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"The Grand Edition will also receive the sports suspension, which is lowered by 10 mm for firmer tuning and sportier driving dynamics."
[Source] <https://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-5f5bdf8020626ff4b9ebd2f42a22e092-fresh-air-for-the-luxury-roadster>
I am looking to purchase a Grand Edition, and a sports suspension would be one of the primary reasons. Interestingly, though, every press/magazine review of the Grand Edition occurred before the car was produced -- I cannot find a review anywhere that discusses the way the sports suspension drives. I also cannot any hard specifications that would verify the car has a bespoke sports suspension.
(1) Wouldn't there be a unique factory code for the sports suspension? Datacard reads code 485 "Suspension with Adaptive Damping." I verified on a normal, non-Grand Edition vehicle's datacard that the code 485 is also present.
(2) The Grand Edition package contents on the datacard list all the equipment in the package. Sports suspension is not mentioned.
(3) The factory Window Sticker also does not mention sports suspension.
See attached sample datacard and MSRP crop.
We obviously tend to take Mercedes-Benz and the press at their word -- but given the presence of a unique factory code for every variant of anything, I am puzzled here.
Thoughts?
=====
Also- Does anyone own or did anyone own a Grand Edition who can comment on the sports suspension topic in general and maybe the way it drives?
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
The 485 Code on my 2015 model identifies it as COMFORT RUNNING GEAR, which I think means the DampTronic suspension. Personally, I would look for a R231 car with ABC suspension if you want to get a sophisticated suspension. I believe that in addition to raising the car to get it unstuck from a curb, the car automatically lowers at highway speeds. At least the ABC suspension in the R230 models did.
The 485 Code on my 2015 model identifies it as COMFORT RUNNING GEAR, which I think means the DampTronic suspension. Personally, I would look for a R231 car with ABC suspension if you want to get a sophisticated suspension. I believe that in addition to raising the car to get it unstuck from a curb, the car automatically lowers at highway speeds. At least the ABC suspension in the R230 models did.
I currently own a 2017 SL63 with ABC suspension and I previously owned a custom-ordered (by me) 2019 SL450 with ABC (regrettably sold it too soon).
I also currently own a 2019 S65 with ABC, so I’m very familiar.
In this case, I’m looking for a Grand Edition specifically because I don’t want ABC for this SL purchase, I want the V6, and I want a sportier suspension setup than a standard SL450 (I’m not interested in aftermarket modifications). But I want to be sure the Grand Edition has what it’s supposed to have and it’d also be nice to review some feedback on it.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
As you already pointed out, in the datacard, there's no mention of any special suspension with the Grand Edition package -- it seems all comfort and cosmetic, and not performance oriented (unless you consider the wheels a performance enhancement). Have you contacted MB USA about that notice?
As you already pointed out, in the datacard, there's no mention of any special suspension with the Grand Edition package -- it seems all comfort and cosmetic, and not performance oriented (unless you consider the wheels a performance enhancement). Have you contacted MB USA about that notice?
Mercedes-Benz’s own press release and every car review article of about 15 online long-standing, reputable organizations say there’s a bespoke suspension for the car.
I do consider the lightweight forged wheels a performance enhancement. Those are state of the art wheels reserved usually for AMG 63 and 65 variants.
No, I didn’t contact Mercedes USA. I don’t feel like speaking to a telephone clerk who is a recent college graduate hired to tell me his or her system doesn’t show any information in connection with my inquiry. I also don’t own the car as of now so that gives me even less standing with MB USA. I believe this is the best place to find the truth about Mercedes cars when tackling an esoteric issue.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I believe all of the Grande Edition SL’s have the same, basic, non-ABC suspension as all other R231’s without ABC. “THE” major problem with so many “special” edition MB’s is the fact that they are produced before anyone knows about them and can “properly” order them. I believe that all R231 Grande Editions are identical, the choice of 450 or 550 being the one exception. Just my opinion, of course.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by 348SStb
………..I do consider the lightweight forged wheels a performance enhancement. Those are state of the art wheels reserved usually for AMG 63 and 65 variants…………….
