SL/R129: Ride Height Shims on 99 SL500
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Joined: May 2006
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Ride Height Shims on 99 SL500
Does anyone know if the 99SL500 has those ride height shims between the springs and spring perches? My car sits at SUV height and I'd like to drop it without making the ride any stiffer. I heard one can change the shims to do that. Thanks
Hal
Hal
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Fort Worth, Tx
97 SL500
It should have them but you have to figure which ones are on the car to know how much (if any) you can lower it (their are 4 sizes for the front and 3 for the rear in 5mm increments, I might have it backwards??). Since the labor to change these is the same as changing the springs you should probably just buy a set of the Eibach springs and put those on. I had my spring pads changed when I got my Bilsteins put on but I should have done the Eibachs at that time. I got 10mm lower on mine which is not enough.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 217
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From: Fort Worth, Tx
97 SL500
The Eibachs ride pretty close to stock from what I hear, the H&Rs do not (if they are still available). I do think you should do shocks at the same time since the labor overlaps somewhat but get the OE shocks NOT the Bilstein HDs if you want to save the ride quality. I love the way mine rides and handles with the Bilsteins and the 19" wheels/tires over what I had with the OE shocks and 16" wheels (I know your 99 has 17" or 18" depending on whether it's a Sport or not).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
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some
bilistine make good shocks, they make HD (sporty) or the OEM. if you think that the OEM are stiff enough, then go with them.
Mark
