SL/R230: R230 ride compared to R129
07-11-2006, 06:27 AM
#1
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R230 ride compared to R129
Hi folks. I've owned/own several R129 300s and 500s and briefly owned an R230. To me, the biggest improvement I found with the R230 was the chassis -- far less cowl shake and much smoother and more comfortable ride. Really amazing.
Now, before I dump my 129s and buy another R230, I thought maybe a 129 with ADS active suspension (standard on all SL600s) might do the job. Can anyone here give me an idea on how the 600 rides compared to the other 129s and to the R230? I'm in Atlanta which has plenty of SLs, but the nearest 1996 or later 600 for sale is 100 miles away...
Thanks in advance to all who take the time to respond.
Now, before I dump my 129s and buy another R230, I thought maybe a 129 with ADS active suspension (standard on all SL600s) might do the job. Can anyone here give me an idea on how the 600 rides compared to the other 129s and to the R230? I'm in Atlanta which has plenty of SLs, but the nearest 1996 or later 600 for sale is 100 miles away...
Thanks in advance to all who take the time to respond.
07-11-2006, 08:49 AM
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'97 RENNtech E60RS
I think my R129 SL600 was too early (1994 MY) to fully answer your question, but there is no comparison between that car and my 2004 R230 SL600. The ride quality in the '04 SL600 is far superior. Same result against a 2002 SL500 that I had.
07-11-2006, 01:48 PM
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2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Originally Posted by bobterry99
Now, before I dump my 129s and buy another R230, I thought maybe a 129 with ADS active suspension (standard on all SL600s) might do the job.
After your research is done, I would be pleased to hear your verdict.
I had similar question marks...
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230/137525-buy-r230-keep-r129-hmmmmm.html
Regards/George
++
Last edited by detailas; 07-11-2006 at 01:50 PM.
07-13-2006, 06:01 PM
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
We have had several 129's ad I have driven a SL600 extensively.
The SL600 (129) is a fairly unbalanced car due to its heavy engine and makes you feel it too. A great cruiser, but the front weight is ever present.
Compared to the ABC suspension which delivers solid suspension performance even on the R230 SL600, the ADS really feels like an Airmatic suspension.
In my opinion I would stay clear of the old SL. ADS and the old V12 are also incredibly expensive to repair.
As much as I loved our old SL's, they are simply older technology and can't match the new models in any way...
Wolfman
The SL600 (129) is a fairly unbalanced car due to its heavy engine and makes you feel it too. A great cruiser, but the front weight is ever present.
Compared to the ABC suspension which delivers solid suspension performance even on the R230 SL600, the ADS really feels like an Airmatic suspension.
In my opinion I would stay clear of the old SL. ADS and the old V12 are also incredibly expensive to repair.
As much as I loved our old SL's, they are simply older technology and can't match the new models in any way...
Wolfman
07-14-2006, 04:51 AM
#5
Originally Posted by Wolfman
We have had several 129's ad I have driven a SL600 extensively.
The SL600 (129) is a fairly unbalanced car due to its heavy engine and makes you feel it too. A great cruiser, but the front weight is ever present.
Compared to the ABC suspension which delivers solid suspension performance even on the R230 SL600, the ADS really feels like an Airmatic suspension.
In my opinion I would stay clear of the old SL. ADS and the old V12 are also incredibly expensive to repair.
As much as I loved our old SL's, they are simply older technology and can't match the new models in any way...
Wolfman
The SL600 (129) is a fairly unbalanced car due to its heavy engine and makes you feel it too. A great cruiser, but the front weight is ever present.
Compared to the ABC suspension which delivers solid suspension performance even on the R230 SL600, the ADS really feels like an Airmatic suspension.
In my opinion I would stay clear of the old SL. ADS and the old V12 are also incredibly expensive to repair.
As much as I loved our old SL's, they are simply older technology and can't match the new models in any way...
Wolfman
52/48 weight dist. on a 129 500. not to bad for a V8 convo.
as for the old V12 (pre 2000) i would STAY AWAY! they are a pain if not taken care of.
Mark
