I would like to upgrade the stock suspension system for my 95 SL. It has more than body roll in tight turns than I like. I have no knowledge as to what is involved. And before I put it in shop, I would like to learn something about this topic so I won't be taken to the cleaners (not to imply the dealer will do such a thing ;~}). Does anyone has any suggestion as to what brand to install and will the upgraded suspension really improves the car's performance. Also, what should I look out for before involving myself in such a project. Any help will be appreciated.

95 R129
98 ML320

Mods made will vary as different person has different tastes. But basic mods will be: Tire/Rims upgrade, usually +1 or +2. Lower spring w/ new shocks, you can always go for brand names like AMG, Brabus, Lorinser...etc. but expect to pay more for the name. But what you get is 100% compatible, and fit. Thicker anti-roll bar might be what you are after, too....

Tire/Rims - AMG, Brabus, Lorinser, BBS.
Springs - H&R, Eibech(can't remember the exact name).
Shocks - Besltien(How to spell it again??)

Can't help you here with anti-roll bar, except AMG, Brabus...

Good Luck
Andy Kuo

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• 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
  
• Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
  
• Blue/Red Headlights
  
• Xenon-Look Foglights
  

ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
http://drive.to/akry

I copied this from an eralier post concerning an E500. They share the same wheels/tire setup due to the aggressive nature of those vehicles. Anyways: Here are the Wheel/Tire combos we discussed.

One of my best friend's dad had an E500, just traded it in for an E55 (now kompressed by Lorinser) but he got some wheels on it. We did a little research as to which would be the best options. We ended up with:
AMG 2-piece SL 5-spokes. These are 18x8.5 et25 front, 18x10 et25 rear. They were costly, but looked sharp as anything. I think they were close to $1000 each.
Bekkers Replicas of the AMG 2-piece SL 5-spokes. They are basically exact look-a-likes of the 2-piece but are 1 piece rims. They are much cheaper, something like $365 a piece.
AMG Monoblocks. AAA Rims (http://www.aaarims.com/index.html) have the monoblocks on sale in 17x8, and 18x9 for $345.
AMG Monoblock replica from Bekkers. Again these are replicas, so cost cheaper. They are 17x8 et 35 up front, and 18x9 et 38 for $289.
BBS RSII 18x8.5 front, 18x10 rear. They are pretty costly but just as sharp as the AMG, except the AMG look at home on the MB.
Carlsson 2/5 18x8.5 front, 18x10 rear.
AMG 3-piece 17x8.5 front, 17x10 rear.

He ended up getting the AMG SL replicas from bekkers.

for the 17" evolutoion wheels, you can go to AAA rims, and they have the 17x8.25" in $295.

Now that said, get the wide tires in the rear if you go with wide wheels back there.

He went with 275/35/18 in the rear, wearing Pirelli P7000 Supersports. He went to Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 up front in 245/40/18. If you go with 17" then use 245/45/17 in Dunlop SP5000 for $127.

Now for the suspension, I was thinking the best thing is a set of Eibachs lowering springs, and Blisten shocks. Thats all my suggestions.

I am a firm believe that do things to the best, not extreme. So save up and do mods in bits and pieces, not at once. You will be much happier in the long run.

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99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E w/ a 3.2 I-6
2001 S600 - Waiting List

I was looking at the Brabus catalog for the SL (R129) and it recommended several different tire/rim combos -- see below.

I believe Brabus uses Eibach springs/Sachs or Bilstein shocks adjusted to their specs. AMG uses Eibach springs/Bilstein shocks modified to their specs. Both comes with a one-year warranty. Brabus lists for about $1800 ($1450 for a good deal). AMG is about the same, if not more. For my E430 (W210), AMG's suspension is 35% stiffer. I was looking for a more comfortable ride.

After researching the suspensions, I've recently replaced my springs with H&R Sports. I've retained the same shocks because I have less than 3,000 miles on them. I will replace it with either Bilstein or KONI in the future. You should also consider Eibach. The good thing is that H&R, Bilstein, and KONI have a lifetime warranty. I believe Eibach has a 10-year warranty.

I've also purchased Brabus 19'' Monoblock V, multi-piece rims. Fronts are 19x8.5 ET35 w/ P7000 235/35-19; Rears are 19x9.5 ET35 w/ P7000 265/30-19. This was a Plus 2 conversion. I initially thought that the ride would suffer greatly. After several miles, the combo has been great. A comfortable ride with great handling.

Brabus Application for SL (R129):

18''
Front 18x9.5 w/ ET (offset) 26: 245/40-18
Rear 18x10.5 w/ ET 20: 275/35-18 or 285/35-18

19''
Front 19x8.5 ET 25: 245/35-19
Rear 19x9.5 ET 25: 285/30-19

I hope this helps.

Eric

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'00 E430 w/ Solaris H-7's
Brabus 19'' Monoblock V, 2 piece
H&R Sport Springs

'99 SLK230 Sport