Group Buy --- RDM Tek shortened LCA's for lowered 500E's

[Silver Arrow]

Hi all,

Gary M., the fabricator who used to operate the RDM Tek website, is willing to do a run of 10 sets of -5mm shortened LCA's.

The basics:

- $299 per pair of LCA's (enough for one car)
- $18 shipping within the continental US
- 50% deposit required on all 10 sets before we are a "Go!"
- Approx 30 days fabrication timeframe from the "Go"!
- Remaining 50% required 1 week before shipping
- Shipping directly to each individual buyer
- Note: Pricing increased from $299+$18 to $300+$22 as of Dec-2011.

Additionally, Gary wants to work with one single point of contact for the group buy. I'm willing to do it --- but I'm new here and I understand some people might want to deal with someone who has been on the board much longer. So step up if you're interested in taking the lead!


My suggestions:

- We keep a running list on one thread here, showing the user names for all sets, deposit paid, balance paid, shipped, received, etc
- All payments made via Paypal, for maximum accountability --- this will probably mean that buyers will need to pay the 4% Paypal fee on the $300 + $22 amount


If you're interested, post your thoughts! It would be great to get this going ASAP!

UPDATED LIST - Jan-22, 2012:
1- GVZ - Confirmed
2- 500AMM (Norway) - Confirmed
3- Brabus 6.5 (Norway) - Confirmed
4- edcarls - Confirmed
5- J-Sauce - Confirmed
6- Hollybrook - Confirmed
7- Emaq - Confirmed
8- T-500 - (Canada, eh!) Confirmed
9- 500CE exterior (Norway) - Confirmed
10 - BahnStorm - Tentative

 

[Cadence]

I will buy a pair.

Can someone post pics of these LCAs?

How much negative camber do they remove?

 

[gsxr]

Photo of the business end of a RDM TEK LCA is below. The outer attachment point is relocated approx 5mm inward for a fixed amount of camber reduction. They change the rear camber by approx -1.25° or so, ±0.25°. This is just about perfect for most 500E/E500's, either stock ride height or lowered. They really are not needed with stock suspension & stock wheels/tires; however if you either have lowered the car and/or have wider wheels/tires, the camber reduction will help prevent the inside of the rear tires from wearing to the cords.

Please note that if your 500E/E500 is lowered *at all*... i.e., even stock springs with thinner pads & tweaking the SLS slightly... you are very, very likely to need additional toe adjustment. The only way to know for sure is to get an alignment at the dealer after installation, and see if the rear toe can be adjusted into spec. If not, you'll need the factory rear tie rod eccentric bushings, p/n 124-352-43-65, two required (current MSRP is $182 USD each, and no that isn't a typo). Yes, they are obscenely expensive, but there is no other easy/affordable solution that works well. See attached for a pic of the eccentric bushing. (FYI - urethane bushings like K-Mac will sqeak, no matter how much lube you apply; the factory bushing is completely silent.)

Click here to see the dealer alignment sheet on my 1992 500E after installing RDM TEK rear LCA's and also the factory eccentric bushings, at slightly below stock ride height (rear end lowered approx 0.25"). I did not have an alignment done with stock LCA's or stock tie rods, so I do not have a 'before' sheet for comparison.

Note: I always have the alignment done with a full tank of fuel, this shows the camber at max negative and ensures the toe is set at worst-case scenario. WIth SLS there isn't a big difference between full & empty tank, another option is to align with 1/2 tank of fuel... this may be the FSM recommendation.

 

[gerryvz]

I too am in for a set.

Here are a couple of photos on GSXR's "web site" (LOL)

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[need2speed]

Highly recommended modification for lowered cars!

 

[samiam44]

Humm.. is it the welded gusset at the outside?


Dave- can you align a non-lowered car with these?

 

[gerryvz]

Highly recommended modification for lowered cars!

Or cars with wider/staggered/aftermarket wheels !!

 

[gsxr]

Humm.. is it the welded gusset at the outside? Dave- can you align a non-lowered car with these?

Yep, plates are welded on the outside, as shown in the photo. Matching (longer) bolts/hardware is included. Works great, only potential issue is the toe adjustment as I described in post #3.

There should be no issues with aligning a non-lowered car; however your RENNtech may not necessarily be at stock ride height. Measure from wheel center to fender lip with a full tank of fuel after the car has been sitting overnight and see what you get.

