vitaman

Recently drove a friend's Kleemann Stage 1 to compare it with my stock E55. Started with my car, an '05 Bone stock, 1700 miles, Michelin PS2's with the the suspension set to "1" and then jumped into his Kleemannized '04 with 17,000 miles and original Conti tires (with same suspension setting). The power came on a little faster with less effort on his car. But what surprised us both was that his car handled much better than mine. It felt more planted and in control of the curves. Did MB make a change in suspensions between early 2004 models and 2005? Is the "1" setting on 2004's equivalent to "2" setting on 2005's? I did not check his tire pressures, but mine were set to 38 psi all around.

Schiznick

Vitaman,

Will you be joining us on April 30th for the Atlanta photo shoot? Would love to have you. Details can be found in the events section. Will also have a dyno day on Saturday as well as a trip to Reynolds, GA on Sunday to run our cars at the drag strip.

Schiznick

Vetluver

To make it even you need to both have Michelins and inflation pressures equal. I have noted a huge difference in my 05 with minimal changes in tire pressure.

Why would you be surprised that a Kleeman would outhandle a stock susp? It has a lowering module and different valving parameters doesn't it?

I know that MB changed the setting between early 03 and 04. If you AB those cars the settings softest and mid setting is almost the same. Sport setting is unbearably stiff.

I would love to have the inside story about the suspension settings and I would like to get rid of all of the body roll preserving ride quality.

Dr Chill

2003-2005 all handle like pigs. No matter how much I'd like to think otherwise, they are luxury cars, not sports cars.

Vetluver

I agree in full. I might switch to coils after it's out of warranty in 5 years.

E55 KEV

I don't like the handling on my W210 either. To loose with too much roll in the turns. Thinking of finally going with the Kleemann Setup.

vitaman

The only Kleemann upgrades were pulley and chip. Nothing was done to the suspension. Tires do make a difference, but logically one would think an '05 with 15 thousand less miles on new Michelins set at recommended pressure would be the superior handler no matter how the old Continentals were set up.

onesixeight

vitaman...

Tires can actually gain grip as then are worn down. As you wear down the treads, you are creating a "slick" like tire similar to those used in road racing.

Here is an interesting article for further reading...

http://www.porschenet.com/bfgtires.html