SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL65 too lazy?
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15
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'07 SL65 AMG
SL65 too lazy?
So, I'm a new owner of a 2007 SL65 AMG. The car is great but there are a few things that I'd like to change.
First off is the pedal response. The latency from when you apply your right foot to actual power kicking in is simply too laggy and I'm not talking about boost lag but rather the drive-by-wire delay. I know a similar issue in the Maserati GT is easily fixed with a module from Fomula Dynamics (difference like night & day). Does a similar device exist for the SL65, or will a reflash of the ECU do the trick?
Second is the sound which is just WAY to dampened OEM. I did the muffler delete today after reading raving reviews on here. Sure it's louder but still not to my satisfaction - not even close. One of my other cars is a 2013 Super Trofeo Stradale with Larini exhaust. If my SL65 could be equally loud I'd be perfectly happy daily driving it (I know it'll never be that loud but you get the idea). There doesn't seem to be ANY sound hindrance from turbo-back except from one cat on each downpipe. Does these cats really eat up that much sound? Is there a cat delete DP on the market?
Third is the suspension. The SL65, to me at least, feels like riding on the back of a pissed off hippo - this car is heavy and doesn't feel agile. I don't see any buttons to stiffen up suspension or drop it low. I'd like to remove the entire ABC suspension and convert to a coil over setup. Is there a comprehensive how-to guide somewhere on here? How has all of you guys managed to drop the suspension to your preferred ride height?
I am also considering painting the inside of the headlight housing black I have searched but didn't find any pictures. If someone has it please post a pic, thanks
First off is the pedal response. The latency from when you apply your right foot to actual power kicking in is simply too laggy and I'm not talking about boost lag but rather the drive-by-wire delay. I know a similar issue in the Maserati GT is easily fixed with a module from Fomula Dynamics (difference like night & day). Does a similar device exist for the SL65, or will a reflash of the ECU do the trick?
Second is the sound which is just WAY to dampened OEM. I did the muffler delete today after reading raving reviews on here. Sure it's louder but still not to my satisfaction - not even close. One of my other cars is a 2013 Super Trofeo Stradale with Larini exhaust. If my SL65 could be equally loud I'd be perfectly happy daily driving it (I know it'll never be that loud but you get the idea). There doesn't seem to be ANY sound hindrance from turbo-back except from one cat on each downpipe. Does these cats really eat up that much sound? Is there a cat delete DP on the market?
Third is the suspension. The SL65, to me at least, feels like riding on the back of a pissed off hippo - this car is heavy and doesn't feel agile. I don't see any buttons to stiffen up suspension or drop it low. I'd like to remove the entire ABC suspension and convert to a coil over setup. Is there a comprehensive how-to guide somewhere on here? How has all of you guys managed to drop the suspension to your preferred ride height?
I am also considering painting the inside of the headlight housing black I have searched but didn't find any pictures. If someone has it please post a pic, thanks
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Joined: Jul 2013
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06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
The suspension control is located where the shifter is to raise and lower as well as use comfort or sport suspension. If you remove the cats you will be surpised how much louder they get. Finally there is something to make the throttle more responsive but I forgot what that part was called.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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'07 SL65 AMG
The suspension control is located where the shifter is to raise and lower as well as use comfort or sport suspension. If you remove the cats you will be surpised how much louder they get. Finally there is something to make the throttle more responsive but I forgot what that part was called.
Removing the cats seems like a rather big operation with them located half way up the engine bay and all. Can the downpipes be unbolted from underneath the car without too much hassle?
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
sprintbooster is what you are looking for. There's one for sale right now in the classified section https://mbworld.org/forums/engine-pe...-like-new.html.
You have 2 options on the coil over, either a black series suspension (which is pretty expensive and rides like a lumber wagon) or the SL350 with either factory or bilstein or KW coil overs.
there is a guy in florida that sells the straight up factory SL350 suspension
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coil-Spring-Conversion-Kit-Mercedes-R230-SL55-AMG-2002-2008-OEM-/191278933160?_trksid=p2054897.l4275
he claims it takes 15+ hours to install. There are several threads about this.
You have 2 options on the coil over, either a black series suspension (which is pretty expensive and rides like a lumber wagon) or the SL350 with either factory or bilstein or KW coil overs.
there is a guy in florida that sells the straight up factory SL350 suspension
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coil-Spring-Conversion-Kit-Mercedes-R230-SL55-AMG-2002-2008-OEM-/191278933160?_trksid=p2054897.l4275
he claims it takes 15+ hours to install. There are several threads about this.
