SL/R129 ADS Delete Advice. - MBWorld.org Forums

Nov 22, 2014 | 06:58 PM

Swagger XC

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2002 Volvo xc70

ADS Delete Advice.

Hello all,
I am inline to inherit a fairly decent 1994 sl600 from one of my fathers co-workers and I am the current caretaker. It had the usual biodegradable wiring harness fixed and now I have been set the task of fixing the wonderful ADS

. I come from the Volvo community and I thought the 4C system in the s60r/v70r was bad. I never thought I would come across something worse! The problem with the suspension is that it is riding rather rough (I'm assuming blown spheres), the switch does absolutely nothing except light up, and it leaks hydraulic fluid somewhere near the reservoir. The owner wants to just ditch the system and I don't blame her. So we are putting together a list of things in order to convert it to fixed suspension and this is what we have so far
-H&R lowering springs
-sl500 Bilsteins
-shock mounts(?)
It is also my understanding that the control arms in the 600's are shorter but we are not concerned as we are looking for a somewhat "stanced" look as it does have a pretty nice set of OZ MAE three-piece wheels on it. Any parts/advice necessary to complete this job would be greatly appreciated!

Last edited by Swagger XC; Nov 24, 2014 at 05:14 PM.

Nov 24, 2014 | 04:15 PM

SRHsl600

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Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 598

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From: Eastern Kansas

94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab

Since I have renewed my system I am not a "deleteor!" but I understand the frustration. Both the pump and spheres can wear out but the pump and adjustment for ride height are nice when working! The spheres last about 8-10 years ( time more that miles )
A leak of fluid is a major problem for the pump because it needs fluid to pump or it self destructs. But you already know that!
Good luck. Save all the parts because iin a few years, as the 600 get fewer and fewer the parts will be more in demand

Nov 24, 2014 | 05:13 PM

Swagger XC

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2002 Volvo xc70

I certainly will be saving the parts as they are getting rarer. And since the car already has 114k on it we are trying to make it as reliable as possible. Also does anyone here know if you can use sl500 shocks with sl600 springs? I've heard the spring rates are different and I'm not sure if the stock springs would be at all compatible with the shocks.

Dec 5, 2014 | 06:03 PM

Swagger XC

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2002 Volvo xc70

Ok I've done some more research and found to some more about the r129s chassis. Evidently it is just a shortened w124 chassis. How much of the suspension is shared with the w124? If enough can be swapped back and forth this could open up the options for coil overs and possibly a well set-up air ride.

Dec 5, 2014 | 06:43 PM

Euro Legends

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Joined: Feb 2014

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From: Orange County, California

1992 500SL White V12 Conversion, 2014 Honda Rebel

You can't do coil overs I've already talked with over 10 companies including Meagan h&r blistein kW ground control k sport to name a few... Many parts are the same or similar to the 190e w201 also not just w124 however the car wasn't designed to run coil overs and it couldn't support the vehicle weight in the location of the shocks....

Ground control makes a kit for 190e w201 but could not adapt it to the r129 (were unwilling) home modification might be possible but that's not my style for something like that.

I've seen pictures and read of "low rider" r129s with hydraulic setups and I know the r129 with the v12 used a type of air suspension so as far as asking if it could run air probably a custom setup would be fine yes. I talked with companies about that also and thought of doing that... Places will sell you parts but no kit is available you'll have to fab your own kit... This is your best option I think....

Dec 5, 2014 | 06:49 PM

Euro Legends

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Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 164

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From: Orange County, California

1992 500SL White V12 Conversion, 2014 Honda Rebel

Also if you go standard suspension my reading and research seems to find kW a good option... However for what I was asking about and looking into it would be 9,000$... for a regular normal r129 idk if it would make a difference to most people and most companies probably would be satisfactory... Unless you go custom your kind of stuck with off the shelf parts that are elusive to find and get. I don't think I will go air ride but I strongly recommend that route of you want a less expensive and easy option. It would be much more of a bolt on vs trial and air (with out spending ++++$$$$$

Dec 9, 2014 | 10:32 AM

lynns

Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 391

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From: So California

2000 SL500

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swagger XC

So we are putting together a list of things in order to convert it to fixed suspension and this is what we have so far
-H&R lowering springs
-sl500 Bilsteins
-shock mounts

Any parts/advice necessary to complete this job would be greatly appreciated!

I've been very happy with the above package that reduces Body Roll on our heavy 129 car and I appreciate the 1.5"-1" lower stance.
For p/n's please see
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/7635857-post1174.html

In addition, I installed a Wiechers Strut Brace that reduces Cowl Shake, etc.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/7406577-post1173.html and
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/7829913-post1182.html

In my opinion the car performs like a Sport edition should. For a picture of my car please take a look at my "2000 SL500 Silver" signature below.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Lynn

2000 SL500 Silver
2000 SL500 SOLD
1989 560SL SOLD
1988 560SL SOLD

Last edited by lynns; Dec 9, 2014 at 11:18 AM.