SL/R230: Attention all Sport owners, is this your car too?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
2003 SL500 Sport
Attention all Sport owners, is this your car too?
Morning All!
Does your "Sport" ride as rough as mine?? I have a 2003 Sport, with Perilli Z's of the correct size (255/40 on the front, 285/35's on the back) Over even pavement, the ride is flawless... but boy, over uneven pavement the car really bucks... and on a real tough spot, the car's rear wheels will actually land back on the ground and send me in a slightly different direction requiring a small but quick correction. Be honest... does yours do that too?
Just got it back from the dealer, and they say it's all working correctly. Pushing the ABC sport button to the off position (the red light illuminates) helps the ride quality by about 10%. Does anyone know if they can "de" tune that unforgiving suspension? The ride quality reminds me of late 80's Porsche's... a suprisingly jolting ride! Has Mercedes decided that that's how a "sports car" should ride? Your candid feedback and any suggestions to alleviate this is apprecaited.... because I love the look... but I may have to get rid of this car if I can't enjoy the drive! Maybe new tires with more profile? What do you all think? Thanks.
Does your "Sport" ride as rough as mine?? I have a 2003 Sport, with Perilli Z's of the correct size (255/40 on the front, 285/35's on the back) Over even pavement, the ride is flawless... but boy, over uneven pavement the car really bucks... and on a real tough spot, the car's rear wheels will actually land back on the ground and send me in a slightly different direction requiring a small but quick correction. Be honest... does yours do that too?
Just got it back from the dealer, and they say it's all working correctly. Pushing the ABC sport button to the off position (the red light illuminates) helps the ride quality by about 10%. Does anyone know if they can "de" tune that unforgiving suspension? The ride quality reminds me of late 80's Porsche's... a suprisingly jolting ride! Has Mercedes decided that that's how a "sports car" should ride? Your candid feedback and any suggestions to alleviate this is apprecaited.... because I love the look... but I may have to get rid of this car if I can't enjoy the drive! Maybe new tires with more profile? What do you all think? Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 250
Likes: 4
From: Orange County, CA
2003 SL500, 74 Harley FL, 08 Yukon Denali
i have an 03 sport and it isn't as bad as you describe...
but on mine, when the Sport Mode is active the light is illuminated, otherwise it's off. and when it's off i would say it was about a 10-20% difference in ride. Definitely noticeable.
i have 30 series in the rear and 35 in the front on 20s... what is your tire pressure? i would assume that 5-7 pounds either way could make quite a difference.
my car is lowered and of course when i raise it to the first level (per the adjustment on the console) it is a huge difference. i will sometimes raise it on a bumpy freeway.
but on mine, when the Sport Mode is active the light is illuminated, otherwise it's off. and when it's off i would say it was about a 10-20% difference in ride. Definitely noticeable.
i have 30 series in the rear and 35 in the front on 20s... what is your tire pressure? i would assume that 5-7 pounds either way could make quite a difference.
my car is lowered and of course when i raise it to the first level (per the adjustment on the console) it is a huge difference. i will sometimes raise it on a bumpy freeway.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
2003 SL500 Sport
Considering every option
I'm going to consider getting Michelins... but I don't want tp spend $1200 bucks if it doesn't help and i have to get rid of the car.
Mikeblah, thanks for your response! I haven't found a difference in the ride quality by adjusting the height, but I'll keep paying attention to it. I did reduce the the air pressure to 30 in the front (32 is recommended) and 31 in the back (33 I think is the recommended) ...no real difference there either. I'm gonna check out the manual about the light.... dealer said the opposite was true.
In another post a few years back, someone mentioned the suspension on the sport is in no way different than the standard model, they said it was all wheels and cosmetic body panels.... Be curious to know if anyone can confirm or deny that fact.
Mikeblah, thanks for your response! I haven't found a difference in the ride quality by adjusting the height, but I'll keep paying attention to it. I did reduce the the air pressure to 30 in the front (32 is recommended) and 31 in the back (33 I think is the recommended) ...no real difference there either. I'm gonna check out the manual about the light.... dealer said the opposite was true.
In another post a few years back, someone mentioned the suspension on the sport is in no way different than the standard model, they said it was all wheels and cosmetic body panels.... Be curious to know if anyone can confirm or deny that fact.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
I'm going to consider getting Michelins... but I don't want tp spend $1200 bucks if it doesn't help and i have to get rid of the car.
Mikeblah, thanks for your response! I haven't found a difference in the ride quality by adjusting the height, but I'll keep paying attention to it. I did reduce the the air pressure to 30 in the front (32 is recommended) and 31 in the back (33 I think is the recommended) ...no real difference there either. I'm gonna check out the manual about the light.... dealer said the opposite was true.
In another post a few years back, someone mentioned the suspension on the sport is in no way different than the standard model, they said it was all wheels and cosmetic body panels.... Be curious to know if anyone can confirm or deny that fact.
Mikeblah, thanks for your response! I haven't found a difference in the ride quality by adjusting the height, but I'll keep paying attention to it. I did reduce the the air pressure to 30 in the front (32 is recommended) and 31 in the back (33 I think is the recommended) ...no real difference there either. I'm gonna check out the manual about the light.... dealer said the opposite was true.
In another post a few years back, someone mentioned the suspension on the sport is in no way different than the standard model, they said it was all wheels and cosmetic body panels.... Be curious to know if anyone can confirm or deny that fact.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 452
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2006 CLK350
I've never driven a SL before so I can't exactly relate, but my 06 CLK350's ride comfort is horrible. Just like your's, even payment it great. But on rocky roads, you feel each and every little bump. I think their suspension is designed for "performance". I dont go to the track, so I rather have a smoother ride.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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2003 SL500
I doubt you'll like the Michelins I hate mine
Don't get Michelins... you won't like them. read my post in the tire and wheel forum.
