SL/R129: Questions about R129s
#51
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W124
Originally Posted by HLG600
The ricer was a little too much...but SL60, okay now we're talking - what year is it?
This is what you need to make the SL500 quicker..
#52
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2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by HLG600
For the sake of argument, here is a photo of a RennTech SL74 with aftermarket hood (I am assuming it is the CF one R. Makes). It does not represent anything near ...it just hints at the power beneath.
#53
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97 SL320 Sport, Black. 2003 Denali XL, 2002 Gmc PU, 84 Mustang race car.
Originally Posted by SL BRABUS
All MB car have the sticker on the driver side....... that tell you how much your car weight........
That sticker is the gross weight not the curb weight. I am guessing about #3900 for a 129.
Dan
#54
Having owned an SL 500 an SL 600, and my current car, an Renntech SL74, here are my observations:
Handling
My SL 500 handled slightly better that the SL 600 meaning less body roll in corners, but the power differential killed any handling advantage in the straights. The Renntech handles better than either because of the lowered ride height and thicker sway bars. It's no Ferrari in the corners, but 600 ft/lbs of torque makes it scream on the straights.
Acceleration
The stock SL 600 will do 0-60 in 5.8 and the quarter in 14.2. The stock SL 500 does 6.1 and 14.9. As an observation, the 600 feels significantly faster than the 500 and passing acceleration is hugely superior. The Renntech does 0-60 in 4.1 and the Quarter in 12.4. I think it can do better, but to get the best launch, traction control has to be off to allow for a little wheel spin. It's a fine line between the perfect launch and a smoking tire melt-down. As for a race against a 360? The Renntech will beat it from, and to any speed. All you do is stomp the accelerator to the floor and go. The 360 needs 7000 RPM to make horsepower.
Weight
The Renntech weighs 4450 lbs without any carbon fiber components. I'd like the look of the carbon fiber hood, but I won't pay 10k to save 70 lbs. Renntech makes fenders and a trunk lid too, but the cost isn't worth the weight savings. Having less weight in the car made a slight difference in quarter mile times, but not as much as you would think. I believe it has to do with the huge torque output that starts right off idle.
Renntech does just about everything possible to improve the performance of the SL. There isn't much more that can be done without destroying what makes the SL an SL.
Handling
My SL 500 handled slightly better that the SL 600 meaning less body roll in corners, but the power differential killed any handling advantage in the straights. The Renntech handles better than either because of the lowered ride height and thicker sway bars. It's no Ferrari in the corners, but 600 ft/lbs of torque makes it scream on the straights.
Acceleration
The stock SL 600 will do 0-60 in 5.8 and the quarter in 14.2. The stock SL 500 does 6.1 and 14.9. As an observation, the 600 feels significantly faster than the 500 and passing acceleration is hugely superior. The Renntech does 0-60 in 4.1 and the Quarter in 12.4. I think it can do better, but to get the best launch, traction control has to be off to allow for a little wheel spin. It's a fine line between the perfect launch and a smoking tire melt-down. As for a race against a 360? The Renntech will beat it from, and to any speed. All you do is stomp the accelerator to the floor and go. The 360 needs 7000 RPM to make horsepower.
Weight
The Renntech weighs 4450 lbs without any carbon fiber components. I'd like the look of the carbon fiber hood, but I won't pay 10k to save 70 lbs. Renntech makes fenders and a trunk lid too, but the cost isn't worth the weight savings. Having less weight in the car made a slight difference in quarter mile times, but not as much as you would think. I believe it has to do with the huge torque output that starts right off idle.
Renntech does just about everything possible to improve the performance of the SL. There isn't much more that can be done without destroying what makes the SL an SL.
#55
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SL500 2001 Formula 1 Edition;
[QUOTE=RSpreier]
Good post from somebody who appears to know. Thanks.
Originally Posted by RSpreier
Having owned an SL 500 an SL 600, and my current car, an Renntech SL74, here are my observations:
Handling
My SL 500 handled slightly better . . .
Acceleration
The stock SL 600 will do 0-60 in 5.8 and the quarter in 14.2. . . . .
Weight
The Renntech weighs 4450 lbs without any carbon fiber components . . .
Handling
My SL 500 handled slightly better . . .
Acceleration
The stock SL 600 will do 0-60 in 5.8 and the quarter in 14.2. . . . .
Weight
The Renntech weighs 4450 lbs without any carbon fiber components . . .
#56
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2 SL with every Brabus mods available & Class A competition sound system
Originally Posted by DANSMB
That sticker is the gross weight not the curb weight. I am guessing about #3900 for a 129.
