You can also go with a speed rated tire which in turn will give a stiffer sidewall than an H rated tire. This will take away some of the sway or softness you feel in the car. Make sure to have your Indy go over all the suspension bushings for wear or deterioration. This is the best thing I have done on my E320. This firmed everything up, took away a lot of the mushiness I was feeling. I used urethane bushings for the sway bar and control arms as these were the only ones available to me at the time.
One thing you have to remember, the body structure is not as stiff as newer cars are, and there will still be some body roll and flex you don't feel in newer cars.
One thing you have to remember, the body structure is not as stiff as newer cars are, and there will still be some body roll and flex you don't feel in newer cars.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 27
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From: Cary, NC
1999 E320 4MATIC
Rich, thanks for the information. I am looking for the 17x8 Angular Split 5 Spoke wheel. Once I get the wheels, I will be moving forward with everything else. I was planning on using a touring tire like the Bridgstone Tauranzo Serenity Plus; however, I think they are a "H" rated tire. Funny thing is that the more I drive the W210 4matic, the more I find my Genesis 4.6 to be too firm. Happy medium is what I'm looking for...
BTW, where do I find urethane bushings?
Stacey
BTW, where do I find urethane bushings?
Stacey
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2 2001 E320s, 2005 E320 4Matic
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From: MD
w210 AMG or S213
the suspension feels a little firmer and more stable in corners. My bushings were pretty bad when i changed them. I had not considered changing the sway bar, most places dont have sways for the 4matic.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 320
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From: DFW
2 2001 E320s, 2005 E320 4Matic
I replaced the sway bar bushings, control arms (it was easier to replace the control arm than mess with having to press new bushings in the old ones). I got the sway bar bushings from FCP euro as they had the urethane bushings, and the control arms from a speed shop in Dallas also with urethane bushings. The rest was just the standard stuff. Anything rubber that was replaceable got replaced. When I bought this car I had planned to resell it, but fell for the multi-contour seats, and since it was a low mileage car I decided to keep it for a while. I have had it almost one year now, and find it it one of the most comfortable cars I have owned in a long time.