I am about to get rid of a set of Michelin Pilots that have 7/32" tread on them, they are so noisy and rough I can't stand it. It's like having 4 snow tire with studs on the car, they are hideous imho.
J T
PS: Get some Bridgestones and if that doesn't help then ditch the car, consider it money well spent and far cheaper than another ride!
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
2003 SL500 Sport
It"s Gone!
I was forced to get rid of my SL!
It was so beautiful to look at, had every option I could want, and the sport package really kicked it up a notch in terms of style... but I couldn't take the ride anymore.
I got the CL500 Sport.... The very definition of a magic carpet ride! I've had it for three days now, and I have to say, compared to the SL, the CL has an opulent cabin fit for royalty! Wood for days...
I know I'll miss my R230 SL Sport on sunny days... but as it drives by, I'll have to keep reminding myself that I nearly lost a filling driving over a pebble in that torture chamber.... albeit a good looking torture chamber with Keyless Go and a Pano Roof!
It was so beautiful to look at, had every option I could want, and the sport package really kicked it up a notch in terms of style... but I couldn't take the ride anymore.
I got the CL500 Sport.... The very definition of a magic carpet ride! I've had it for three days now, and I have to say, compared to the SL, the CL has an opulent cabin fit for royalty! Wood for days...
I know I'll miss my R230 SL Sport on sunny days... but as it drives by, I'll have to keep reminding myself that I nearly lost a filling driving over a pebble in that torture chamber.... albeit a good looking torture chamber with Keyless Go and a Pano Roof!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
I was forced to get rid of my SL!
It was so beautiful to look at, had every option I could want, and the sport package really kicked it up a notch in terms of style... but I couldn't take the ride anymore.
I got the CL500 Sport.... The very definition of a magic carpet ride! I've had it for three days now, and I have to say, compared to the SL, the CL has an opulent cabin fit for royalty! Wood for days...
I know I'll miss my R230 SL Sport on sunny days... but as it drives by, I'll have to keep reminding myself that I nearly lost a filling driving over a pebble in that torture chamber.... albeit a good looking torture chamber with Keyless Go and a Pano Roof!
It was so beautiful to look at, had every option I could want, and the sport package really kicked it up a notch in terms of style... but I couldn't take the ride anymore.
I got the CL500 Sport.... The very definition of a magic carpet ride! I've had it for three days now, and I have to say, compared to the SL, the CL has an opulent cabin fit for royalty! Wood for days...
I know I'll miss my R230 SL Sport on sunny days... but as it drives by, I'll have to keep reminding myself that I nearly lost a filling driving over a pebble in that torture chamber.... albeit a good looking torture chamber with Keyless Go and a Pano Roof!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 30
From: Texas
M6 Gran Coupe
Didn't you test drive the car before you bought it? A normal good SL suspension is nowhere near what you experienced, it was the car you bought that was like that it appears.
I had a CL....worst car reliability-wise ever. I hope you have a warranty.
I had a CL....worst car reliability-wise ever. I hope you have a warranty.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
SL55AMG, ML420CDI, E320TCDI
I am about to get rid of a set of Michelin Pilots that have 7/32" tread on them, they are so noisy and rough I can't stand it. It's like having 4 snow tire with studs on the car, they are hideous imho.
J T
PS: Get some Bridgestones and if that doesn't help then ditch the car, consider it money well spent and far cheaper than another ride!
Can only agree, Michelins are crap tyres.
I drive Conti Sport Contact 3, and although my car is an AMG with even tuffer suspension, and is lowered, and 20" rims, i have a smoth ride.
Can only recomend them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Mine rides on AMG 19's. I think the ride is OK........but I am a bit of a loon!
Our cars actually handle very well......
Our cars actually handle very well......
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 10
I have put 20" Lorisner w/ Kumhun tires, 30 in the rear, and 35 in the front. hurt the ride quality much, the wheels are the type that are like the SLR design in chrome, I forget the model #. I can't beleive how it improved the looks of the car, not ever do I take it out without someone comenting on the looks, even real old people driving Toyotas. The car rode great before the switch, but is not too bad after, still smooth as a cloud on good roads,
pretty poor on bad ones. I would post photos, but I get a msg that the photos need to be reduced, can anbyone tell me how to reduce the size of photos?
pretty poor on bad ones. I would post photos, but I get a msg that the photos need to be reduced, can anbyone tell me how to reduce the size of photos?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
2003 SL500 Sport
Picture Resizing
I have put 20" Lorisner w/ Kumhun tires, 30 in the rear, and 35 in the front. hurt the ride quality much, the wheels are the type that are like the SLR design in chrome, I forget the model #. I can't beleive how it improved the looks of the car, not ever do I take it out without someone comenting on the looks, even real old people driving Toyotas. The car rode great before the switch, but is not too bad after, still smooth as a cloud on good roads,
pretty poor on bad ones. I would post photos, but I get a msg that the photos need to be reduced, can anbyone tell me how to reduce the size of photos?
pretty poor on bad ones. I would post photos, but I get a msg that the photos need to be reduced, can anbyone tell me how to reduce the size of photos?
http://www.pcworld.com/printable/art...printable.html
I personally use the microsoft power toys mentioned... super easy, just right click, hit resize and done. It adds the resized pic next to the original.
Once you figure it out... pleae don't forget to post some pics so we can see those wheels!
Last edited by SL in ATL; Nov 19, 2007 at 10:54 AM. Reason: spelling