The forged AMG wheels are simply wonderful. An SL450 with ABC, CCB and forged 19’s all around is a truly magnificent riding/driving R231. You know, you CAN do it yourself.
What exactly is a bespoke suspension? I have heard the phrase used to describe well crafted and difficult to obtain luxury items but never shock absorbers...
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by 348SStb
………….No, I didn’t contact Mercedes USA. I don’t feel like speaking to a telephone clerk who is a recent college graduate hired to tell me his or her system doesn’t show any information in connection with my inquiry……………..
Isn’t that the truth! I am SO sick of speaking to or getting email replies that are nothing more than “canned” responses, from MBUSA employees who seem to be kids with zero knowledge about much of anything. You get the idea that their only goal is to “blow off” most inquiries and just get to the next one, so they can have their coffee break.
Last edited by Streamliner; Jun 11, 2022 at 04:02 PM.
I believe this option would be on a SL550 vs 450 as the part is listed under SL550 V8 cars. I would get the VIN off a 550 Grand Edition and see if the build sheet lists the option#. I personally have never done this conversion. So can not vouch for the spring rate and ride height. Nor can verify if this ever made it to USA cars. But they are different part numbers, with sport and non-sport designation.
I would also look at the mono tube Bilstein B6’s with Damptronic. 26-237138 (front) 26-137145 (rear). These will definitely firm up the ride and reduce body roll. Of course passenger vehicle suspension for the street is always a compromise between comfort and performance….
Last edited by crconsulting; Jun 10, 2022 at 03:54 PM.
No SL in the US features the lowered sport suspension. This is a European or perhaps “rest of the world” option.
Mercedes has offered the 10mm lowered suspension elsewhere since 2012 anytime when people ordered the AMG package.
The US omitted that possibly due to DOT issues.
When looking at images you see that US SL’s are notably taller than European models (on springs).
Thanks for your response Wolfman.
A few questions for you --
(1) You sound pretty confident that no US-spec SL features the lowered suspension. Did you see the MB-USA press release (which I provided at the link above) stating the opposite in connection with the Grand Edition cars? Did Mercedes misspeak on their own press release? How are you so sure? Not being wise -- just want to know how you know these things -- I am assuming you are speaking based on some hard data. Please share source.
(2) Our friend crconsulting provided some interesting information in his post above. Any comment there?
A few questions for you --
(1) You sound pretty confident that no US-spec SL features the lowered suspension. Did you see the MB-USA press release (which I provided at the link above) stating the opposite in connection with the Grand Edition cars? Did Mercedes misspeak on their own press release? How are you so sure? Not being wise -- just want to know how you know these things -- I am assuming you are speaking based on some hard data. Please share source.
(2) Our friend crconsulting provided some interesting information in his post above. Any comment there?
The info is indeed confusing but I consider post #25 as relevant because the guys at FCPEuro are very reputable in the MB parts business. That said, things could have changed after 2017 but the US SL's are sitting as tall as ever.
In regards to ride quality, we have driven a number of SL’s with the lowered AMG suspension in Germany and they drive more or less identical to the US model IMO. We are also talking about a small 10mm drop. The HR springs dropped 30mm.
As for a MB press release being incorrect, this is standard fare. This is a marketing dept. usually just translating the German press releases.
I did a bit more checking and the Sport Suspension would indeed be option code 486 (485 comfort suspension , 487 ABC)...
Thank you.
On what model and country did you find code 486?
My research on code 486 is it’s the optional Sport suspension variant of the standard ABC suspension, which was available only on the SL63. The SL63 models offered an optional “2-Stage AMG Sports Suspension,” which was still ABC but tuned differently.
I doubt code 486 would apply to a non-ABC sports suspension variant Mercedes was talking about in their Grand Edition press release — but that’s an educated guess.
My research on code 486 is it’s the optional Sport suspension variant of the standard ABC suspension, which was available only on the SL63. The SL63 models offered an optional “2-Stage AMG Sports Suspension,” which was still ABC but tuned differently.
