Handling on E500 - Any Mods?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Handling on E500 - Any Mods?
I just return from a 1200 mile trip from Vegas to Northern California in my 2003 E500, which I just purchased. I was quite suprises how poorly the car handled in tight mountain turns. It seemed that I had to brake in most of the tight turns. I had the suspension set at sports mode, if thats what you call it and it still seems like the car could not grab its footing. I was getting passed up by Nissan sentra's and toyota pick ups.....I have own BMW's in the passed and maybe this is what I am use to.
Has anyone else noticed this? Any suggestions? I recently bought 19 inch tires and wheels, but have not installed them. I imagine this might help, due to I have the stock 16' on it now.
I also read of people lowing their cars, is this for handling or for looks?
thanks again!
Ed
Has anyone else noticed this? Any suggestions? I recently bought 19 inch tires and wheels, but have not installed them. I imagine this might help, due to I have the stock 16' on it now.
I also read of people lowing their cars, is this for handling or for looks?
thanks again!
Ed
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,907
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
What year is your E500? Mine is an '03, and Sport II is pretty tight. I think Mercedes made Sport I and II closer to comfort in years '04 and on.
For real handling, check out some of Jangy's posts.
For real handling, check out some of Jangy's posts.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
If your 2003 E500 is like mine, it came with Continental tires. If yours still has the Contis (unlikely, but ya never know) ditch them and get something better. The Contis were deficient in ride, noise and handling. That doesn't leave much. Most people here go with Pirellis or Michelins.
Lowering can have a theoretical benefit for handling, by lowering the center of gravity, but it would be fair to say that most lowering of W211s is done for looks, not to improve handling. The car automatically lowers 0.6" at speed, or in Sport I or Sport II suspension mode, and any additional lowering isn't likely to have much effect on handling.
I drove BMWs before the E500 too. Handling feel is subjective but I don't think that the E500 handles all that badly for a two-ton car. My issues are more with its noise level and harsh ride. It's no BMW in the handling department, though, and although better tires might help, I doubt that any aftermarket fix will make it handle like a BMW
I juist noticed something about your post makes me wonder, though. You referred to 16" wheels and tires as stock on your car. The '03 E500 came with 17" wheels and tires as stock. Is it possible a previous owner did a switcheroo and left you with undersize wheels and tires? That could sure affect handling.
Lowering can have a theoretical benefit for handling, by lowering the center of gravity, but it would be fair to say that most lowering of W211s is done for looks, not to improve handling. The car automatically lowers 0.6" at speed, or in Sport I or Sport II suspension mode, and any additional lowering isn't likely to have much effect on handling.
I drove BMWs before the E500 too. Handling feel is subjective but I don't think that the E500 handles all that badly for a two-ton car. My issues are more with its noise level and harsh ride. It's no BMW in the handling department, though, and although better tires might help, I doubt that any aftermarket fix will make it handle like a BMW
I juist noticed something about your post makes me wonder, though. You referred to 16" wheels and tires as stock on your car. The '03 E500 came with 17" wheels and tires as stock. Is it possible a previous owner did a switcheroo and left you with undersize wheels and tires? That could sure affect handling.
Last edited by DWP; Aug 6, 2006 at 05:45 PM.
