W124 Coupe Questions

[Seeker_UK]

If I wanted to replace the suspension set up on a W124 coupe with something approximating to 'sportline', has anyone any recommendations of spring / damper combinations that might work.

Also, the 24V 300 seems a tempting prospect but I've heard it has a weaker head than the 12V. Is this true?

 

[Apial]

If I wanted to replace the suspension set up on a W124 coupe with something approximating to 'sportline', has anyone any recommendations of spring / damper combinations that might work.

Also, the 24V 300 seems a tempting prospect but I've heard it has a weaker head than the 12V. Is this true?

The heads not weak, its the original CHG that is bad. It has a weak front right hand corner section that brings an oilway too close to the edge. This corner has been stenghtened on MB modiefied CHGs to prevent oil loss/weeping. Mine started to leak when I changed to Mobil 1. Maybe a concidence, but I am suspicious. It has been reported by some that on the later versions of the M104 engine fitted into the 320, that a MB service bulletin said that the dipstick reading should never be higher than 1/2 way up.

This information might apply to the 300 24 version too, but needs MB confirmation. Budget around the £1k mark if the head has started to leak oil, and if all is ok then stick with the same oil and fill between the middle and min marks on the oil dipstick. If the head has been changed already then I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[Bolide]

Coupe suspension

If I wanted to replace the suspension set up on a W124 coupe with something approximating to 'sportline', has anyone any recommendations of spring / damper combinations that might work

There's nothing to stop you (apart from the thinness of your wallet!) from buying the Sportline parts direct from MB. Sportline cars also had a slightly quicker steering box which I quite like and which complements the "upgraded" suspension very well

Settling on a good suspension compromise is not easy and it will depend very much on what wheels & tyres you want to fit

For my money Sportline is a little too compromised & it runs out of ideas on bumpy roads and I would expect stiffer setups to be worse. But I think it depends on your expectations of the car. I think a W124 should be like a magic carpet but not everyone will agree


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk