Tires/shocks Recommendation

[perrybell]

I finally got my "Dream Car", 500SL (1990, 45K miles) after a long haul. It was in a body shop for 6 months getting fixed by a friend with limited resources.

Anyways, I must say for a car that was close to $75,000 new it is a huge dissapointment. I guess my expectations were set a little to high. I sold my sports car that I had in college, (1986 300zx) for a $1,000.00 that was much more comfotable! My rear feels like it is sitting on the highway while driving

It was suggested that I replace the tires and shocks. The tires on the car are Michelin Piolt Sport, 245/40/18. They have aprox. 50% tread left and hate to just toss them. They are Michelin Piolt Sport, 245/40/18 ZR. I presume these tires were not cheap! I also really love the Zenniti Rims and hate to have to toss them too.

I would love to get some feed back if you could give me some input. It is still one of my favorite cars to look at, but I do not need a car of this caliber for it's looks. I'll blow up a photograph of it.

Thanks in advance for any tips or suggestions.

[callen]

I too am a bit disapointed with my 99 SL500 with sport package....it's a heavy car so thought even with 18's it would ride better....it has relatively low mileage but know car spent lots of time on rough city streets so will be replacing rear shocks this weekend......purchased Boge's as they are softer than Bilstein.......I am also on the look out for some long wearing, quiet and comfy tires.....yea I know doesn't exist...but any suggestions will be appreciated.
Callen

[tecqboy]

I had the Michelin Pilots on my car, but as they got older and worn down, the ride got very harsh. They were 10 years old and 45K miles and still had a decent amount of thread left. But I opted for new Continental Extreme Contact Touring. They use a more flexible sidewall and indeed the ride is much softer, but the "feel" of the car is not as "sporty". So, again, it's a choice. Smoother ride or sportier feel. Since I don't drive my car hard, I like the smoother ride. You can find lot's of buyer feedback on all brands and types of tire at the tirerack web site. There is a link on this forum.

[RickM]

By better and/or more comfortable ride do you mean softer and more forgiving?

Going to 18 wheels is the exact opposite of what you need to do. The car was originally designed for 14" wheels. That's approx 4" of cushion you sacrifice.

[tecqboy]

My 1991 Sl has the original wheels. They are 16 inch. As stated above, going to 17 or 18 wheels without changing other suspension componets will adversely affect the ride quality of this car. I like the way my car rides and handles with a 16 inch touring tire. It's firm, but never harsh. The flexible sidewalls soak up small "bumps" , while the wide profile gives great handling and traction. I know those 18 inch wheels/tire combo's look "hot", but the engineers at Mercedes never had that in mind back in 1991 when they designed the suspension of this vehicle.

[lee polowczuk]

I don't think you can go much larger than a 16 if you want some degree of comfort.

I think 16's with either Michelins or Conti's and you would be fine... my son has Conti 16's on his 300e.... nice.

I have Michelin 15's on my 300CE... want to try 16's

18's are for show.

[jjrodger]

My 99 has 96k miles on the clock and I'm thinking of replacing the shocks as it all feels a bit baggy. It is very difficult to tell, of course, because suspension deteriorates over time and so there is no sudden change to notice. But this is a heavy car and the suspension must take a pounding. I'm hoping a shocks change will improve my ride.

I think wheel size is very important. When released in 1989, the R129 was fitted with 16" wheels across the board. From MY 1998 17" wheels were fitted as standard, but the shocks were changed to match. I would always stick with the stock set up: Mercedes-Benz spent a long time designing this car just right.

As well as size, quality is important. The stock wheels are of a very high quality. The eight hole wheels available from 1993 onwards were forged items, super light weight. A lot of after market rims just cannot match the quality of OEM; they are much heavier.

The rubber in the suspension can suffer, too. I had the bushes in my front anti roll var changed out. The difference was marked. No more clonking, no more crashing on broken road.

[jjrodger]

I am having new shocks fitted all round on Wednesday (10 Aug). I am sticking to the stock set up. I'll let you know whether it has any effect whatsoever. It better, it's the thick end of a grand.

[gqmagic]

I have a 96 sl500 and just put on 18" amg monoblocks, 18x8 front and 18x9 rear. While the ride is not as soft as the stock 16" they replaced, they are not at all uncomfortable or a harsh ride. I have 78k miles and I'm sure the original shocks. When its time to change shocks, would the original for my year, or 2000=2002 shocks be better?

[Flyer]

I have a '96 SL500 with 57K on it. It has the 18" AMG wheels. Evidently the former, and first, owner had them changed before he took delivery (I have the paperwork). Anyway, I wouldn't know the difference, but the ride is good. I am in the process of changing the tires (this week). The shop had to order them, but after must research I have decided to go with the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3, size 245 40 18, on all four. I'll let you know how they work.

[jjrodger]

I had 4 new Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres fitted yesterday, replacing barely legal Sport Contacts all round. Huge difference. It was raining here yesterday and on the way to the tyre fitters the SL was all over the road (I was running somewhat late); on the way back with the new rubber (still raining) it was a million times better (still running late, though).

This morning the car went to the dealer for new shock absorbers all round. I have 96k miles up on standard springs and shocks (i.e. not the ADS system). I replaced like for like, all stock parts. It is fair to say there is a huge difference in the ride and handling, much tighter, much firmer (though not unpleasantly so), much more like a new car.

My wallet is wilting (GBP570 on the rubber, GBP805 on the shocks) but it was money well spent. Tomorrow I need to get 750miles under the wheels before 4pm... another foray to the continent.

It is still raining.

[Flyer]

Just an update....a few days ago I got the tires put on. Per my earlier post, I put on the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 245 40 18.......yes, 18"........I have the AMG wheels. Anyways, I know it's early, but, I want to report that the tires seem to be great so far. They are a little softer than I'm used to, however, that's what I was looking for. They are also incredibly sticky. Overall I'm extremely pleased. I will update when I get some more miles on them........oh, and they look GREAT on the car!!!!

[callen]

Installed factory rear shocks..and new tyres on the 99 SL with sport package 18" wheels this weekend and no difference. Just seems the rear is loosing all composure on the slightest road irregularity...very jarring. Car has 45k on the clock so can't see worn suspension components. I have a BMW with Eibach and HD bilstiens as well as 71 vette so understand tight suspension wheel packages..this is far worse. Like the whole rear of the car just starts to shake...

HELP