SL/R231: R231 - Wearable suspension parts non ABC - What are they?
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 59
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From: Los Angeles, CA
SL450
R231 - Wearable suspension parts non ABC - What are they?
Hello all,
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm wondering about the suspension in the non-ABC SL's.
My 2017 has 40k miles. This past winter, when driving in comfort mode, especially when cold the suspension on the car is so loose. And yet at the same time so hard. Every crevice or bump in the road feels like driving my wifes old vette in track mode.
The handling is just weird, the car just floats left and right - like when flinging the wheel back and forth in an old 70's cadillac.
When I switch to Sport mode, the suspension stops floating, but the ride is still harsh.
In the past I would have been able to research and learn what the systems are and the problem is. Due to a brain issue, I'm not capable of that.
I don't trust the local Merc Dealerships taking them something I don't know what it is.
With the electronic suspension - are there shocks or struts that are replaceable or need to be replaced?
If so, is it a normal kind of strut swap that a mechanic can do, or does it require some crazy Merc software system to initialize and integrate with the car?
I ask because I was blown away that when a head lamp bulb went out last year, not only do you need to replace the entrie headlamp assembly (check out the $$ for one of those $3500++) but it required a special tech to come link the headlight to the car.
Thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Dave B
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm wondering about the suspension in the non-ABC SL's.
My 2017 has 40k miles. This past winter, when driving in comfort mode, especially when cold the suspension on the car is so loose. And yet at the same time so hard. Every crevice or bump in the road feels like driving my wifes old vette in track mode.
The handling is just weird, the car just floats left and right - like when flinging the wheel back and forth in an old 70's cadillac.
When I switch to Sport mode, the suspension stops floating, but the ride is still harsh.
In the past I would have been able to research and learn what the systems are and the problem is. Due to a brain issue, I'm not capable of that.
I don't trust the local Merc Dealerships taking them something I don't know what it is.
With the electronic suspension - are there shocks or struts that are replaceable or need to be replaced?
If so, is it a normal kind of strut swap that a mechanic can do, or does it require some crazy Merc software system to initialize and integrate with the car?
I ask because I was blown away that when a head lamp bulb went out last year, not only do you need to replace the entrie headlamp assembly (check out the $$ for one of those $3500++) but it required a special tech to come link the headlight to the car.
Thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Dave B
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,546
Likes: 6,359
Hello all,
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm wondering about the suspension in the non-ABC SL's.
My 2017 has 40k miles. This past winter, when driving in comfort mode, especially when cold the suspension on the car is so loose. And yet at the same time so hard. Every crevice or bump in the road feels like driving my wifes old vette in track mode.
The handling is just weird, the car just floats left and right - like when flinging the wheel back and forth in an old 70's cadillac.
When I switch to Sport mode, the suspension stops floating, but the ride is still harsh.
In the past I would have been able to research and learn what the systems are and the problem is. Due to a brain issue, I'm not capable of that.
I don't trust the local Merc Dealerships taking them something I don't know what it is.
With the electronic suspension - are there shocks or struts that are replaceable or need to be replaced?
If so, is it a normal kind of strut swap that a mechanic can do, or does it require some crazy Merc software system to initialize and integrate with the car?
I ask because I was blown away that when a head lamp bulb went out last year, not only do you need to replace the entrie headlamp assembly (check out the $$ for one of those $3500++) but it required a special tech to come link the headlight to the car.
Thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Dave B
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm wondering about the suspension in the non-ABC SL's.
My 2017 has 40k miles. This past winter, when driving in comfort mode, especially when cold the suspension on the car is so loose. And yet at the same time so hard. Every crevice or bump in the road feels like driving my wifes old vette in track mode.
The handling is just weird, the car just floats left and right - like when flinging the wheel back and forth in an old 70's cadillac.
When I switch to Sport mode, the suspension stops floating, but the ride is still harsh.
In the past I would have been able to research and learn what the systems are and the problem is. Due to a brain issue, I'm not capable of that.
