SL/R129: 1993 sl600 - stiff suspension
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 21
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From: Brunei
1993 sl600; 1990 BMW750il, 1977 Mercedes Benz 250, 2004 Mitsubishi Triton 4WD turbo
1993 sl600 - stiff suspension
I just bought a 1993 sl600 with 33596km on the clock.
Is it normal to have the sl feels like riding on go cart even without the sport slection swithched on? I noticed ther is intermittent SRS lights on while driving - could this have an effect on the suspensions performance?
Is it normal to have the sl feels like riding on go cart even without the sport slection swithched on? I noticed ther is intermittent SRS lights on while driving - could this have an effect on the suspensions performance?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
The simple answer is maybe. The wiring issue, complex vehicle et.al. is the long answer.
In the world of MB/Benz you will find hundreds of owners who have learned, repaired and found joy in their toys. MB in their effort to be leading edge, had a wiring harness with modern ecological properties that heat and time caused to degenerate beyond repair. Lots of us are "mad as hell" about their choice. Once the harness has been replaced then the engine, suspension, braking (all systems ) can be monitored and controlled by the ECU, and other control systems
My car had codes from the OBS (I) that were conflicting, The instrument panel was well lit! and on several times the 12 cylinders were working like 4!! ( LHM ) so mechanics were "selling" complex parts replacement. After several "stealer" interactions, I started not buying, but reading. and that is where the web site collective thinking has its power. My ride, performance and satisfaction has been excellent after new harnesses in the engine compartment, repair of the hydraulic suspension system ( deer strike on the underside of the vehicle ) and a boat load of money
Legal action and complaints have not been productive. My SL600 ownership adventure started in 1999 with 27,000 miles
Good luck with your new toy! Where in the world are you?
In the world of MB/Benz you will find hundreds of owners who have learned, repaired and found joy in their toys. MB in their effort to be leading edge, had a wiring harness with modern ecological properties that heat and time caused to degenerate beyond repair. Lots of us are "mad as hell" about their choice. Once the harness has been replaced then the engine, suspension, braking (all systems ) can be monitored and controlled by the ECU, and other control systems
My car had codes from the OBS (I) that were conflicting, The instrument panel was well lit! and on several times the 12 cylinders were working like 4!! ( LHM ) so mechanics were "selling" complex parts replacement. After several "stealer" interactions, I started not buying, but reading. and that is where the web site collective thinking has its power. My ride, performance and satisfaction has been excellent after new harnesses in the engine compartment, repair of the hydraulic suspension system ( deer strike on the underside of the vehicle ) and a boat load of money
Legal action and complaints have not been productive. My SL600 ownership adventure started in 1999 with 27,000 miles
Good luck with your new toy! Where in the world are you?
Last edited by SRHsl600; Aug 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM. Reason: time reference
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 21
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From: Brunei
1993 sl600; 1990 BMW750il, 1977 Mercedes Benz 250, 2004 Mitsubishi Triton 4WD turbo
Thank you for the reply. I found from service center history files - this car have the wiring looms repair Dec 2011 - and the car is mechanically in excellent conditions, not to mention the thrill driving it with all 12 cylinders fired up :-). However, it didn't' go well in 4 departments :-)
1. the suspensions or the tyre (could be the cause for the go-cart feelings) (( the rim is 19' AMG (Pirelli rear: 275/35 and front: 245/40). I assume the rim is from ex C-class
2. the canopy mechanism (soft top will not fold automatically but no water leaks :-) )
3. the hard top (cracked rear screen) - (water leaks from front seals)
4. aging seat upholstery (some loosening, missing and cracking plastic moldings.
For you info. I am from BRUNEI and live in Brunei....
1. the suspensions or the tyre (could be the cause for the go-cart feelings) (( the rim is 19' AMG (Pirelli rear: 275/35 and front: 245/40). I assume the rim is from ex C-class
2. the canopy mechanism (soft top will not fold automatically but no water leaks :-) )
3. the hard top (cracked rear screen) - (water leaks from front seals)
4. aging seat upholstery (some loosening, missing and cracking plastic moldings.
For you info. I am from BRUNEI and live in Brunei....
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 4
From: Yokohama& Tokyo, Japan
1994 AMG E60 (W124); 1997 SL600; & few others that I cannot fit in here
BK62,...great to hear that the issue has been resolved. In regards to tires,...my E60 tires have turned into "plastic" (hard rubber) with rhythmic cocking noises under slow cruise. Tires have been replaced with new Michelin and issure resolved. Definitely, the tires need to be replaced periodically, used or not. 
w/ smiles
Jimmy
w/ smiles
Jimmy
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Good that you are beyond the electrical issues! Welcome to forum.
The next prejudice I will relay is tyre issues. Jimmy has already articulated the material degeneration issue, and my additional "two cents worth" is the Benz design team in the 90's was not considering a short sidewall and extra wide road contact tread. My past follies are lamented in both world forums! The original wheel, tire setup by MB was 16" with 55 profile 225 width. While I went with the 17's I decommissioned an extra low, 40/255 wide tread because of wheel well contact and harsh ride. The 1997-8 factory spec system for 17" wheels with Cont. Extreme Contact has returned my 600 to a very comfortable ride for the Kansas weather conditions.
The next prejudice I will relay is tyre issues. Jimmy has already articulated the material degeneration issue, and my additional "two cents worth" is the Benz design team in the 90's was not considering a short sidewall and extra wide road contact tread. My past follies are lamented in both world forums! The original wheel, tire setup by MB was 16" with 55 profile 225 width. While I went with the 17's I decommissioned an extra low, 40/255 wide tread because of wheel well contact and harsh ride. The 1997-8 factory spec system for 17" wheels with Cont. Extreme Contact has returned my 600 to a very comfortable ride for the Kansas weather conditions.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 4
From: Yokohama& Tokyo, Japan
1994 AMG E60 (W124); 1997 SL600; & few others that I cannot fit in here
Further note regarding my '97 SL600 tires. Last year I changed from the Michelin (which was great tires) to the latest Goodyear tires now, recommended by my knowledagble friend and the tires seem to suit the car just fine, and with more economical price too.
w/ smiles
Jimmy
w/ smiles
Jimmy
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, Canada
93 600SL, 09 C350
Good Day ... I agree 100% with SRH ... I run 18's and they are harsh (but LOOK GREAT ). I have run 17's and the ride is much more comfortable. Your 600 will keep you busy keeping up with 20 yr old seals and rubber pieces. Mine seems to spring a new leak each summer. Just a word of caution, if the engine harness was changed, pull the electrical covers off the throttle bodies and ensure they were done too. I nearly passed out when I did that on mine. All the wires were bare!!!! One short and there goes some of the computer system. Going to be a nice sunny top down day here today ENJOY!!
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Brunei
1993 sl600; 1990 BMW750il, 1977 Mercedes Benz 250, 2004 Mitsubishi Triton 4WD turbo
Playstrings, thank you.... seems like I will have to live with it for the while now. I've just replaced the wheel and tires yesterday, now running on OEM replica 19" rims with 275/45. simillar to this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Ben...939#vi-content
For the wiring, I have them checked by the service center professionals before confirming my purchase. Thank you for the advise :-)
Today, I've fixed the leaks using rtb gasket maker, hope to last till the new weather seal strips arrived.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Ben...939#vi-content
For the wiring, I have them checked by the service center professionals before confirming my purchase. Thank you for the advise :-)
Today, I've fixed the leaks using rtb gasket maker, hope to last till the new weather seal strips arrived.
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