E55 RUSS

I know E63 and CLS63 have got much better road feel, more responsive and feel much sportier on the road...and more fun to drive then E55 on track...

I know there some shorther steering ratios and suspension calibirations done on e63 compared to E55...

Since I have lowering module already, I assume I just need to change some parts in my steering...

Does anyone know what parts (P/N) do I need to get to make my E55 to ride like E63 ???


Has anyone done that and what was you experinces...

Thanks

NOEZWA0UT55

Just get a E63 and supercharge it! lol

E55 RUSS

No thanks I like my 55 ...

Anyone

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

The '05-'06 Steering Rack is the fix. It's the same as on the CLS. Significantly less play in the steering. Also, I'd look into getting some stiffer bushings, etc. Take it to a shop that you know builds race/rally cars and have one of the grease monkeys there get under the car and check out your suspension. They'll likely be able to fab some simple parts that give you better road feel. From what I understand Mercedes made most of the suspension out of Tempur-Pedic mattresses.

E55 RUSS

Thanks....Can anyone actually give ME a P/Ns for the parts I need to get ???

There must something more the just steering racks...

Has anyone actually done this mods ???

dsc

Yes, people have done it. Check this link:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...=steering+rack

Also, do a search for steering racks. You can also swap out the front shocks for the CLS 55s. That will help, and the lower control arms have a stiffer bushing. Evosport sells the arms as well as MB witht the stiffer bushings.

It's all a matter of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!

You know Jangy will pipe in on this he is the handling guy.

E55 RUSS

So I need 05-06 or 07 E63 Steering rack, shorter A-arms and bushings ???

Do I need to buys CLS55 ones or E63 ones or they are all the same ???

Anyone know how much do those mods cost ???


I diont think I will change front shocks but installing shorter steering rack and shorter a-arms could work...

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

Steering racks are not cheap. All inclusive think $5k US.

E55 RUSS

Wow..thats a lot... for 5k I would get TB abd Colling package...

Any cheaper ways to make my 55 more responsive ???


Would jsut shorter a-arms make some diff ???

jangy

There is no way around the steering rack exchange. 10% difference is HUGE.

As for the shocks, etc, just look up EPC (I love that thing) and you'll notice all the parts on the newer E55s and E63s are the same as the CLS. Actually, they no longer have 211 part numbers, but roll with the 219 ones.

I am in the process of replacing all the arms under the car for several reasons. First, I want stiffer parts. The OEM ones just flex too much under weight and the actual camber ends up being waaaay different than static measurements. Second, I want to be able to adjust lengths to really tune the geometry. As it is, crash bolts are about the range of adjustment and that is weak. Third, I want to replace as many bushings as I can get to. That is a big part of why the car leans so much. Again, the static alignment specs can be fine, but they all shift as you apply power or lean.

Last point. The reason i like the E over the BMWs or even Pcars is the lack of McPherson struts. The potential is there, we just need to tune it. I love the fact that my camber increases as teh wheel compresses. I just hate that the flex makes the camber way too positive.

jangy

Shorter A arms would help, but not to the level we are wanting. Another (and cheaper) option is to modify the top of the tower connect to allow for more negative camber that way.

IMO, you should try to fabricate as much as possible. "Upgrading" to 030 package parts is expensive and not at all ideal.

Vic55

I swapped the steering rack, worth every penny. The turn is quicker and its just more stable in general.

E55 RUSS

Thanks guys...I will see what the parts cost ME here...

stevebez

I honestly dont see the point of doing all this if you are not going to track the car. Its a 4 door luxury saloon after all !!! I am not sure what you trying to achieve though as the gap for me between the E63 and E55 is not that big in terms of handling - the handling differences are a characteristic of power / torque delivery. The steering ratio might be mildly more responsive - but when I drove my '06 and an E63 I could barely tell the difference.

The E63 felt more balanced on power out of a corner - but again I think this is more than partky due to the characteristics of the way power if delivered.

But if you have to I would start as follows...

Stage 1.

Add a Quaife. This is the single best mod you can do to make the E55 handle better under power.

Stage 2
1. Firmer bushings all round
2. Get better steering wheel
3. Have a go at the ABC programming and get some geek to programme a killer active body control program - or go to MKB and ask them what they do.
4. Stiffer anti roll bars all round.

Stage 3
1. Steering rack - but if you going to change it you may as well go more radical than the E63 (as I said I think they are pretty close).
2. Shocks - go for firmer sportier setup as baseline and then apply the sport 1/2 from there. (This will be expensive)
3. Add more camber by pulling the front wheel towers in a few degrees. With the right setup here you will see a massive difference for not much money I would think - and given the cars propensity to understeer will be well rewarded.
4. Go much firmer setting on rears (either via Air suspension or with additional springs)... compression under acceleration is way to much for my liking....
5. Go massive on the rear rubber ... i.e. 335+ Will need to chop away at fender or internally - but the rewards will be awesome out of corners...

Just some thoughts ... but personally I just dont think this car is suited to this type of modification... it is more suited to a Sl / CLK type car - but just my 2c.

For me Quaife, anti-rollbars and bushings will be enuf.