SL/R231: Ride Comfort
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From: Tampa Bay Area
BMW M2 Competition
Ride Comfort
Really like the ride comfort in the S63 coupe even in sport. How does the SL compare in comfort? Haven't driven one yet but a compliant ride is a priority for me.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
The Sport setting probably a bit stiffer or the SL, same for Sport Plus.
ABC is very compliant but sport plus maybe a bit too harsh.
A regular SL on springs is very compliant in all settings and one with ABC will be softer than the AMG version
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
I've had my SL for about 4 weeks now and can't get over how well it rides. Feels like a much bigger car than it is yet still agile enough to be fun. We also have a BMW 435ix coupe and a 535xi and have to say that the SL rides better than either of them.
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Junior Member
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From: Tampa Bay Area
BMW M2 Competition
^^^^ that's good to hear. I have a 335i and my wife has a 428 so I know how they feel. An SL sounds like want I'm looking for. Tired of having to avoid every manhole cover and dip in the road.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Just curious: Does your SL have ABC?
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From: Central Texas
2022 AMG SL63
I went from a 335i convertible to the SL. The ride is without ABC is a little stiffer than the BMW, but it is comfortable. I originally went to buy a 911 S, but the ride there seemed too harsh to me, thus the SL.
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
No ABC. Wish it did but I got tired of waiting to find one with it. Very, very few have the option. My take is that the $4k up charge turned off a lot of buyers and the bad reputation of the repair costs on the '03-'08s didn't help.
My next one will definitely have ABC, primarily to gain the ability to lower the car without sacrificing ride quality. Only option for non ABC cars are to change the springs which are known to stiffen the ride.
My next one will definitely have ABC, primarily to gain the ability to lower the car without sacrificing ride quality. Only option for non ABC cars are to change the springs which are known to stiffen the ride.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Wolf, I took the run flat tires off my recently purchased 2013 SL550 with 18" wheels and replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ conventionals. Ride is improved, but still not as compliant as my 2004 SL500 with ABC. My old car seemed to "soak up" the bumps in the road, while this 2013 without ABC still tends to let you feel them. Is it your feeling that this is entirely the lack of ABC?
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Wolf, I took the run flat tires off my recently purchased 2013 SL550 with 18" wheels and replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ conventionals. Ride is improved, but still not as compliant as my 2004 SL500 with ABC. My old car seemed to "soak up" the bumps in the road, while this 2013 without ABC still tends to let you feel them. Is it your feeling that this is entirely the lack of ABC?
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Wolf, I took the run flat tires off my recently purchased 2013 SL550 with 18" wheels and replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ conventionals. Ride is improved, but still not as compliant as my 2004 SL500 with ABC. My old car seemed to "soak up" the bumps in the road, while this 2013 without ABC still tends to let you feel them. Is it your feeling that this is entirely the lack of ABC?
Drive it a little bit. The car packs quite a bit more power than the old 500 and you easily feel the lack of a limited slip differential... with springs the car is not as composed.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I think so. Even though I like it a bit firmer, the difference on the car with/without ABC was significant. I suppose I also felt the springs a bit; something that just isn't noticeable with ABC. The car just does it's thing.
Drive it a little bit. The car packs quite a bit more power than the old 500 and you easily feel the lack of a limited slip differential... with springs the car is not as composed.
Drive it a little bit. The car packs quite a bit more power than the old 500 and you easily feel the lack of a limited slip differential... with springs the car is not as composed.
