I'm new to Mercedes. I've had this one for 6 months. My last car was an 01 BMW 530 (Audi before that). I'm trying to get familar by lurking here. It seems the maintenance costs associated with the Mercedes is similar to that of the BMW... I'm ok with it.
Ok... just got my 2000 E320 back from an A Service (83K) and was told that the ball joints, lower control arms and bushings need replacement... I knew that it would need it soon when I bought it. ($950 total...does that sound about right?). I thought about going with a sport suspension to "firm" things up a bit. Couple of questions... should I go ahead an do everything at once (ball joints to shocks...)? What setup would you recommend? And are there any independent service providers in Greenville/Spartburg SC area that you would recommend to do the work?
Thanks in advance.
Welcome to the forum! I can't advise about the cost of the work you've been quoted, I'm sure others will chime in.
Regarding the sport suspension and 'firming' things up - I fully recommend it. My E430 has had the E55 suspension installed and this both lowered the car and stiffened it up quite a bit. It rides more like a BMW than a traditional Benz. I really enjoy the handling - but you certainly feel every bump and pothole now. I can't comment on the cost as the previous owner had the work done.
The E55 suspension sounds like what I'm looking for... I loved the ride of my 530i with sport package. I don't mind feeling the potholes, I want the performance. Any idea where I should look to get that setup? Prices I can expect?
The E55 suspension sounds like what I'm looking for... I loved the ride of my 530i with sport package. I don't mind feeling the potholes, I want the performance. Any idea where I should look to get that setup? Prices I can expect?
Can't offer too much in that regard as my car already had it installed. I've driven both a stock E430 and this one and the difference is pretty substantial. Although the stock suspension gave a very smooth and comfortable ride, it wallowed in the corners too much for my liking. With this suspension, body roll is at a minimum.
I would guess that for springs, shocks, pads, etc. all installed and a 4-wheel alignment thrown in, you'd be looking at at least $1000? Very ballpark guess. I know other members here have modified suspensions and if you do a search on the topic, there is plenty of info.
Welcome
I have a 99 430 (also a former BMW owner) I used HR Springs and Koni adjustable shocks. I have 18" rims with Kumo 245's. I used a #1 pad in the front and #4 rear. front is dropped 1.5" rear 1.25". ride is firm but not crazy. Handling improved immensley. I used a local european tuning shop. Total was just under $1400 including alignment. PM me if you want to to see a photo.....good luck
ETP... I'll look at a local shop and see what the HR/Koni setup would run me. I have 16 in wheels now and don't want to drop the extra money on new rims and tires. I wonder how much of a detriment the 16" would be.
Vehicle: Self: 2000 E320 83,000 mi Girlfriend: 1998 E320 134,000 mi
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 45
My girlfriend likes the folks at Eurospec very much - MB specialists. They are up I26, near Asheville airport. I'd be interested to hear about indie shops in the Greenville area.
I think if you change the suspension and stay with the 16's you will be disappointed. Look around for some good used rims / tires. Lots of guys here on the forum have some for sale. Also try Tire Rack.. ... I just think the 16's are too small...Good Luck
Yeah... I'm afraid the 16s will not cut it. Well, I can do it in stages. Get the suspension done, wheels later. BTW... I'm planning on doing this soon but it'll be a couple of weeks. How much damage am I doing riding on worn ball joints/control arms/bushings? Will catastrophe happen?
I have the same problem with my Q45T. I took it to two different mechanics and they both told me the same exact thing. "Wait till the bushing is completely torn." They both told me since the outer bushing in the control arm is ripped but not 100% torn to wait. They said its not worth replacing the entire arm yet and said it would be OK to ride like that till bushing is totally in half. The only thing that sucks is the squeaking noise coming from the upper struts. I have to spray every couple of days, but for now I have no probs doing so till I decide on changing just one, or lowering the entire car. But we are talking totally different cars. I ride with it like that, I'm not sure what prompted your tech to say change everything. At the end of the day keep in mind your spring area design and handling.
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