///M5

Then your just screwing the great body. As long as it is late in the evening and there aren't any other targets, its okay.

hopefully I won't remember anymore either

I like easy access.

TubeTOP

Like I'd know what a 833 SET is.

You don't have to do what I preach, it is just my .02$

If you are just going for look, you don't need to do everything that I listed but if you do any you really should do it all...I'd have a hard time recommending anything else. I'd do some searching for what tuners were doing to the larger engined E's from your era. You may find a Euro sport package, or a few body pieces that will really set the car off. You will also find a large array of different looks for how tires fit cars. Euro's love to feel the wheel well all the way out, many round fenders as well to make room. I'd guess (guess) a set of rims and tires could be had for $800. You may have to compromise a bit at that price, but it should be possible.

Sure, closet nerd.

Not lose handling, but change the nature of the car. You may cause it to understeer or oversteer greatly plus the extra rolling weight of larger rims (unless you go forged or real light cast) will wreak a bit of havoc on that little drivetrain. It will slow it down and make it feel more sluggish including in the corners.

Actually, I found a kit that would drop it perfect dimentions for about 700. http://www.cardomain.com/item/HNR310061?vq_id=none With 18's and coilovers that car will not have a nice ride. Coilovers are great for the track or when driving like you are on a track, but really don't take to the street all that well. There are exceptions, but unless you want bone jarring I'd beware. If you are going to do the suspension you should do: springs, struts & shocks, sway bars, I really like to do new/better bushings, and if required a camber plate -- but probably $2500

There is not a whole lot of rubber on 18's. My car is ~2.5" lower than a stock 535 or 525. 1991 vintage boxy BMW not unlike your Benz. Since you don't have the sport drivetrain and can't hold wide rubber, I just think less is more a bit in this case which is why I like 17's. Plus it will save you probably $500. Before you do anything, I'd check on the price of suspension kits it may change your mind. I wouldn't go all white, but just clean up some of the extra unecessaries.

Wish I had a three way project.

Depends on what method you use to drop it really. I can't imagine a kit is very cheap for a Benz. One for my car (with components worth using) is in the realm of 2-3k.

okay not perhaps, just not all that with it. Same little channels my 96 F150 has, only mine aren't rusty which is strange since I am dead in the middle of the rust belt. For those, I'd just tape and sand. Since they are in a groove sanding to the edge will be easy. When you are done sanding, neutralize, then prime. I'd try and tape off the visible part of the panel and just shoot the roof with paint. The closer you get to wrapping around a visible edge the easier to blend or not anyway. I always prime with the tape on, put the first couple thin covering layers on and then remove the mask to blend. I have only done it a few times, but it has always come out pretty well.

/\ perhaps a really dumb question.

On the top?

And use a vice grip and hose clamp to connect it to your speakers. That was a worthy read.

I'd love to see you get two sets of ribbons on-axis...

LOL

Sanding may be a beyotch in the rail. A little aircraft stripper would be easy You need to keep it off the rest of the paint though. You really should post a pic of said rust, it may save me some rambling time. Bottom line is all rust off, then prime, then body work, then prime, then paint. I prime twice since I hate frickin' spot rust that forms nearly instantly.

Nice box. *first time I've said that to another man*

I'd rather have your car than a 6th gen honduh; however, as a Benz it is fairly mundane so I wouldn't do to much. I also think keeping it a bit German looking is better than not as well. You shouldn't try to make it look fast, just nice. Brushed Aluminum wheels would look good on that car, and considering what it is I wouldn't go under or over 17's. The next thing I'd do is get rid of that black. Benz must have had a sport delete part for that thing that you could find used and cheap. Other than that I'd just buff the piss out of it and make her shine. Since the 2.3 isn't exactly a rocket suspension, brakes, and the other performance bolt-ons would be a waste in my book. If that is your goal you should sell the car right away and get one with a larger engine instead. It will be way cheaper and more reliable. For me that car smells of a new set of understated rims, some new rubber, and just ridding of the excess crap trim.

Still haven't got them. It's been for the better ... keeping the stereo out of the car for a couple weeks, I mean. Had to haul around a few things and didn't want to have to drive a truck just for that. So no worries. Perhaps I'll just get some 4" PVC and run it without the flares. I just ran a flare out my sphincter, holy mother does that smell bad.

Blow to pieces and post vids please.