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06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
Yep that's what its called, I heard that fixes that laggy response your talking about, as for coil overs the ride will be rougher, and you wont get the ability to adjust ride height anymore, but with the prices of Arrnot struts, and rebuilt abc pumps and valve blocks, maintaining the suspension isn't pricey as it use to be, but its still a pain when something does go out.
I have a video clip of what exhaust will sound like with catless downpipes, and exhaust cutouts which act like a muffler delete, but the sound is a little bit different now since there's billet turbos and port/polished heads. If you pm me your cell I can text it to you so you can hear it at 3k rpm (once i get a new abc pump I'll get a wot run to 6k rpm). I might have the old video of when the car was just ecu/tcu tune with just the custom exhaust if I can find it, that will prob give you a better idea of what catless downpipes will do to the sound.
I have a video clip of what exhaust will sound like with catless downpipes, and exhaust cutouts which act like a muffler delete, but the sound is a little bit different now since there's billet turbos and port/polished heads. If you pm me your cell I can text it to you so you can hear it at 3k rpm (once i get a new abc pump I'll get a wot run to 6k rpm). I might have the old video of when the car was just ecu/tcu tune with just the custom exhaust if I can find it, that will prob give you a better idea of what catless downpipes will do to the sound.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2015
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'07 SL65 AMG
Thanks for the response guys.
The coilover conversion does seem like a huge PITA.
How did you guys drop the suspension lower than OEM? I'm sure the height adjustment button is a lift system rather than meant for lowering, meant to get over obstacles such as speed bumps or in/out of driveways. Even at the lowest setting the car is still sitting ridiculously high.
The coilover conversion does seem like a huge PITA.
How did you guys drop the suspension lower than OEM? I'm sure the height adjustment button is a lift system rather than meant for lowering, meant to get over obstacles such as speed bumps or in/out of driveways. Even at the lowest setting the car is still sitting ridiculously high.
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06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
There's 2 ways you can do this, 1 is getting lowering links($100-$300), it drops the overall suspenion by the mm you set the links by, most people set the stock low setting as the high setting on the new setup.
If you want total control you buy a lowering module, it cost alot more ($500-$1500) but you can fully control the height of the car down to the mms of each wheel on certain lowering control module
If you want total control you buy a lowering module, it cost alot more ($500-$1500) but you can fully control the height of the car down to the mms of each wheel on certain lowering control module
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'07 SL65 AMG
There's 2 ways you can do this, 1 is getting lowering links($100-$300), it drops the overall suspenion by the mm you set the links by, most people set the stock low setting as the high setting on the new setup.
If you want total control you buy a lowering module, it cost alot more ($500-$1500) but you can fully control the height of the car down to the mms of each wheel on certain lowering control module
If you want total control you buy a lowering module, it cost alot more ($500-$1500) but you can fully control the height of the car down to the mms of each wheel on certain lowering control module
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06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
Brabus, Carlsson, Kleemann, Renntech, Lorinser, um the guys who made Renntech's V2 lowering module forgot what they were called but now sell it since Renntech only sells V3 now (Renntech V3 module is 1350-1500) so you can see why the range is so big
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'07 SL65 AMG
This one is cheap compared to the Renntech: http://loweringmodule.com/index.php/...e-wremote.html
I wonder if you get what you pay for or it's as good.
I wonder if you get what you pay for or it's as good.
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06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
Yeah thats renntech's v2 model, v2 had an analog remote to control the ride height, on v3 you could control it through an app via usb cable. I heard ppl had no complaints about v2
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Joined: Jul 2013
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06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
well as you can see on v2 it only has 8 settings, on v3 you can control the ride height to the point by mms for each wheel if I remember right, plus I think maybe in V2 you had to splice the wires, I'm not sure but in V3 you swap the wires around
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Joined: Mar 2015
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'07 SL65 AMG
Gotcha. I am looking for the lowering links now. Once I've set the perfect height on my new wheels I don't have a need to adjust it anymore especially when I can still lift the front and rear on the OEM button. I guess the links will be enough for my need.
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: U.K.
sl600
I have been through most of this already.
The sprint booster is good the green middle setting works well.
I used lowering links and have no problems and the ride is still good and gives you the ability to still raise the car for bumps and steep driveways.