I don't trust the local Merc Dealerships taking them something I don't know what it is.
With the electronic suspension - are there shocks or struts that are replaceable or need to be replaced?
If so, is it a normal kind of strut swap that a mechanic can do, or does it require some crazy Merc software system to initialize and integrate with the car?
I ask because I was blown away that when a head lamp bulb went out last year, not only do you need to replace the entrie headlamp assembly (check out the $$ for one of those $3500++) but it required a special tech to come link the headlight to the car.
Thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Dave B
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,696
Likes: 4,587
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Hello all,
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm wondering about the suspension in the non-ABC SL's.
My 2017 has 40k miles. This past winter, when driving in comfort mode, especially when cold the suspension on the car is so loose. And yet at the same time so hard. Every crevice or bump in the road feels like driving my wifes old vette in track mode.
The handling is just weird, the car just floats left and right - like when flinging the wheel back and forth in an old 70's cadillac.
When I switch to Sport mode, the suspension stops floating, but the ride is still harsh.
In the past I would have been able to research and learn what the systems are and the problem is. Due to a brain issue, I'm not capable of that.
I don't trust the local Merc Dealerships taking them something I don't know what it is.
With the electronic suspension - are there shocks or struts that are replaceable or need to be replaced?
If so, is it a normal kind of strut swap that a mechanic can do, or does it require some crazy Merc software system to initialize and integrate with the car?
I ask because I was blown away that when a head lamp bulb went out last year, not only do you need to replace the entrie headlamp assembly (check out the $$ for one of those $3500++) but it required a special tech to come link the headlight to the car.
Thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Dave B
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm wondering about the suspension in the non-ABC SL's.
My 2017 has 40k miles. This past winter, when driving in comfort mode, especially when cold the suspension on the car is so loose. And yet at the same time so hard. Every crevice or bump in the road feels like driving my wifes old vette in track mode.
The handling is just weird, the car just floats left and right - like when flinging the wheel back and forth in an old 70's cadillac.
When I switch to Sport mode, the suspension stops floating, but the ride is still harsh.
In the past I would have been able to research and learn what the systems are and the problem is. Due to a brain issue, I'm not capable of that.
I don't trust the local Merc Dealerships taking them something I don't know what it is.
With the electronic suspension - are there shocks or struts that are replaceable or need to be replaced?
If so, is it a normal kind of strut swap that a mechanic can do, or does it require some crazy Merc software system to initialize and integrate with the car?
I ask because I was blown away that when a head lamp bulb went out last year, not only do you need to replace the entrie headlamp assembly (check out the $$ for one of those $3500++) but it required a special tech to come link the headlight to the car.
Thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Dave B
Doesn’t sound like shocks.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
To answer your question, the shocks/struts are Bilstein DampTronic B4. For stiffer suspension, you can go with B6, but I don't think that is what you want. To my knowledge, they install like any conventional strut or shock, the difference being the electrical connection. I don't think you need to program anything.
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 739
From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
Hello all,
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm wondering about the suspension in the non-ABC SL's.
My 2017 has 40k miles. This past winter, when driving in comfort mode, especially when cold the suspension on the car is so loose. And yet at the same time so hard. Every crevice or bump in the road feels like driving my wifes old vette in track mode.
The handling is just weird, the car just floats left and right - like when flinging the wheel back and forth in an old 70's cadillac.
When I switch to Sport mode, the suspension stops floating, but the ride is still harsh.
In the past I would have been able to research and learn what the systems are and the problem is. Due to a brain issue, I'm not capable of that.
I don't trust the local Merc Dealerships taking them something I don't know what it is.
With the electronic suspension - are there shocks or struts that are replaceable or need to be replaced?
If so, is it a normal kind of strut swap that a mechanic can do, or does it require some crazy Merc software system to initialize and integrate with the car?
