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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 13
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From: kenton, Ohio
2002 E320 w210
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Hello all, I am Kevin Burns.
Glad to introduce myself to you all.
I am a hobbyist with radio controlled model nitro powered racing boats (F1 Tunnels, Off Shore Deep V's, Hydro's)
I just bought a 2002 E320 4matic. I am a DIY guy who just replaced the front springs, struts, axles, ball joints, and that is a job I will never do again. "Or will I?"
using the correct color code springs and correct Bilstein struts the car now is feeling like a floating boat or a 1979 Ford LTD.
I understand the springs are new and will need time to settle, my question is will they settle soon because the car does not feel like a benz should on highway speeds of 80MPH. Somewhat scary.
Picture of my Benz is before the new front springs, will post picture of the after. The car now sits level, the insert pic is the car after front end work. full tank of gas, going to replace rear springs. Is the front end really supposed to sit so high?
Last edited by Kevin Burns; Jul 16, 2017 at 09:36 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: kenton, Ohio
2002 E320 w210
Yes that is next after I install rear springs and shocks/struts (Not sure what MB calls them), I wanted to wait about two weeks to let everything settle a wee bit before having the alignment done. I figured the cheapness and ease of the rear only warranted a freshening up.
I figured the front springs I removed, were old original to the car. And, I am sure the front was aligned years ago from normal up keep. So when that older alignment took place I assume the front end was sagging "sitting low" from age. Now with new springs the car sitting high, I am sure the alignment is off.
My question: with the e320 4matic non sport version I assume it is a non sport version as it has the elegance package, sitting relatively high compared to other factory lower to the ground sport versions it should still have the feeling of being glued to the road correct, At speeds of 80MPH plus no matter how high it sits? or is the non sport version a boat on the road naturally?
I am just afraid after dumping 1000's of dollars into this car I will end up with a car that is much like a 1979 Ford LTD road boat. I would like to keep it all stock but also want to feel safe at 80mph plus when needed.
I figured the front springs I removed, were old original to the car. And, I am sure the front was aligned years ago from normal up keep. So when that older alignment took place I assume the front end was sagging "sitting low" from age. Now with new springs the car sitting high, I am sure the alignment is off.
My question: with the e320 4matic non sport version I assume it is a non sport version as it has the elegance package, sitting relatively high compared to other factory lower to the ground sport versions it should still have the feeling of being glued to the road correct, At speeds of 80MPH plus no matter how high it sits? or is the non sport version a boat on the road naturally?
I am just afraid after dumping 1000's of dollars into this car I will end up with a car that is much like a 1979 Ford LTD road boat. I would like to keep it all stock but also want to feel safe at 80mph plus when needed.
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Welcome to MBWorld, Kevin. Be sure to check out our W210 tech articles for any future help you may need on your E320: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...Index-W210.htm. 
