SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: LOWERING LINKS ?

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Old 04-06-2009, 10:30 AM
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R230
Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
After installed do you raise the vehicle all the way than lower it again ?
Yes, a few cycles, each time.

I have literally worked on it a few hours.

I emailed AAR, and John basically did not know, but said it must be something simple............that being said, nothing has been done to remedy. I have removed them numerouse times, reinstalled........but the driver rear is just not changing with any adjustment to the links. It goes up and down to the 3 levels, but I cannot get these levels to adjust........sigh
Old 04-06-2009, 10:46 AM
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Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
Nop leave the car the way it is , and after links are installed raise the car to highest setting to reset the system , give about 10 sec and lower the car . to lower your car about 1" all around links should be 3mm longer in front and shorter in back . That gave me more or less 1" drop
Are you sure on that? Because, once John replied to me that during install it has to be raised...

Hm.. So how I understand, when I'll get links. I should adjust it to the same size like originals, then plug it in. In front make it 3mm longer, and in back 3 mm shorter for 1" inch drop?
Old 04-06-2009, 10:55 AM
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R230
Originally Posted by Artyi
Are you sure on that? Because, once John replied to me that during install it has to be raised...

Hm.. So how I understand, when I'll get links. I should adjust it to the same size like originals, then plug it in. In front make it 3mm longer, and in back 3 mm shorter for 1" inch drop?
In theory, ...but it didn't work out that way for me.....
Old 04-06-2009, 10:57 AM
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Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Originally Posted by rcoppens
In theory, ...but it didn't work out that way for me.....
Is there any instruction inside how to manage those links?
Old 04-06-2009, 11:11 AM
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R230
Yes, there are written instructions included. Removing the old links is a little tricky, and I suggest using a large flat screwdriver to help twist the seat off the ball.
Old 04-06-2009, 12:48 PM
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
Originally Posted by rcoppens
Yes, a few cycles, each time.

I have literally worked on it a few hours.

I emailed AAR, and John basically did not know, but said it must be something simple............that being said, nothing has been done to remedy. I have removed them numerouse times, reinstalled........but the driver rear is just not changing with any adjustment to the links. It goes up and down to the 3 levels, but I cannot get these levels to adjust........sigh
So what happens if you reinstall the stock links ?
Old 04-06-2009, 12:50 PM
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
Originally Posted by Artyi
Are you sure on that? Because, once John replied to me that during install it has to be raised...

Hm.. So how I understand, when I'll get links. I should adjust it to the same size like originals, then plug it in. In front make it 3mm longer, and in back 3 mm shorter for 1" inch drop?
Yes sir did it twice on my car and my cousin 's and everything worked out fine , because when you raise the car after the install it reads the new setting .
Old 04-06-2009, 12:56 PM
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R230
Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
So what happens if you reinstall the stock links ?
Not sure, as reinstalling the stock links is an absolute PITA. VERY difficult to get on and I simply did not have the time yesterday. I will have to remove the nut on the lower arm ball, remove it, attach to the stock link, bolt it back on then use pliers to squeeze the top on.....
Old 04-06-2009, 12:59 PM
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
Originally Posted by rcoppens
Not sure, as reinstalling the stock links is an absolute PITA. VERY difficult to get on and I simply did not have the time yesterday. I will have to remove the nut on the lower arm ball, remove it, attach to the stock link, bolt it back on then use pliers to squeeze the top on.....
I only use pliers to pop it off , are u removing the rear tire ? should be easier with the tire removed . took me less then 15 minutes to do my cousin's car as i know what am doing now .
Old 04-06-2009, 01:06 PM
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R230
Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
I only use pliers to pop it off , are u removing the rear tire ? should be easier with the tire removed . took me less then 15 minutes to do my cousin's car as i know what am doing now .
Yes, the AAR links are very easy, with or without rear wheel on........the stock links take easily 3X the force to get them on, and I simply couldn't while reaching around the disc brake....couldn't get enough force........
Old 04-06-2009, 01:54 PM
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Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Did you raise your car or just made a change of those links, car standing on ground? Or raised car by each side separately?
Old 04-06-2009, 02:42 PM
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
i Did it each side separately and had to remove my rear wheels .
Old 04-06-2009, 03:01 PM
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Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
i Did it each side separately and had to remove my rear wheels .
I see... Ok I need now just to get my links and then I'll tell how it was, I hope it will be fine.

