SL/R231: Lowering
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 116
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From: Michigan
Bentley Continental GTS / SL 550/SL 63/Dodge Charger/RAM Truck/2021 Genesis GV 80
I do not have a sound clip, however, I can best describe the sound as louder. (More so on acceleration). However, not really the sound I was looking for as in a more custom exhaust sound. Maybe I was seeking that throaty deep roar of the high end cars (I previously owned a Ferrari and a Lamborghini, still own a Bentley GTS) So the sound of those cars were/are different from this.
That being said, this was an inexpensive way to get "more" sound and slightly more power for a fraction of the cost.
I paid the guy to remove, custom make the pipes and install for $200.00 which was a great deal.
If I do decide to alter this current exhaust system, I will add some high end mufflers at the very rear of the vehicle (or try removing them and test the sound).
So after it's all said and done? Yes I am satisfied.
That being said, this was an inexpensive way to get "more" sound and slightly more power for a fraction of the cost.
I paid the guy to remove, custom make the pipes and install for $200.00 which was a great deal.
If I do decide to alter this current exhaust system, I will add some high end mufflers at the very rear of the vehicle (or try removing them and test the sound).
So after it's all said and done? Yes I am satisfied.
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2014 sl550
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
Full disclosure, after about 2500 miles, the springs did develop a couple of annoying pings from the front perches in comfort mode. But only when transferring from a near stop into a turn while accelerating. My installer team and I chased and chased the sound and found that the springs seem to shift in the perch under that situation, and while we could mostly eliminate the sound with lubrication, it would come back on hot days. Never happened in sport or sport plus, and never below 75 degrees outside.
Now having the SL63 with its sport tuned ABC, I would say that the lowering springs and spacers were a great option and gave the car an amazing look. But it pales in comparison to the AMG with ABC. The springs increased the firmness in every mode and flattened things nicely. But the combo does have a few cons and you need to be prepared that it MAY be a compromise you are unwilling to deal with. So choose wisely.
Last edited by PAPA PA; Nov 12, 2020 at 10:30 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Hollywood, FL
2017 SL450 2022 GLC300
I too owned modded and lowered Vettes for the past 30 years so I'm not that worried about the minor sacrifice in ride quality. I'm sure it will be more than acceptable. I love the look of your car. I have the same color and wheels. Unfortunately, mine is a 450 and finding lowering springs is proving to be difficult. I am now looking into coilovers... Wish me luck...
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Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 128
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
I too owned modded and lowered Vettes for the past 30 years so I'm not that worried about the minor sacrifice in ride quality. I'm sure it will be more than acceptable. I love the look of your car. I have the same color and wheels. Unfortunately, mine is a 450 and finding lowering springs is proving to be difficult. I am now looking into coilovers... Wish me luck...
3wdistributing.com
As for coil overs - there are only a couple of viable options, with Billstein having the only units that also integrates with adjustable dampers of the SL. And everything I’ve read on the BMW and Audi forums about the. B16 Damptronic kit is that it is ridiculously firm. Think driving a flatbed. Since the SL is a very firm platform, with stiff aluminum frame, I wasn’t sure it would make sense. FYI Those kits are in the $3500 range.
Good luck!
Last edited by PAPA PA; Nov 13, 2020 at 10:27 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 103
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From: Hollywood, FL
2017 SL450 2022 GLC300
Thank you Papa. You know your 💩 I contacted 3Wdistributing and they can get Brabus springs for a SL450. They did warn me about suspension noise and didn't recommend them. That being said, they didn't have any other suggestions either. I have a local shop looking into coilovers but at least I know that I can get the Brabus springs for a SL450. Thank you for this most valuable information
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 128
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
Thank you Papa. You know your 💩 I contacted 3Wdistributing and they can get Brabus springs for a SL450. They did warn me about suspension noise and didn't recommend them. That being said, they didn't have any other suggestions either. I have a local shop looking into coilovers but at least I know that I can get the Brabus springs for a SL450. Thank you for this most valuable information
I had some experience with the the B6 Damptronic units on my S4, and the improvement was substantial. That combo would be what I would likely build if I had to do it all over again. But knowing there are so few options, and the install coat is high, just be prepared to spend more than you want getting it “just right!”
Last edited by PAPA PA; Nov 14, 2020 at 10:16 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2020
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From: Michigan
Bentley Continental GTS / SL 550/SL 63/Dodge Charger/RAM Truck/2021 Genesis GV 80
3M Distributing did state that there may be a metal on metal knocking noise on my vehicle as well, did not happen.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Hollywood, FL
2017 SL450 2022 GLC300
Hey Papa,
I looked up the Bilstein shocks. I only see the Bilstein B6 Performance (Damptronic) shocks available for the SL450. Would you use these along with the Brabus springs? Your feedback would be most appreciated...