 

[gerryvz]

One question -- are these LCAs specific to the 036?

 

[gsxr]

One question -- are these LCAs specific to the 036?

Heck no. They fit all W124's (except station wagons), as well as a number of other chassis; including most 129, 201, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 170, and 171.

RDM TEK takes a new OE/dealer LCA (p/n 202-350-02-06) and modifies it to be 5mm shorter. Any car which uses this part number can use the RDM TEK LCA's.

The 124 and 210 station wagon use a different rear LCA with a wider channel and two bolt mounting for the SLS shock. RDM TEK can produce these as well but I'm sure the same minimum qty of 10 would apply. The group buy discussed in this thread will fit sedans/coupes/cabrio only.

 

[gerryvz]

The 124 and 210 station wagon use a different rear LCA with a wider channel and two bolt mounting for the SLS shock.

I definitely know that - had to replace the LCAs on my wife's E320 wagon about a year and a half ago and the wagon LCAs are **NOT CHEAP**.

Thanks for the clarification on applications. Could this be a good "go-fast" product for Captain Fast to get him down to the 13s at the dragstrip?

 

[gsxr]

Thanks for the clarification on applications. Could this be a good "go-fast" product for Captain Fast to get him down to the 13s at the dragstrip?

Actually... if you are having traction issues, and your rear camber measures -2.00° or worse... I think that yes, these could make some difference. If you already have zero wheelspin, there will be zero improvement at the dragstrip.

Prior to camber correction, my E500 with 18x10.0 wheels and 275 or 285 tires was visibly lifting the outer edge of the tire slightly off the pavement; doing a burnout on the street left a gradiant black stripe that was much darker on the inside and faded to gray at the outside. Camber correction definitely helped improve the straight-line contact patch with the fat, low-profile rear rubber.

 

[samiam44]

Ahhh now I know the problem Davem!!


I need to do some big burnout's in the parking lot to see if the camber is correct!

 

[Juho]

had to replace the LCAs on my wife's E320 wagon about a year and a half ago

Why?

Rust? Some kind damage?

I've been under the illusion that the LCAs last a lifetime of car.

 

[jano]

Not really interested in this thingy, but might be so in that other doohickey they made that sat atop the strut mounts.

 

[gsxr]

I've been under the illusion that the LCAs last a lifetime of car.

The inner bushing is rubber and definitely does not last the lifetime of the car. By around 150-250kmi (approx 250-400kkm) they are usually in need of replacement. This applies to both front and rear LCA's, btw... the fronts often have a shorter lifespan as the ball joint is an additional wear point. (In the rear, the joint is pressed into the wheel carrier, not the rear LCA - different designs).

 

[gerryvz]

I was talking about the FRONT LCAs on the later wagons, which have the ball joints permanently installed. Because the ball joints can't be removed for replacement, the entire LCA has to be replaced. Not fun (for the wallet).

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[J-Sauce]

I want a set but will not be able to commit until after I figure out how much $$ my engine is going to need.

 

[valvfloat]

count me in...!

Current list for the ten sets:
1- Cadence
2- GVZ
3- valvfloat
4-
5-
6-
7-
8-
9-
10-

 

[500AMM]

Hi all,

The basics:

- $299 per pair of LCA's (enough for one car)
- $18 shipping within the continental US
- 50% deposit required on all 10 sets before we are a "Go!"
- Approx 30 days fabrication timeframe from the "Go"!
- Remaining 50% required 1 week before shipping
- Shipping directly to each individual buyer
- All payments made via Paypal, for maximum accountability --- this will probably mean that buyers will need to pay the 4% Paypal fee on the $299 + $18 amount

Current list for the ten sets:
1- Cadence
2- GVZ
3-
4-
5-
6-
7-
8-
9-
10-

Hello Silver Arrow.

Is it possible for an European to be on this list for a set? If so I need someone to find the shipping cost to Norway and arrange the overseas shipping.

I have one technical question: What is the quality in the longer bolts?

Cheers
-arnt-

 

[gerryvz]

Arnt,

If you've paid for a set I can have them shipped to me, and then can forward them on to you myself. No problem at all.

Regards,
Gerry

 

[500AMM]

Gerry,

That sounds like a good idea, many thanks for the offer.

