sl 60 suspension

[Les]

I have a '97 R129 SL60. I thought the suspenion on the car was modified from standard 500SL but looking at old SL60 posts it may be standard 500 SL.
Does anybody know what was really fitted AND can you find out from the car purchase codes?

 

[Roger Jones]

Drop the VIN into here:

Mercedes-Benz Club Russia | Mercedes-Benz / VIN

I believe that all SL600s were fitted with the adaptive damping system (ADS), which was optional on the 500s. If it has ADS, then it's very different -- not "modified" -- and, when working properly, is superb. It is very similar, but not identical, to the system described here:

V12 Uber Alles, Diagnosing the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) in a Mercedes Benz S600

the main difference being four accumulators/spheres (two front, two rear) in the R129 and just two (rear) in the W140 (as per link).

All that said, a previous owner could have changed the system to conventional suspension, as more than a few have after losing patience with recurrent ADS problems.

 

[Roger Jones]

Too late to edit previous post: ADS was an option on all R129s other than being standard on the SL600, judging by a sales brochure dated 9/96.

 

[BTB 500]

Hi and welcome.

I would be surprised if the SL60's standard suspension was the same as the SL500.

As mentioned, ADS was an option on all R129s of that era apart from the SL600 (which had it as standard). Sales code 214, £3562.

The SL60 had a further option of "AMG Sports Suspension" (sales code 783, £1901).

Drop your VIN into the link above and see what comes up.

 

[Les]

My SL 60 doesn't have adaptive suspension.

Thanks for the info on the Russian VIN site- it has described all the options that were fitted to the car from new. My 60 has the 18" wheels but does not have the optional (783) AMG suspension package.

It still begs the question - does anybody know what suspension was fitted to SL 60's as standard? Was it standard 500SL or did AMG uprate it as standard even though the code suggests otherwise.

The car has done 70k miles and I have the impression that the front suspension is getting a bit tired and could do with replacement if I can find out what it is.

 

[Howard]

Stats will know , wait for him to discover the thread.

 

[Roger Jones]

In the 9/96 brochure (UK edition, prices in sterling), ADS is in the list of standard equipment for the SL600 but not for the SL60 AMG. The AMG wheels and body styling are listed as standard equipment in the SL60, but are also in the list of options, together with AMG suspension.

As Howard says, Stats will know for sure.

 

[EDZ649]

My SL 60 doesn't have adaptive suspension.

Thanks for the info on the Russian VIN site- it has described all the options that were fitted to the car from new. My 60 has the 18" wheels but does not have the optional (783) AMG suspension package.

It still begs the question - does anybody know what suspension was fitted to SL 60's as standard? Was it standard 500SL or did AMG uprate it as standard even though the code suggests otherwise.

The car has done 70k miles and I have the impression that the front suspension is getting a bit tired and could do with replacement if I can find out what it is.

What symptoms do you have?

 

[BTB 500]

I was told that the standard SL60 suspension was different to the 500 (stiffer springs?), and code 783 was a rare option that gave an adjustable setup. Can't vouch for the accuracy of that though.

I haven't personally seen an SL60 with ADS, although a few must have had it.

My 500 has ADS but not heated seats

 

[Les]

I'll wait on stats for the definative info.

As far as symptoms, the car has done 70k, I've just had the anti roll bar bushes and the steering damper replaced and there is no MOT failure wear anywhere.
When I go over a pothole the seems to be a judder through the car (mebey its just scuttle shake?) and front end seems vague at speed (again never having driven another SL it could be just a feature of the car).

So if I did want to change the struts or lower suspension arms I was trying to find out what was fitted (standard 500SL or something else) to know what to go out and buy if not OEM parts.

Les

 

[Les]

Any experts on R129 SL 60 suspension about to help with earlier query?

Has anybody fitted a strur brace to their SL - if so what did you think? Was their a noticable differennce.