CL500 Restoration 5

Even with experience and advice, we don't always get the right stuff.

The disappointing Bilstein B4 on CL500

After living with the Bilstein B4 front shocks for a few days, I have had it. The road impacts and poor handling were not acceptable. Bit the bullet and got the Mercedes factory stock shocks at almost three times the price. It was a shock to learn that the Merc shocks were also made by Bilstein with identical parts and construction. And fortunately during the first kilometer on the road after the replacement we could easily tell they are completely different shocks in setting.

Ride is much smoother and the springs seem to do more work. Rebound is well controlled even though I felt the old factory one did a better job. Unfortunately the old shocks were disposed. Now the car sits 3/4" lower in the front and will lean when cornering. I like that chassis dynamics. The magic carpet ride returns, with responsive handling that makes the big white elephant a dream to maneuver in tight spots at speed.

The rear stays the same - no replacement as the rear shocks (factory) seem to be in good condition.

The Merc factory shocks refitted
to solve the ride and handling issue.

I couldn't have loved the car more, as it is, in terms of suspension. The next to attack is the steering vibration which I am not able to detect its root cause. Steering damper? Wheel alignment?

CL500 Restoration 4

Finally got the CL500 back from the transmission rebuild. The performance and kick-down are back but it does not disguise the fact that it is a very heavy car. The big deal is that the vibration is gone all together, with the replacement of the drive-shaft bearing. Also changed is the transmission rubber mount.

But the car came back dirty and a oily smell in the cockpit. Need to clean tomorrow morning.

It is a grateful thought that the CL500 has now undergone more than 60% of the restoration and is enjoyable to drive and own. 

CL500 Restoration 3

Sent yesterday the CL500 to a gearbox specialist for a transmission rebuild. The transmission rubber mount and the drive shaft bearing would be checked and replaced if necessary. I could not tolerate the vibration.

Just found out the front cheapo Bilstein B4 shocks did not do the job right. The damping setting is wrong for my taste and different from the stock shocks. B4 has a strong damping for compression (therefore more road impacts felt and stiff) but a weak damping for releasing the springs (therefore no more floaty magic-carpet ride) that I absolutely want. The handling has worsen - understeering at times and insecure handling in the twisties. I will go for the stock shocks even though they are four times more expensive.

The spending is really getting painful, but what has to be done needs to get done. And it needs to get done quick as long as all options have been considered and taken into account.