But it depends a bit on when this list is filled up and the production run is done. If it takes f.ex. a year or so, I probably make a set myself. Since the LCA is standard on all W124 it's easy to find a set and do the mods. I have access to the necessary tools and machines.

-arnt-

 

[gerryvz]

I'm surprised more people aren't interested in doing this. if you car is lowered, it's almost a must so that you don't wear out your rear tires prematurely !! We've got 3 or 4 people ... c'mon, step up folks !!

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

Arnt, the bolts are 10.9 clear zinc plated.

 

[szvook]

I'm holding out to get the Brabus suspension and then fully adjust the camber on a lowered car. R.B. Tech has a camber kit as well, so I'm gonna wait. Plus I just recently updated my LCA's to clear the larger rotors.

 

[Silver Arrow]

We're almost halfway there!

 

[500AMM]

We're almost halfway there!

Hi.

Halfway sounds good, but could you post an updated list on this please.

Cheers
-arnt-

 

[valvfloat]

let go kids...!!!...shortened LCA for all...!!!

 

[Silver Arrow]

Hi.

Halfway sounds good, but could you post an updated list on this please.

Cheers
-arnt-

Not sure what you're looking for...? To my knowledge, everyone who is interested has posted.

 

[500AMM]

Hi all,

Additionally, Gary wants to work with one single point of contact for the group buy. I'm willing to do it ---

Current list for the ten sets:
1- Cadence
2- GVZ
3- valvfloat
4- 500AMM
5-
6-
7-
8-
9-
10-

Hi.

This is what I ment, an updated list with all committed buyers on, and now I am visually on the list.

-arnt-

 

[500AMM]

Current list for the ten sets:
1- Cadence
2- GVZ
3- valvfloat
4- 500AMM
5- Brabus 6.5, Norway
6-
7-
8-
9-
10-

Hello.

I've got another buyer on the list.

-arnt-

 

[edcarls]

Questions: Is shortened LCA better than adjustable camber arms? What are the pros and cons of each?
TIA.
Ed

 

[Cadence]

Questions: Is shortened LCA better than adjustable camber arms? What are the pros and cons of each?
TIA.
Ed

I haven't seen anyone offering adjustable camber arms for these cars. In theory the adjustable ones would be better, assuming they are strong and use factory bushings, not rod ends.

 

[gsxr]

Questions: Is shortened LCA better than adjustable camber arms? What are the pros and cons of each?

RDM TEK LCA's (non adjustable):

Pros:

• Based on OE Genuine Mercedes LCA's with new inner bushings
• Zero noise - no squeaking (a la K-Mac)
• Can't get out of adjustment accidentally
• Same correction amount for both left & right sides
• OE bushings often last >200kmi
• No issues with wheel hop
• Fixed correction of approx +1.25° is ideal for the vast majority of street cars
• No additional cost for alignment
• No possibility of the alignment tech screwing things up
• Shortened LCA pulls bottom of wheel inward, less possibility of tire/fender clearance issues

Cons:

• Camber not adjustable (but remember, it's not adjustable from the factory anyway)
• Coil spring must be removed for installation (not a big deal in the rear)

Adjustable camber arms and/or K-Mac

Pros:

• Camber is adjustable to your exact specs (does anyone really need this?)
• Coil spring does not have to be removed for installation

Cons:

• Potential bushing noise, particularly with K-Mac, or urethane bushings
• Possibility of adjuster loosening and camber changing (depending on design)
• Requires careful adjustment to get left & right camber the same
• Alignment cost could be higher, as this is not a factory adjustment
• Possibility of the alignment tech screwing things up when adjusting the arms
• Likely to cause wheel hop at launch (camber arms only, not K-Mac)
• Bushing life unknown (nobody has put 100-200k on any of these yet, AFAIK)
• Requires periodic lubrication of urethane bushings or Heim joints
• Heim joint arms negatively affect the rebound action of the factory suspension design
• Excessive camber correction could compress axle CV joints, causing premature axle failure
• Camber arms push the top of the tire outward, possibly causing clearance issues for wide wheels/tires
• Will affect rear ride height, can affect left & right differently! (this issue is with the K-Mac kit only; not camber arms)

​

Remember that with ANY camber reduction method, additional toe adjustment may be required; that includes both the RDM TEK LCA's and any other adjustable camber arms. This was mentioned earlier in this thread.