The suspension is much more difficult the sl350 kit is not a direct fit on the sl65, this is the same as the sl65 black suspention which will also require mods to other suspention components.
I used the Kleemann catless 3" downpipes with resonator delete and 200cell high flow cats which give a much better sound. However I am also fitting an electronic bypass valve so the exhaust will be a straight through when wanted.
Hope some of this helps
The sprint booster is good the green middle setting works well.
I used lowering links and have no problems and the ride is still good and gives you the ability to still raise the car for bumps and steep driveways.
The suspension is much more difficult the sl350 kit is not a direct fit on the sl65, this is the same as the sl65 black suspention which will also require mods to other suspention components.
I used the Kleemann catless 3" downpipes with resonator delete and 200cell high flow cats which give a much better sound. However I am also fitting an electronic bypass valve so the exhaust will be a straight through when wanted.
Hope some of this helps
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 166
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From: Sunny So Cal
Sl65, SL600 RENNtech, Verde Ithaca LP640, 3 highly modified Panteras, Maserati Biturbo, 300D turtle
I never heard of that sprint booster, but sounds interesting. But I know for me anyway, I have much better throttle response with my SL600 RENNtech ECU car than my non RENNtech SL65. I plan to do the ECU and pump on the SL65 soon, but Murci set me back for the moment. Then I will have a feel for before & after with those two simple upgrades.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Birmingham AL
04 SL600
What were your fit/finish impressions of Kleemanns downpipes? Iv been thinking about going this route and fitting a 65 muffler/bumper
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
So, I'm a new owner of a 2007 SL65 AMG. The car is great but there are a few things that I'd like to change.
First off is the pedal response. The latency from when you apply your right foot to actual power kicking in is simply too laggy and I'm not talking about boost lag but rather the drive-by-wire delay. I know a similar issue in the Maserati GT is easily fixed with a module from Fomula Dynamics (difference like night & day). Does a similar device exist for the SL65, or will a reflash of the ECU do the trick?
Second is the sound which is just WAY to dampened OEM. I did the muffler delete today after reading raving reviews on here. Sure it's louder but still not to my satisfaction - not even close. One of my other cars is a 2013 Super Trofeo Stradale with Larini exhaust. If my SL65 could be equally loud I'd be perfectly happy daily driving it (I know it'll never be that loud but you get the idea). There doesn't seem to be ANY sound hindrance from turbo-back except from one cat on each downpipe. Does these cats really eat up that much sound? Is there a cat delete DP on the market?
Third is the suspension. The SL65, to me at least, feels like riding on the back of a pissed off hippo - this car is heavy and doesn't feel agile. I don't see any buttons to stiffen up suspension or drop it low. I'd like to remove the entire ABC suspension and convert to a coil over setup. Is there a comprehensive how-to guide somewhere on here? How has all of you guys managed to drop the suspension to your preferred ride height?
I am also considering painting the inside of the headlight housing black I have searched but didn't find any pictures. If someone has it please post a pic, thanks
First off is the pedal response. The latency from when you apply your right foot to actual power kicking in is simply too laggy and I'm not talking about boost lag but rather the drive-by-wire delay. I know a similar issue in the Maserati GT is easily fixed with a module from Fomula Dynamics (difference like night & day). Does a similar device exist for the SL65, or will a reflash of the ECU do the trick?
Second is the sound which is just WAY to dampened OEM. I did the muffler delete today after reading raving reviews on here. Sure it's louder but still not to my satisfaction - not even close. One of my other cars is a 2013 Super Trofeo Stradale with Larini exhaust. If my SL65 could be equally loud I'd be perfectly happy daily driving it (I know it'll never be that loud but you get the idea). There doesn't seem to be ANY sound hindrance from turbo-back except from one cat on each downpipe. Does these cats really eat up that much sound? Is there a cat delete DP on the market?
Third is the suspension. The SL65, to me at least, feels like riding on the back of a pissed off hippo - this car is heavy and doesn't feel agile. I don't see any buttons to stiffen up suspension or drop it low. I'd like to remove the entire ABC suspension and convert to a coil over setup. Is there a comprehensive how-to guide somewhere on here? How has all of you guys managed to drop the suspension to your preferred ride height?
I am also considering painting the inside of the headlight housing black I have searched but didn't find any pictures. If someone has it please post a pic, thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
04 SL600
