lynns

1) Make sure that you've installed the bar on the right vs. the left side. It's to bad that they don't mark the bar.

2) Lay a cloth on the airbox , then raise the bar with a large screwdriver, then tighten the bar with your socket on each side. Look under the bar and you should notice a 1/4" gap on each side.

Winngrip

Lynns
Thanks for that info. I think I am going to order that Red bar for my r129

taurus5971

I was interested in a Strut Bar. It comes in Steel, Aluminum and Carbon Fiber. Which one is best for a R129?

lynns

May I suggest that you go with Steel rather than a soft Aluminum. I don't believe the Aluminum gives the torsional strength that a Steel brace delivers.
Please show me a web address for the Carbon Fiber brace. Remember that this a 129 and not some fancy high end race car that needs a light weight Carbon Fiber anything.

taurus5971

Thanks for the suggestion. I made a mistake and thought the Carbon Fiber would fit an SL500, but it's actually for a SL600. Here is the link to it anyway.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wiechers-st...QAAOSw-xVaA7uQ

AdilSD

finally got mine installed. I am happy with the result.

Ahmed

Very nice indeed, are these still being sold nowdays?

AdilSD

Yes. You can get this directly from the manufacturer. I had mine shipped to me in California for about $170.
Adil

Venustus1

In looking through stuff, it seems that the Weichers strut Bar 291010 (or aluminum version of the bar, that I seem to like better) is not a direct fit onto a latter 2002 sl500....
But no one cay say specifically why, at least as far as I can tell.

I see some modding moving drivers side hoses ... and some things I have read say that the engine "sits" higher in the 2001? 2002 sl500's. ??

Venustus1

In looking through stuff,
It seems that the Weichers strut Bar 291010 (or aluminum version of the bar, that I seem to like better)
is not a direct fit onto a latter 2002 sl500....
But no one can *specifically* say why it is a no go...
At least as far as I have found so far.
And I e/m weichers in Germany and they could not say why either. 🤔

I see some modding like moving drivers side hoses on other model years..
And some things I have read say that the engine "sits" higher in the 2002 sl500's. ?? (that would be bad if the hood no close.😲 )

Has anybody done one on a 2002 sl500?
And if so, was it just simple modding ... or intensive?

Was it just unbolting the lines and slightly moving them to make way? easy peasy. ?

And most important:
Did the hood close fine? Since folk say the engine sits higher in the engine bay in model year.

Thanks !

AdilSD

Mine is a 2001 and I think they are identical to the 2002 for all it counts in this conversation. Yes, lines are in the way, have to be unbolted and bent. I did so with basic tools, it is simple. The bar fits well horizontally on the strut towers and again the installation is rather easy since struts and coils are separate on this vehicle. The vertical fit is a bit tight. There is however some vertical play in the mounting holes of the bar to the bracket. All the way down to the lowest point I would get interference with the air box. All the way up touches the hood pad. I left it there. So far all is good.

Venustus1

Thanks AdilSD, I think I am going to pull the trigger on it. I know that because I baby the car , waaay too much.....ha ha , it probably is NOT a needed mod. And I am trying to keep the silver arrow unmodified & pure as possible to protect the value...
But this strut brace seems like something that couldn't hurt and it does look pretty damn cool. 👍👍👌

AdilSD

Agree, looks good, I painted mine in body color.

r107 sl500 2001 with strut brace

Venustus1

Yes that looks really great.
I already have the paint to do mine body color when I get it.
haha
Like minds.👌

mahunt

I have a Weichers aluminum bar, but on a V12.

It gives the heavy front end a bit more composure over irregular surfaces.


It's not a great shot of the bar, but I would get another one if I got another R129.

They make a difference.

FC4

Just emailed Frank to order one for my SL600. Does anyone have pics of the carbon version? The site is conflicting and I can't confirm if it's real carbon fiber or simply a "carbon fiber look" pattern.

mahunt

Ask Frank.

FC4

Yep, did...waiting to hear back.

I know this is old but anyone have the H&R part number for R129 springs? Couldn't find it on their site or anywhere else online.

sushipaste

they don’t fit SL600. Just lower your car via sds it takes like 3 minutes. I also recommended coming over to Benzworld forum. This place is dead and the site is hard to read. Benzworld is more active

mahunt

Not dead.

bttucker

Thanks for reviving this discussion. Caused me to google and find ECS Tuning sells and claims to have in stock the 291010 (aarrgh, it's red) steel bar. I just ordered one at $170 and tax, free shipping. Really like the stiffness such a bar imparted to my miata, looking forward to it on the 129!

mahunt

The over 2 ton R129 is a bit more ponderous than a Miata, so don't expect the bar to overcome the heft.

Having said that, the bar does indeed help.

FC4

Good to know. Can't get myself used to Benzworld...the forum style feels a bit too 1998 and I don't really have the patience to navigate it.

mahunt

I left BW after they changed the format.

bttucker

The Wiechers bar is in the 2001 500. Noting that the bar to bar ends bolt is 10mm shaft, the hole in the bar is 14mm, I got curious...
I ordered one of these: and found that five bushings just fills the bar end tube. Trial placement confirms bar sits fine, no rubbing I can see (hood pad may tell all later). Tightened the bolts, and we're done. Benefits - I know my bar doesn't have the possible end slop of 2-4mm. Will I ever notice? Probably not.