 

[gsxr]

I haven't seen anyone offering adjustable camber arms for these cars. In theory the adjustable ones would be better, assuming they are strong and use factory bushings, not rod ends.

There are several available, but none use OE-style bonded rubber bushings. The ones with Heim joints are the worst... I had those on my car briefly and got some annoying wheel hop at the dragstrip. I went to K-Mac next which worked well, but the noise drove me batty, and they affect ride height. Finally went to the RDM TEK LCA's which have been trouble-free, no downsides other than lack of adjustability, which I don't need.

 

[edcarls]

Dave,
Thanks for the detailed explanation. It makes the decision easy to go with shortened LCA. Please put me down on the list for a set and let me know to whom and how should I remit payment.

BTW, I installed your H&R springs and now my car sits perfect. The car's stance looks like it's always looking for a brawl!

Best regards,
Ed

 

[ccrelan]

Any comments on the effectiveness of these?

http://mbartsperformance.com/MBA-124-ARCA.html

Unfortunately, I have a wagon and can't jump in on this buy. I am about to install some H&R springs and don't want to go through my new tires.

 

[gsxr]

Any comments on the effectiveness of these?

http://mbartsperformance.com/MBA-124-ARCA.html

Those are your typical adjustable camber arms with Heim joints. All the issues noted above apply to these. I tried a similar set (not that exact brand, but the same basic design) and ended up removing them. I personally would not use these on any of my cars.

 

[500AMM]

Current list for the ten sets:
1- Cadence
2- GVZ
3- valvfloat
4- 500AMM
5- Brabus 6.5, Norway
6-
7-
8-
9-
10-

Silver Arrow - I miss a bit more tension on this group buy? I'm too old for waiting.

One question; Is this new LCA's, or seconhand refurbished parts?

With Silver Arrow included on the list, we miss 4 persons. Come on folks and sign up, I 'm sure many more of you needs this.

Cheers
-arnt-

 

[gsxr]

One question; Is this new LCA's, or seconhand refurbished parts?

They are based on brand-new, Genuine Mercedes LCA's from the dealership. No aftermarket or secondhand items.

 

[cstratton]

Sign me up for the group buy.

Thanks

 

[gsxr]

First post updated with current list - I'm assuming that Silver Arrow is also in for a set, although he hadn't put himself down as one of the ten.

If any of the list below is incorrect, please let me know and I'll update it again:

1- Silver Arrow
2- Cadence (Canada)
3- GVZ
4- valvfloat (Canada)
5- 500AMM (Norway)
6- Brabus 6.5 (Norway)
7- edcarls
8- cstratton
9-
10-​

 

[J-Sauce]

I'm in as long as the expected ship date is not until the end of Oct at the earliest.

1- Silver Arrow
2- Cadence (Canada)
3- GVZ
4- valvfloat (Canada)
5- 500AMM (Norway)
6- Brabus 6.5 (Norway)
7- edcarls
8- cstratton
9- J-Sauce
10-

 

[valvfloat]

sorry guys, i sold my car....i'm out...


1- Silver Arrow
2- Cadence (Canada)
3- GVZ
4- 500AMM (Norway)
5- Brabus 6.5 (Norway)
6- edcarls
7- cstratton
8- J-Sauce
9-
10-

 

[500AMM]

Hi,

One buyer dropped from the list, so I bump this thread to keep the focus.

1- Silver Arrow
2- Cadence (Canada)
3- GVZ
4- 500AMM (Norway)
5- Brabus 6.5 (Norway)
6- edcarls
7- cstratton
8- J-Sauce
9-
10-

-arnt-

 

[gerryvz]

C'mon dudes ... step up !!

 

[Hollybrook]

I'm in for a set:

1- Silver Arrow
2- Cadence (Canada)
3- GVZ
4- 500AMM (Norway)
5- Brabus 6.5 (Norway)
6- edcarls
7- cstratton
8- J-Sauce
9- Hollybrook
10-

Life has been crazy lately, so PM me if you need me to do anything!

 

[500AMM]

That's great Hollybrook!
We're waiting for the final trigger here now.

Cheers
-arnt-

 

[Emaq]

I'll take the last slot!!!

Cheers
Manny

 

[500AMM]

Wow - that's great!

Silver Arrow, please reply with payment instructions, or whatever needed to proceed.

Cheers
-arnt-