SL/R129: cost of lowering r129
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Joined: Oct 2008
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sl 500
cost of lowering r129
Hi all. I'm a neewbie here so forgive the stupid question. I was looking into purchasing some lowering springs for the r129. I was wondering what I should expect to pay in terms of installation fees from a mechanic. I was quoted $800 a few days ago from a shop in San Francisco. I've lowered cars in the past and they usually charge $100-300 for the install. I realize the r129 is a big car but still, $800 seems really expensive. Any suggestions? Thanks.
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some
Hi all. I'm a neewbie here so forgive the stupid question. I was looking into purchasing some lowering springs for the r129. I was wondering what I should expect to pay in terms of installation fees from a mechanic. I was quoted $800 a few days ago from a shop in San Francisco. I've lowered cars in the past and they usually charge $100-300 for the install. I realize the r129 is a big car but still, $800 seems really expensive. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Mark
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 217
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From: Fort Worth, Tx
97 SL500
Hi all. I'm a neewbie here so forgive the stupid question. I was looking into purchasing some lowering springs for the r129. I was wondering what I should expect to pay in terms of installation fees from a mechanic. I was quoted $800 a few days ago from a shop in San Francisco. I've lowered cars in the past and they usually charge $100-300 for the install. I realize the r129 is a big car but still, $800 seems really expensive. Any suggestions? Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Manchester, CT
If you can borrow/rent/buy an internal spring compressor, its really quite easy to change out the springs. Shocks also are easy and can be done in the driveway.
Def a trip to MB for an alignmnet afterwards.
Def a trip to MB for an alignmnet afterwards.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
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From: So California
2000 SL500
I just bought a new set of Bilstein's for $355.00 shipped and a new set of H&R Sport springs for and eBay price of $371.00 delivered. I will be using #1 shims up front and #3 buffers in the rear. I was quoted $450-$600 for install less alignment that I will do about a month later when the car settles and I put new rear tires on.
I'm glad it was my favorite Indy that will charge me the $450.00 for the above. He also quoted me $340 to just change the springs.
Note: the H&R springs will drop the car about 1.5" so it's important on older 129's to adjust the position of the 'rear axle limit switches for the roll-over bar' to function properly. Then test the car by driving forward and braking real hard at about 7 MPH to get the roll-bar to accurate. I'll let you find out how to retract the bar after that? Do some reading!
I'm glad it was my favorite Indy that will charge me the $450.00 for the above. He also quoted me $340 to just change the springs.
Note: the H&R springs will drop the car about 1.5" so it's important on older 129's to adjust the position of the 'rear axle limit switches for the roll-over bar' to function properly. Then test the car by driving forward and braking real hard at about 7 MPH to get the roll-bar to accurate. I'll let you find out how to retract the bar after that? Do some reading!
Last edited by lynns; Jan 27, 2015 at 01:34 AM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
I just bought a new set of Bilstein's for $355.00 shipped and a new set of H&R Sport springs for and eBay price of $371.00 delivered. I will be using #1 shims up front and #3 buffers in the rear. I was quoted $450-$600 for install less alignment that I will do about a month later when the car settles with the hardtop on and new rear tires.
I'm glad it was my favorite Indy that will charge me the $450.00 for the above. He also quoted me $340 to just change the springs.
Note: the H&R springs will drop the car about 1.25" so it's important to adjust the position of the 'rear axle limit switches on older 129's for the roll-over bar' to function properly. Then test the car by driving forward and braking real hard at about 7-10 MPH to get the roll-bar to accurate.
I'm glad it was my favorite Indy that will charge me the $450.00 for the above. He also quoted me $340 to just change the springs.
Note: the H&R springs will drop the car about 1.25" so it's important to adjust the position of the 'rear axle limit switches on older 129's for the roll-over bar' to function properly. Then test the car by driving forward and braking real hard at about 7-10 MPH to get the roll-bar to accurate.
Last edited by lynns; Jan 27, 2015 at 01:33 AM.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 215
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From: Los Angeles
96 SL500, 97 E420
Hi all. I'm a neewbie here so forgive the stupid question. I was looking into purchasing some lowering springs for the r129. I was wondering what I should expect to pay in terms of installation fees from a mechanic. I was quoted $800 a few days ago from a shop in San Francisco. I've lowered cars in the past and they usually charge $100-300 for the install. I realize the r129 is a big car but still, $800 seems really expensive. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
Rear spring shims 1994 SL320
Can some one tell me if a 1994 SL320 uses rear spring shims? I'm going to use HR springs and Bilstein B4 in the front and B6 shocks in the rear of my SL320 1994. I see spring shims being used #1 front and #3 or #2 in the rear but I can only find front shims for this car.
