W140 Handling Problems

[p_aplin]

Hi

I currently have a 97 (R) W140 S500, which is on the whole a great car.

Lately though the handling has become shall we say somewhat wayward, any alteration in road surface causing the car to want to go where it feels like and its also developed more body roll than usual.

The shocks and springs where replaced six months ago and its running in standard 16" wheels.

I have been thinking about upgrading the wheels to AMG Monoblock types but I havent a clue as to what size to go for, I saw an S320 on ebay with very large AMG alloys and must admit it looked V Impressive, but wonder if that size of wheel will greatly change the ride comfort.

I was wondering if anyone had encountered similar problems, I'm not asking for my car to handle like a Lotus Elise but something more like standard rather than a barge in storm as it does at the moment.

Does anyone know if there are uprated suspension products available for the W140?

Many Thanks

 

[markku]

Lately though the handling has become shall we say somewhat wayward, any alteration in road surface causing the car to want to go where it feels like and its also developed more body roll than usual

How many miles? No extra suspension noises?

W140 eats bushings and bearings for breakfast due to the weight. Please have your car checked by a specialist who is aware of the tricks of W140 suspension.

18" wheels were an option in late W140 so the ride comfort may be acceptable, larger ones are too ghetto for me.

 

[jberks]

Have you had the geometry checked. I had a car behave as you describe before and it turned out to be nothing more serious than wheel alignment - it would just follow whichever wheel had more traction.A 4 wheel geometry check will probably show up your problem. A decent (non stealer) tyre specialist is your best bet. Mine charged me £35 and it's been perfect ever since. (stealer £200 ish for the same job!)
Personally I would avoid larger wheels and tyres as even approved AMG ones stuff up the ride and handling. They look good true, but you don't see them when you're driving, they're noisier than standard, cost more and tend to tramline. In terms of handling, I've pushed my elegance spec E class round corners as fast than any sane person (Shcumaker excluded) would attempt anyway, and not so much as a squeal - so what's the point :?: Mercs do handle extremely well in factory spec.

 

[guydewdney]

after my steering damper was replaced (35 quid parts - 1 hour labour) it felt much much more stable..

as said above - front suspension bushes, tyre pressures, alignment...