BTW, few hours ago removed my mufflers - real monster now
Old 04-06-2009, 05:00 PM
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R230
Max, your one comment intrigues me. Unfortunately my jack will not fit (will have to get on boards first) while the car is at the lowest level. I installed all at the highest level. How would this actually make a difference?
Old 04-06-2009, 07:08 PM
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
All i said was to install all links , and after all links are in place star the car and raise it to the highest level wait 5 sec than lower the car and you are done .
Old 04-07-2009, 07:05 AM
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Well, worked on it again for a few hours last night......still no dice with the rears........this is ridiculous......rears do not move....

Even tried the links upside down, did both at same time then raised and dropped, did both individually....etc......

I am getting irritated. I have swapped springs and coils, rebuilt at least a dozen motors from crank up, etc.....so am quite comfortable around an auto.......but this is driving me a little crazy.....
Old 04-08-2009, 08:25 PM
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Took some basic advice from John. Just pulled all of the links, caliper verified them back to oem length, installed all, then started up car and backed out into my driveway........guess what......the car is back to normal height!

I think I had a couple of issues.

1) I changed each wheel, then started car and measure height..........a no-no.
2) My garage was less than adequate in terms of level (it is sloped for melting snow run off).
3) I measured what I thought the links should be before mounting.....I should have installed them at oem height, and adjusted while on the car.
4) I didn't have a drink to relax before I started....

Now that I think I understand how the car thinks, I will sequentially drop tomorrow.........whew........
Old 04-08-2009, 08:43 PM
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
So the surface has to be well leveled ? when i did mine it wasn't , and it turned out just fine
Old 04-08-2009, 11:24 PM
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03 SL500
Originally Posted by rcoppens
Took some basic advice from John. Just pulled all of the links, caliper verified them back to oem length, installed all, then started up car and backed out into my driveway........guess what......the car is back to normal height!

I think I had a couple of issues.

1) I changed each wheel, then started car and measure height..........a no-no.
2) My garage was less than adequate in terms of level (it is sloped for melting snow run off).
3) I measured what I thought the links should be before mounting.....I should have installed them at oem height, and adjusted while on the car.
4) I didn't have a drink to relax before I started....

Now that I think I understand how the car thinks, I will sequentially drop tomorrow.........whew........
Glad to hear it all worked out. I'm on the fence as whether or not to get these. You're pushing me over.
Old 04-09-2009, 12:01 AM
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
Originally Posted by biophase
Glad to hear it all worked out. I'm on the fence as whether or not to get these. You're pushing me over.
These links are D best way to lower your SL , rcoppens had a little problem with his install , but at the end it turns out just fine and I wouldn't hesitate on buying them again .

Last edited by m4xm1l10n; 04-09-2009 at 12:08 AM.
Old 04-09-2009, 02:49 AM
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Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Originally Posted by rcoppens
Took some basic advice from John. Just pulled all of the links, caliper verified them back to oem length, installed all, then started up car and backed out into my driveway........guess what......the car is back to normal height!

I think I had a couple of issues.

1) I changed each wheel, then started car and measure height..........a no-no.
2) My garage was less than adequate in terms of level (it is sloped for melting snow run off).
3) I measured what I thought the links should be before mounting.....I should have installed them at oem height, and adjusted while on the car.
4) I didn't have a drink to relax before I started....

Now that I think I understand how the car thinks, I will sequentially drop tomorrow.........whew........
Happy for you to get all done.
I'm still waiting for my links, the delivery is being late, I hope it will reach me... Dieing to install it at last...
Old 04-12-2009, 03:40 PM
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SLK55AMG, SL600
Nice to here putting in my order next week!
Old 04-13-2009, 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by OUTCAST
Nice to here putting in my order next week!
Be sure to post pics .
Old 04-15-2009, 12:46 PM
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AMG
Just ordered mines and for a friend with overnight shipping... I've been wanting to do a photoshoot with my car.. and couldn't do it without a drop!
Old 04-15-2009, 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by sikhkd
Just ordered mines and for a friend with overnight shipping... I've been wanting to do a photoshoot with my car.. and couldn't do it without a drop!
yo sikhkd did your ABC warning ever go away? Whatever happened with that from another post u out a while back...


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