Dan
Dan
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97 SL320 Sport, Black. 2003 Denali XL, 2002 Gmc PU, 84 Mustang race car.
Gross weight is the max weight with cargo, pax and fuel. My GMC pickup gross says #7700 but the empty weight is #5900. There is a scale down the street from me and I will get the MB across it and post the weight.
Dan
Dan
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2001 MB SL500
Originally Posted by Carson_Kitt
Flyinphil-
I can't comment on 380, but I can comment on the 500SL and 600SL.
I own a '97 600SL and it it a amazing car.
I looked at a '95 500SL before picking the 600.
They were both about the same price.
Here is what I noticed:
The 500 had a louder exhaust note, not quite as comfortable as the 600, and IMO did not handle as well as the 600.
The V12 has seemingly limitless power.
When you are on the highway and depress the throttle fully and kickdown into 1st/2nd gear depending on your speed, the response from the car is mindblowing - it is incredibly fast.
I know many owners of the 500SL may not agree with me, but these are simply my obervations.
I'm not sure what mileage you are getting, I am averaging 20-21 miles per gallon.
I'll be glad to help if you any specific questions on 600SL.
Best of luck with either car you go after.
Afterall, it is a Mercedes convertible.
Vincent
I can't comment on 380, but I can comment on the 500SL and 600SL.
I own a '97 600SL and it it a amazing car.
I looked at a '95 500SL before picking the 600.
They were both about the same price.
Here is what I noticed:
The 500 had a louder exhaust note, not quite as comfortable as the 600, and IMO did not handle as well as the 600.
The V12 has seemingly limitless power.
When you are on the highway and depress the throttle fully and kickdown into 1st/2nd gear depending on your speed, the response from the car is mindblowing - it is incredibly fast.
I know many owners of the 500SL may not agree with me, but these are simply my obervations.
I'm not sure what mileage you are getting, I am averaging 20-21 miles per gallon.
I'll be glad to help if you any specific questions on 600SL.
Best of luck with either car you go after.
Afterall, it is a Mercedes convertible.
Vincent
#59
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1997 SL-600
Bob-
I haven't done anything to mine in the four or so months that I've owned it.
I do need to pick up a tow hook cover one of these days.
It had 28K on the clock when I bought it and it just hit 33K.
My A/C is all out of whack after a nasty bump I hit last week (see my post from last night.)
Aside from that, the 600 is a blast to drive.
What color combo did you decide on?
Best,
Vincent
I haven't done anything to mine in the four or so months that I've owned it.
I do need to pick up a tow hook cover one of these days.
It had 28K on the clock when I bought it and it just hit 33K.
My A/C is all out of whack after a nasty bump I hit last week (see my post from last night.)
Aside from that, the 600 is a blast to drive.
What color combo did you decide on?
Best,
Vincent
#60
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Originally Posted by bc2602
Vincent, I'm just in the process of buying a '97 SL600 !! any specific things you did as soon as you got your hands on it? any improvements you did? Bob in Penna.
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1996 SL600 - 100% Stock
OK, OK, back to the original question(s)
Glad you guys have had fun with your pissing contest. I really don't dig the idea of customizing this beautiful car to death. The car was built for a reason and it wasn't for drag racing. As some have pointed out, it's a touring car, and I can't think of a finer example in the world.
As for traction control... I have an SL600 and have turned off the ESP. I was goofing around for a few of my co-workers while leaving a restaurant on the water one day. Anyhow, I went from a dead stop, perpendicular to the road. I turned off the ESP and put the hammer down. I peeled out, and performed a power slide to a left turn and continued to burn rubber until I finally completely lost control. The firmware didn't even try to stop me from making a complete fool out of myself. Now, this was the first time I had done anything like that in the car, so that's my excuse. I was very much surprised by the perfomance of the car! So, yes, you can have all the fun you want with the electro-nanny turned off. Even to the point of completely looking foolish. I have done it. If you get one, please be careful. Don't wreck a fine beast like the SL600.
Tip DS
As for traction control... I have an SL600 and have turned off the ESP. I was goofing around for a few of my co-workers while leaving a restaurant on the water one day. Anyhow, I went from a dead stop, perpendicular to the road. I turned off the ESP and put the hammer down. I peeled out, and performed a power slide to a left turn and continued to burn rubber until I finally completely lost control. The firmware didn't even try to stop me from making a complete fool out of myself. Now, this was the first time I had done anything like that in the car, so that's my excuse. I was very much surprised by the perfomance of the car! So, yes, you can have all the fun you want with the electro-nanny turned off. Even to the point of completely looking foolish. I have done it. If you get one, please be careful. Don't wreck a fine beast like the SL600.
Tip DS