I placed +size wheel/ tyres on my 1994 E420, namely 205/55 16s. The Tyres are Z rated. Although the vehicle demonstrates great tracking and roadholding, I am getting excessive body lean - I suspect that the stock suspension is unable to accomodate the vastly increased wheel traction.
I am thinking of replacing the sway bar with that from a 500E to reduce the body lean. Is this a good place to start ? Would replacing the springs with Eibach versions help? How would the return on investment (measured in reduced lean) compare to that of replacing the bar.
Any help is appreciated.
TIA
farrukh

Upgrading the anti-roll bar would be a good place to start. Most springs will drop the car a bit and that might be a problem over big speedbumps or if you ever wanted to go to 225/50/16 rubber. You could try a 500E or 500SL bar, but you might be better off getting a matched suspension set from a tuner. Since the V8's really do not have any Sportline parts, a kit from a tuner is the next best thing. They do cost more than Eibach stuff, but when you get a matched kit from any of them, you KNOW it will work great.

Hope this helps...Lee

Hey Farukh!

Glad to hear you did your upgrade...what wheels/tires did you choose? Just curious.

As regards that top-heavy feeling, I think I experienced the same feeling with my TE when I did the exact same upgrade. I attributed it to the fact that with so much less sidewall it simply emphasizes the suspension's compliance.

As regards a suspension upgrade, I think Lee's pushing you the right way...to get the gains you want but minimize your ride compromise, you have to go with a package from someone who's developed one for your specific car. It's not a 300E, it's not a 500E, so picking parts from one or the other might not get you anywhere but in debt. Lee's a former 400E owner so I'm sure he can give you a bunch of specifics as to where to best spend your money. But I'd suggest you consider an upgrade to your rear differential...the ratio's considerably taller than even a 500E so it's conspiring to make your car slower than it has to be.

Just my 2 cents...best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE