SL/R129: **Wiechers R129 Strut Brace**
#26
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Location: So California
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2000 SL500
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.
#29
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2000 SL500
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.
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taurus5971 (11-09-2017)
#30
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
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wiechers-st...QAAOSw-xVaA7uQ
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Ahmed (03-14-2020)
#33
Junior Member
#34
Anybody put Weichers 291010into a 2002 sl500?
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. ??
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. ??
#35
Anybody put Weichers strut bar 291010 into a 2002 sl500?
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 !
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 !
Last edited by Venustus1; 01-02-2021 at 07:44 AM. Reason: edit typo
#36
Junior Member
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.
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 !
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 !
#37
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. 👍👍👌
But this strut brace seems like something that couldn't hurt and it does look pretty damn cool. 👍👍👌
#38
Junior Member
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. 👍👍👌
But this strut brace seems like something that couldn't hurt and it does look pretty damn cool. 👍👍👌
r107 sl500 2001 with strut brace
#40
Super Member
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.
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.
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FATHERTIME (01-09-2021)
#41
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.
#43
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.
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.
#44
Member
Last edited by sushipaste; 08-13-2021 at 06:20 PM.
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FATHERTIME (08-15-2021)
#46
Junior Member
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!
#47
Super Member
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.
Having said that, the bar does indeed help.
The following 2 users liked this post by mahunt:
Ahmed (08-16-2021),
FATHERTIME (08-15-2021)
#48
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.
#50
Junior Member
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.
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.