Flaws in the 140, or at Mercedes

[Rich.Organic]

Well, having replaced pretty much all wear & tear parts in my rear suspension with MB star OE parts I have tentatively come to the conclusion modern life has more than it's fair share of low standards (or better known as aholes.)

Here's why:- My ride is still not where I expected it/want it to be and not where 140's were when they left the showroom/ sindelfingen.

My belief is that e.g. the replacement bushings, and other MB parts are just not as good (NO WHERE NEAR) as good quality as the bushings, and other suspension parts made in 1992 - 99.

Either that, or I am too demanding. Maybe so, but I have driven a few great 140's. The problem is I have now heard from several techs that MB parts are not what they used to be. Made in god knows where by who knows what...

So what to do? Unless you can find a late 90's CL with super low miles how can you get that old feeling back? Jeez. the modern CL rides only acceptably anyway.

This is a SERIOUS issue, If my hunch is right that modern parts are inferior when compared to140 era parts, what is the point in buying a classic 140 coupe and restoring it? NONE. you might as well go buy a shoddy 221. or even worse a 220 (Q Oliver K...)

I drove a new c class recently. It wasn't a Mercedes, it was a dog for aesthetically challenged peasants with fake body parts . Every bump in the road could be felt, waaaaay too much.

So, I have spent part of this evening looking at Rolls Royce and bentleys. But they are so ugly... and yes, way too costly and ostentatious for such monstrosities.

Anyway in case I am wrong (I'm not averse to that...) I will continue on and now repair the front suspension with OE as perhaps then it will ride as I remember a 140 can. So the rear is done, but I am losing patience.

My apologies for the Grrrrrrripe

[w126Sam]

You're definitely right... I see on here people with practically brand new cars already having to replace suspension bushings and whatnot that I'm changing for the first time in probably 10+ years. Just goes to show the old adage "they just don't make 'em like they used to" is totally correct, at least in this case. I wonder if other rubber products around the world have suffered? I wouldn't doubt it given the amount of outsourcing going on.

[nathanD.rector]

they are not like the Tiger Tank the w126s .My 1983 everything work even power locks,but mt 1999 the locks went out.I've heard the inside wiring is the same type used in the pre 1996s. My front end is tough on the w126 diesel,340k miles she purrs like a cat. 30 mpg good for a Tiger Tank

[Perkunas]

Sucks to hear you're not satisfied with the work done on your suspension. I drove my dad's 95 Sedan today in awe and couldn't even compare it to my coupe. I am saving up for the subframe bushings, springs, spring pads, strut mounts, and the little bits and pieces here and there + labor. Looking to get the pillow feeling of my dad's 95 S500 Sedan, if it's anywhere near it, I'll be happy. The car feels great on even roads ofcourse with fluctuations, but the bumps get me... I'm just afraid of having restored everything and not being happy with the ride quality as you are. Only money and time will tell...

I like the early 2000 bentley brooklands personally and the rolls royce phantom and ghost from what I've seen, by my taste, I don't believe they're ugly, but the interior is lacking in the rolls royce, too minimalistic.

[Locry]

Just a theory... while you have taken care of your suspension, maybe the "feeling" that it isn't the same ride is because of little, more minor vibrations. Small vibrations and loose little things when added up will make the car feel "loose" overall. If you have time, and are willing... maybe have your interior removed completely... identify each and every nut and bolt holding things down a re-tighten them, or add bushings or foam wherever. Right now I have my car interior gutted... There are LOTS of fasteners that can go loose over time. Maybe re-tightening them will help bring back that new car feel? I still have a loooong way to go with my restoration. My plan of attack is to drive the car around without the interior (as in nothing, even the carpets and wiring tunnel covers) then install the interior bit by bit... drive the car around and try to listen for noises and rubbing and whatnot, all the while trying to eliminate possible sources of noise once the interior is completely installed. I too am in a quest to get that new car feel. I just cannot accept the fact that newer japanese micro cars feel more "solid" than a 90s S-Class. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A WAY to get that new car feel back.

[nathanD.rector]

hey Locry its Nate for facebook w140s I dropped one forum cause a bunch of heathens took over,and love to see their names up.This forum is better than PeachParts

[Quadcammer]

there are plenty of manufacturers of rubber bushings of varying durometers. Find a good one, have some bushings made to whatever level of cushy you want, and have them installed in your suspension components.

This will be neither easy or cheap, but you should be satisfied.

I think your comments about the c-class are ridiculous given what the car is, but then, we hardly ever agree.

[Rich.Organic]

not a bad idea Oliver, thanks - but I think MB may lose me before that. Who knows we'll see... I'll finish the project with MB OE first.

[W140 Heavy]

how about you put some more miles on it and let the new parts "break in"?

My new tires began to ride better after about 1,000 miles. Also, the coupe is different from the sedan, right? More of a sport version of the 140.

Or is it like smoking crack? You're chasing that "first high" real or imagined?

[Locry]

Originally Posted by nathanD.rector

hey Locry its Nate for facebook w140s I dropped one forum cause a bunch of heathens took over,and love to see their names up.This forum is better than PeachParts

Yikes. Well, I'm neutral... enjoying both forums at the moment. What's up? I'm at a standstill with my w140 restoration at the moment. Needs painting before I tackle the interior. I really do want that new car feel. Helping out the OP with suggestions. I honestly believe it CAN be done.