I doubt code 486 would apply to a non-ABC sports suspension variant Mercedes was talking about in their Grand Edition press release — but that’s an educated guess.
This does start to feel a bit repetitive. The Grand Edition SL has the same suspension option code (485) like every other SL on springs in the US. I entered a VIN for a 2020 SL550 Grand edition (WDDJK7DA5LF059174) into the VIN checker and it comes up as 485 Comfort Suspension
Code 486 is a standard sport suspension code used on many Mercedes models, starting with the A-Class, most of which have no ABC whatsoever.
I agree that it would be great if a German owner could share their FIN (not as public as the VIN's here), it would be easy to look up a car and get the options list. In lieu of that and based on info from prior posts and confirmation from FCPEuro I suspect that no sport suspension made it to the US.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Sounds to me as though some of the same option code numbers mean different things on different models. With the infinite availability of digits and numerals, you would think they could assign one alphanumeric code to each individual option as it applies to each individual model. It’s hard enough when “ABC” can mean Active Body Control on one model and Air Body Control on another. Why they stopped using the AirMatic designation in favor of Air Body Control is just beyond me.
It all reminds me of the Seinfeld episode when George asks Jerry:
George: “What is Holland?”
Jerry: “What do you mean what is it? It’s a country right next to Belgium.
This does start to feel a bit repetitive. The Grand Edition SL has the same suspension option code (485) like every other SL on springs in the US. I entered a VIN for a 2020 SL550 Grand edition (WDDJK7DA5LF059174) into the VIN checker and it comes up as 485 Comfort Suspension
Code 486 is a standard sport suspension code used on many Mercedes models, starting with the A-Class, most of which have no ABC whatsoever.
I agree that it would be great if a German owner could share their FIN (not as public as the VIN's here), it would be easy to look up a car and get the options list. In lieu of that and based on info from prior posts and confirmation from FCPEuro I suspect that no sport suspension made it to the US.
Good luck!
I appreciate your contributions but with all respect, you are guessing here. Repetitively, if I may say so. Everybody can guess, including me. These are educated guesses. What I’m looking for is something definitive. If you re-read my initial post I am aware of code 485 - I even posted the datacards with a VIN. We don’t have all the VINs for the US Grand Editions and we also don’t know how to reconcile the press materials stating the suspension change against the presence of code 485 which is (usually) comfort suspension. Yes, Mercedes press releases can be wrong, but I do not rest laurels on that phenomenon as a guaranteed principle. Like any other enterprising or cautious individual spending $100k on a car, I’m trying to uncover the truth before I buy something that could turn out to be something other than what I intended.
I appreciate your contributions but with all respect, you are guessing here. Repetitively, if I may say so. Everybody can guess, including me. These are educated guesses. What I’m looking for is something definitive. If you re-read my initial post I am aware of code 485 - I even posted the datacards with a VIN. We don’t have all the VINs for the US Grand Editions and we also don’t know how to reconcile the press materials stating the suspension change against the presence of code 485 which is (usually) comfort suspension. Yes, Mercedes press releases can be wrong, but I do not rest laurels on that phenomenon as a guaranteed principle. Like any other enterprising or cautious individual spending $100k on a car, I’m trying to uncover the truth before I buy something that could turn out to be something other than what I intended.
Well I think there are more than guesses but that is in the eye of the beholder.
I look forward to have you provide us with something definite but am actually not sure what you are even looking for.
The Grand edition is a final edition with nothing new. I provided a 550 VIN and you did a 450. Both have the standard suspension like all other non-AMG SL’s have. Same for all special edition SL’s.
What else do you need?
Cool! How would you comment on the way the car rides?
It handles well, the suspension certainly outperforms my ability. But, I prefered the ABC of my old R230, I waited for a UK R231 to come for sale with ABC, but none did.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by 348SStb
Cool! How would you comment on the way the car rides?
I'm curious what your plans are. Do you plan on importing a care with a 486 suspension or retrofitting your current car with all the parts (if you can get them)?
Have you contacted MBUSA to see if that option is even available in the US?
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