I ask because I was blown away that when a head lamp bulb went out last year, not only do you need to replace the entrie headlamp assembly (check out the $$ for one of those $3500++) but it required a special tech to come link the headlight to the car.
Thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Dave B
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm wondering about the suspension in the non-ABC SL's.
My 2017 has 40k miles. This past winter, when driving in comfort mode, especially when cold the suspension on the car is so loose. And yet at the same time so hard. Every crevice or bump in the road feels like driving my wifes old vette in track mode.
The handling is just weird, the car just floats left and right - like when flinging the wheel back and forth in an old 70's cadillac.
When I switch to Sport mode, the suspension stops floating, but the ride is still harsh.
In the past I would have been able to research and learn what the systems are and the problem is. Due to a brain issue, I'm not capable of that.
I don't trust the local Merc Dealerships taking them something I don't know what it is.
With the electronic suspension - are there shocks or struts that are replaceable or need to be replaced?
If so, is it a normal kind of strut swap that a mechanic can do, or does it require some crazy Merc software system to initialize and integrate with the car?
I ask because I was blown away that when a head lamp bulb went out last year, not only do you need to replace the entrie headlamp assembly (check out the $$ for one of those $3500++) but it required a special tech to come link the headlight to the car.
Thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Dave B
Before we start throwing suspension parts at the issue, let talk about tires. They are in direct contact with the road and for any ride issues, we have to at least talk about tires.
What kind of pressures are you running? More importantly, how old are they? Run flats? As some run flat tires age, the rubber hardens, and the car rides exactly how you describe. Run flat sidewalls seem especially hard under aging.
Also, how are the tires wearing, Have you worn a set out yet? Alignment can increase instability under bump steer (darting left or right)
Unless the car was abused or some abnormal wear and tear or defective part, 40k is typically too low to see substantial suspension degradation, struts included) . Maybe sway bar links, if anything.
The other thing you can do is is scan the car for any electronic steering issues. I doubt it, but would be easy enough to check. (That kind of problem won't generate a check engine light.)
These cars will float a bit on the freeway, but the car should ride smoothly (not like a Vette)
Good Luck
Last edited by crconsulting; Mar 7, 2025 at 01:13 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 398
Likes: 135
SL550
I do agree with @crconsulting , make sure you rule out the more probable stuff first. I will say though, that worn out bushings in the control arms (I don't think the non-ABC cars have sway bars either) can contribute to what you are feeling. 40k miles is low for suspension components to be worn out, but my buddy's Porsche Panamera had completely shot control arm bushings and sway bar end links by 100k km/60k miles. It was pretty staggering - he ended up replacing the front UCAs, LCAs, and end links. Afterwards he realized that the rears needed work too but decided to shift the car off at that point since it was becoming incredibly troublesome.
I would have it inspected by a trusted mechanic to see if there are any component(s) that have excessive play or wear.
I would have it inspected by a trusted mechanic to see if there are any component(s) that have excessive play or wear.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 739
From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
But slightly heavier and longer wheelbase so 60k is within the realm of possibility’s. Big wheels don’t help either.
They do. One of the differences between ABC and traditional strut suspension is the ABC cars use hydraulic pressure to control sway. The traditional suspension cars use a sway bar to tune the “lean” instead of relying on a stiffer spring rate (of course this will vary).
The factory engineers did a good job tuning the R231. Like anything not computer controlled, it’s more susceptible to owner input.
Many, many ride complaints are solved by tire pressures (this is especially true with larger dia tires), tire change due to age, and tire choice. Also remember, rubber compounds age differently between tire mfger’s, and conditions the tire lives in plays a part too. Also adding another variable, tires ride differently from mfger to mfger in cold weather conditions. 😕
Key word here being “trusted”. It’s very easy to get taken advantage of without being shown (or understanding) the worn suspension components. As a non DIY owner, I would definitely look at the tire wear, tire pressures, Age, tire compounds and design. Especially on a traditional suspension car.
Last edited by crconsulting; Mar 7, 2025 at 04:41 PM.
