When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
There is no difference between any R231 SL's when it comes to spacers.
I used the same spacers on either model. H&R uses different spacer sets for front and rear and the rear one uses their own set of bolts due to width (20mm). I had used 10/12/15mm for the front (went wider over time)
Keep in mind when widening the stance, the car may look a bit odd when it sits too high (which many SL's on springs do). It's a visual balance...
Here is our old SL with 20mm/15mm on stock wheels (snow tires) and AMG wheels (summer performance). It is also lowered electronically a bit.
Thanks Wolfman. I’ve done a fair amount of lifting/lowering and spacing over the years and I just couldn’t believe that Mb suddenly changed studs and hub sizes in a refresh.
good advice on the proportionality of the spacing vs ride height. My non abc car isn’t overly high but I’m not looking to flat stance this, just want to push things out a bit more, maybe plus size wheels and tires to better fill the gap if it comes to that.
My driveway approach and underground parking in Seattle means lowering of any significant amount is a non starter.
The problem with lowering the SL on springs is that it will be too low for many. Our first R231 SL was on springs and I had the H&R sport springs installed. Ride quality diminished and I ended up scraping the front bumper a fair amount. Here is a pic. This is without any spacers and you can also see of how the spacers improve the stance of the SL.
Is there a euro spec AMG sport spring package on the refresh you are aware of? Again I’m not sure I really want to lower it given the challenges I already have, which why I’m leaning towards plus sizing wheels and rubber. i also agree that HR (and Eibach for that matter) are often pretty aggressive in the progressive rates and drops - creating lots of pogo as well in other applications. Been there done that. Not a fan.
Side note - I do like the 10 spoke AMG wheels. Sharp looking!
... I’m leaning towards plus sizing wheels and rubber.
That is what I have done on R231 (and R230 before): from stock 19x8.5/9.5 255/35-19 & 285/30-19 to 20x8.5/10 (wheels with offsets 20mm lower than stock or about 20mm spacers for the same offset wheels) with 245/35-20 & 285/30-20. Reduces the gap significantly.