Lowering an R129 SL500
Discussion
Hi All,
I've recently purchased myself a rather stunning SL500 which is in truly wonderful condition.
It is sitting on 18" AMG alloys and I can't help but think it is riding too high as standard. Does anyone have any experience of lowering an SL. The ride isn't an issue (it's fairly stiff as it is) but it just doesn't look right.
I'm also looking to release some more noise from the engine but 000's on a full system is slightly over the top. Not a big issue but if anyone knows of a way to let the V8 really sing then please speak up.
Cheers all and pics will follow once the internet is working at home
I've recently purchased myself a rather stunning SL500 which is in truly wonderful condition.
It is sitting on 18" AMG alloys and I can't help but think it is riding too high as standard. Does anyone have any experience of lowering an SL. The ride isn't an issue (it's fairly stiff as it is) but it just doesn't look right.
I'm also looking to release some more noise from the engine but 000's on a full system is slightly over the top. Not a big issue but if anyone knows of a way to let the V8 really sing then please speak up.
Cheers all and pics will follow once the internet is working at home
I would imagine it has steel springs and regular shock absorbers: ADS was an expensive option on the 500 and very few cars were specified with it.
I agree with you that the ride height can look too high. This is presumably an unavoidable consequence of the R129 having the longest spring travel and best ground clearance of any vehicle in its class (for comfort and versatility).
One easy and cheap way of reducing the ride height would be to fit slimmer spring pads. These are the rubber inserts which fit between the top of the spring and the chassis/body. But you could probably save only about 10mm that way.
There is an AMG suspension package but it will be expensive and undoubtedly will give a firmer ride.
And there are aftermarket suspension manufacturers who will supply lowering springs and springs/damper kits. The problem here is that the ride almost certainly will suffer. The springs and dampers are tuned to work together (along with the seat bases), so just fitting shorter springs may lead to problems. Spring and damper kits are likely to give a firmer ride.
As for the exhaust, it is indeed very quiet (although I am told that outside the car, at full chant, it is rather sonorous). No I prefer totally silent running, but I can see how a nice burble might suit others. I think the only answer is an aftermarket or custom job at some cost. AMG makes a back box or muffler kit but I have no idea whether this does anything for the sound.
I agree with you that the ride height can look too high. This is presumably an unavoidable consequence of the R129 having the longest spring travel and best ground clearance of any vehicle in its class (for comfort and versatility).
One easy and cheap way of reducing the ride height would be to fit slimmer spring pads. These are the rubber inserts which fit between the top of the spring and the chassis/body. But you could probably save only about 10mm that way.
There is an AMG suspension package but it will be expensive and undoubtedly will give a firmer ride.
And there are aftermarket suspension manufacturers who will supply lowering springs and springs/damper kits. The problem here is that the ride almost certainly will suffer. The springs and dampers are tuned to work together (along with the seat bases), so just fitting shorter springs may lead to problems. Spring and damper kits are likely to give a firmer ride.
As for the exhaust, it is indeed very quiet (although I am told that outside the car, at full chant, it is rather sonorous). No I prefer totally silent running, but I can see how a nice burble might suit others. I think the only answer is an aftermarket or custom job at some cost. AMG makes a back box or muffler kit but I have no idea whether this does anything for the sound.
My mate has an SL500 which has been lowered, not sure which springs he used though. As for the exhaust, there are 2 silencers. My mate has removed the rear one and put on a straight thru pipe instead. It does sound good though a bit too much like a Yank V8 for my liking. If you were to removed the middle box and put a straight thru pipe there, you'd get a more subtle sound and to my mind the best compromise. It's possible to get something made up for less than £150.
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