John
John
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
Last edited by lynns; Jan 26, 2015 at 10:20 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
Thanks for the fast reply
I found the buffers at the site you mentioned this site looks like a good source for my car
I found the buffers at the site you mentioned this site looks like a good source for my car
Last edited by FATHERTIME; Jan 27, 2015 at 12:47 AM. Reason: I fond the item
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
Have you thought about the following parts from the list at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/5653276-post1027.html while your installing new struts and springs?
Strut Mounts (2 each Mercedes-Benz) p/n 1243200473
Strut Bump Stop (2 each) p/n 1293230744
Strut Boot (2 each) p/n 1293230192
Front #1 shim (2 each) p/n 2013210984
Rear #3 buffer (2 each) p/n 2013251144
The above 4 items from your local MB parts counter total about $35.50 + tax.
Always read the "POLICIES>SHIPPING POLICY" fine print and make sure to supply your VIN when ordering online.
Last edited by lynns; Nov 11, 2017 at 09:53 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
Please consider saving yourself some money by going with B4 (Comfort / Touring Class) shocks ALL the way around. I think you'll enjoy a better ride.
Last edited by lynns; Jan 27, 2015 at 01:53 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
I already have the shocks and springs if they're too stiff then at least pretty easy to change compared to springs, i got all 4 from Shock Warehouse for $467.00
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
I already have the shocks and springs if they're too stiff then at least pretty easy to change compared to springs, i got all 4 from Shock Warehouse for $467.00
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
Strut Mounts (2 each Mercedes-Benz) p/n 1243200473
Strut Bump Stop (2 each) p/n 1293230744
Strut Boot (2 each) p/n 1293230192
Front #1 shim (2 each) p/n 2013210984
Rear #3 buffer (2 each) p/n 2013251044
The above 4 items from your local MB parts counter total about $35.50 + tax.
I'm confused on the spring shims, where as I'm using HR springs lowering the rear 1" and front 1.3" the #3 shim is 18mm thats .7" so does that mean I'll only lower the rear .25"?
Strut Bump Stop (2 each) p/n 1293230744
Strut Boot (2 each) p/n 1293230192
Front #1 shim (2 each) p/n 2013210984
Rear #3 buffer (2 each) p/n 2013251044
The above 4 items from your local MB parts counter total about $35.50 + tax.
I'm confused on the spring shims, where as I'm using HR springs lowering the rear 1" and front 1.3" the #3 shim is 18mm thats .7" so does that mean I'll only lower the rear .25"?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
Use a #1 shim on the front and #3 buffer on the rear. Trust me that your car will look and ride just fine.
8mm#1-18mm#3 = 10mm = 0.40" difference from front to back
Last edited by lynns; Jan 31, 2015 at 10:31 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
Use a #1 shim on the front and #3 buffer on the rear. Trust me that your car will look and ride just fine.
8mm#1-18mm#3 = 10mm = 0.40" difference from front to back[/QUOTE]
Ok I have all the parts now, shocks, springs all new shock mount components along with the eight links in the rear plus new sway-bar links. I plan to have it done in a few days, Does anyone know of a good alignment shop for this car in Orange County CA?
8mm#1-18mm#3 = 10mm = 0.40" difference from front to back[/QUOTE]
Ok I have all the parts now, shocks, springs all new shock mount components along with the eight links in the rear plus new sway-bar links. I plan to have it done in a few days, Does anyone know of a good alignment shop for this car in Orange County CA?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
Costa Mesa Brakes & Tires
2945 Randolph Ave., Unit C
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-557-1322
Note: pay attention to your Final Rear Camber. It should be close to -2.0 degrees after your lowering springs are installed.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
The job is done and ready to go for alignment. I guess if I'm using wheel spacers to bring the tires flush with the fenders I need them on the car for the alignment? The rear needs about 36MM spacer and the front needs about 25MM but I'm having trouble finding front spacers. Any help here will be appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
Can you tell me what the toe should be for the rear? I wound up with camber at -1.9 and -2.2
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