I looked up the Bilstein shocks. I only see the Bilstein B6 Performance (Damptronic) shocks available for the SL450. Would you use these along with the Brabus springs? Your feedback would be most appreciated...
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 128
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
the BR coil overs are new bargain basement coil overs units on the market. I haven’t read anything terribly positive on those and I would not recommend.
Good luck!
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 103
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From: Hollywood, FL
2017 SL450 2022 GLC300
OK, I appreciate your knowledge and your experience. That's why I'm picking your brain... 
So, to reiterate, You'd forget the Brabus springs, go with spacers, B6 shocks and plus 1 tires, correct? On the tires, are we talking 295/35/19 on the rears and what would be the plus 1 for the fronts?
So, to reiterate, You'd forget the Brabus springs, go with spacers, B6 shocks and plus 1 tires, correct? On the tires, are we talking 295/35/19 on the rears and what would be the plus 1 for the fronts?
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 128
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
Yup! It’s a lot of effort and money to “trial” springs.
I would suggest starting with tires and spacers, and then drive a couple of months and then revisit things.
I used to track my C5 Corvette a number of years back, and what I learned the hard way is that big changes in suspension often cause more big changes as you constantly over correct for each prior change. Make small changes and let the car settle, then make more small changes. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle (and rework and money) and end up in the same place!
Know too that there are a ton of folks on this forum with just as much or more experience than I have, and certainly much more experience with the SL. I am only one voice, and my opinions and choices may differ from others. Pick their brains, ride with others if you can, and make slow patient changes!
Feel free to PM if you have other questions!
I would suggest starting with tires and spacers, and then drive a couple of months and then revisit things.
I used to track my C5 Corvette a number of years back, and what I learned the hard way is that big changes in suspension often cause more big changes as you constantly over correct for each prior change. Make small changes and let the car settle, then make more small changes. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle (and rework and money) and end up in the same place!
Know too that there are a ton of folks on this forum with just as much or more experience than I have, and certainly much more experience with the SL. I am only one voice, and my opinions and choices may differ from others. Pick their brains, ride with others if you can, and make slow patient changes!
Feel free to PM if you have other questions!
Last edited by PAPA PA; Nov 14, 2020 at 03:16 PM.
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From: Hollywood, FL
2017 SL450 2022 GLC300
How much would the plus 1 tires fill up the wheel well gap? Currently I have about 4 fingers which is SUV like.... Also, this one is for Papa, would the Bilstein shocks drop the car at all?
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Enough not to need lowering IMHO. I run 245/35-20 front with 285/30-20 rear (both identical 26.8" diameter). In 19" diameter (assuming with OEM wheels), the equivalent is 245/40-19 front and 285/35-19 rear (yes 285, not 295). You will also need 15-20mm spacers for both front and rear because OEM offsets are too high and wheels look way too much "in". Correspondingly longer (43-50mm) 14x1.5 R14 bolts will be required. When above is done, you may not need lowering (with stock's 26"/25.8" tires, lowering is a must).
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Sorry, I do not follow the question. So I will assume: stock front 255/35-19 is 26" diameter with 3.5" sidewall, stock rear 285/30-19 is 25.8" diameter with 3.4" sidewall (stock has much larger wheel gap on rear than on front). Taller 19" tires to IMO avoid lowering - 245/40-19 is 26.75" diameter with just under 3.9" sidewall and 285/35-19 is 26.8" diameter with just over 3.9" sidewall. Front you are gaining .8" diameter which will cut front wheel gap by about 10mm, in the rear you are gaining a full 1" in diameter which will cut rear wheel gap by about 15mm. Spacers will further aid in appearance. Please note, I did not try taller tires with stock offsets. While we know that 1" taller rear is non-issue since it is on SL63/65, however I do not know if 245/40-19 will fit front with stock's 8.5" et35 wheel (it fits with room with et15 or et20).
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I recommend looking at the individual cars. When you look at a variety of R231SL's on springs you will see significant differences in the ride height between individual cars. Some seem lower in the front and overly high in the rear while others are high all the way around, yet others almost appear OK as-is.
Four finger wheel gap (3"+) can't be bridged by bumping up the tire size....
Four finger wheel gap (3"+) can't be bridged by bumping up the tire size....
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I recommend looking at the individual cars. When you look at a variety of R231SL's on springs you will see significant differences in the ride height between individual cars. Some seem lower in the front and overly high in the rear while others are high all the way around, yet others almost appear OK as-is.
Four finger wheel gap (3"+) can't be bridged by bumping up the tire size....
Four finger wheel gap (3"+) can't be bridged by bumping up the tire size....
Having said that, I've never seen SL with 3" gap. On my specific '15 SL, 1" taller than stock diameter tires did the job. The subject was discussed a number of times. I've posted pictures in a bit older thread dealing with lowering via taller tires.
