SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: R230 Adjustable Coilover Kit : It's Finally Happening!
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA, USA
2003 SL500
For your CEIKA Coilover Kit, what Part Number did you use, and what are the Front & Rear spring rates?
Did you add other options such as Helper Springs, Custom Spring Rates, or Front and Rear Top Plates?
Thank you.
Did you add other options such as Helper Springs, Custom Spring Rates, or Front and Rear Top Plates?
Thank you.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 333
Likes: 25
From: Miami, FL
R230
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2003 sl500 Designo
Kits are assembled per order, they recommend a 2-week lead time before shipping out. Currently they have enough parts on hand to build around 40 kits I believe.
Edit (addition): VVK is having a STAR programmer come to attempt the erase of the ABC code on my car. If it is shown possible (as people have said) they will release the info on how to tell your local Mercedes tech to perform this task. If it is shown not possible, they will at no additional charge include a light fix module that wires in near your ECU. Keep noted that the light, whether on or off, does not affect your car in any way and it is purely aesthetic.
It's definitely a costly situation when your ABC goes and there were no real solutions that gave you a better alternative until now.
ABC unfortunately does not give you a real choice between sporty and comfort ride, no real height adjustability, it's heavy, and it will continue to break over and over. The feel of these coilovers in comparison to when my ABC was working properly, is just night and day. I can make the ride more comfortable (softer), or more sporty (stiffer), in seconds at the twist of a knob.
Edit (addition): VVK is having a STAR programmer come to attempt the erase of the ABC code on my car. If it is shown possible (as people have said) they will release the info on how to tell your local Mercedes tech to perform this task. If it is shown not possible, they will at no additional charge include a light fix module that wires in near your ECU. Keep noted that the light, whether on or off, does not affect your car in any way and it is purely aesthetic.
It's definitely a costly situation when your ABC goes and there were no real solutions that gave you a better alternative until now.
ABC unfortunately does not give you a real choice between sporty and comfort ride, no real height adjustability, it's heavy, and it will continue to break over and over. The feel of these coilovers in comparison to when my ABC was working properly, is just night and day. I can make the ride more comfortable (softer), or more sporty (stiffer), in seconds at the twist of a knob.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 333
Likes: 25
From: Miami, FL
R230
I know it's September 2019 but how do you dial the shocks in..I bought a 2003 sl500 intro edition it has 5000 mile vvk coilovers and is set low and rides stiff and hard..I have no spanners or cap or whatever it is for top of nuts..what to do please...all help appreciate d since I can find nothing on the web about adjustment.. thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
From: Texas
SL600
An end of an era.......
I've followed this thread for almost 4 years now...…..I was the first in my knowledge to replace the ABC on a V-12 using the RMS coil over kit. I have documented my experience quite fully so I think and don't see a need to rehash again.
With so many amazing cars coming out I think its time for me to move on. I'm putting my 2004 SL600 up for sale. The car has been a blessing and a curse. More power than I can handle but coming from the Lexus/Toyota world the lack of reliability has not been pleasant. I'll put an ad with pics up in the classifieds but here are some specifics about the car.
-Coil over conversion
- Eurocharged ECU and Trans tune
- New coil packs
- New AC compressor
- New radiator and reservoir
- New fuel tank and fuel pump
- New motor and transmission mounts
- 91,XXX miles
- Black on grey alcatara leather
The car was hit in the rear several years ago and now has a salvage title. Frame is straight.
All reasonable offers will be entertained. I have more into the car than I care to admit. The coilover conversion was over $6K just for starters.
PM me if there is any interest.
With so many amazing cars coming out I think its time for me to move on. I'm putting my 2004 SL600 up for sale. The car has been a blessing and a curse. More power than I can handle but coming from the Lexus/Toyota world the lack of reliability has not been pleasant. I'll put an ad with pics up in the classifieds but here are some specifics about the car.
-Coil over conversion
- Eurocharged ECU and Trans tune
- New coil packs
- New AC compressor
- New radiator and reservoir
- New fuel tank and fuel pump
- New motor and transmission mounts
- 91,XXX miles
- Black on grey alcatara leather
The car was hit in the rear several years ago and now has a salvage title. Frame is straight.
All reasonable offers will be entertained. I have more into the car than I care to admit. The coilover conversion was over $6K just for starters.
PM me if there is any interest.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2003 sl500 Designo
I know this is an old thread but...I bought my 2003 sl500 Designo with full VVK coilovers..on top it has nuts with a place for Allen head wrench..where do I start adjustment..do I turn all the way one way and count turn or what? Sorry I can't find any PDF instructions for the adjustment..any help appreciated.. thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 333
Likes: 25
From: Miami, FL
R230
I know this is an old thread but...I bought my 2003 sl500 Designo with full VVK coilovers..on top it has nuts with a place for Allen head wrench..where do I start adjustment..do I turn all the way one way and count turn or what? Sorry I can't find any PDF instructions for the adjustment..any help appreciated.. thanks
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 9
Sl55 AMG
All coilovers are pretty much the same. Here is a video on how to adjust them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufUi0clNzwM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufUi0clNzwM
Height adjustment is made by simply screwing the spring perch up or down the threaded tube.
Loosen (or remove) the allen head grub screw in the side of the spring perch, then screw the perch clockwise or anticlockwise to adjust the height. Refit/ retighten the grub screw when finished to lock the spring perch in position.
Variant 1 and 2 have a single perch, and Variant 3 have two perches (the spring perch and a lower locking perch).
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 14
SL55
I know this is an old thread but...I bought my 2003 sl500 Designo with full VVK coilovers..on top it has nuts with a place for Allen head wrench..where do I start adjustment..do I turn all the way one way and count turn or what? Sorry I can't find any PDF instructions for the adjustment..any help appreciated.. thanks
Hi Paul, Sorry I didn't see this earlier. You turn the knob (or 3mm allen wrench if using) all the way left. This will be position 0 (zero) from here you count the clicks One-two-three etc turning to the RIGHT. You may feel one additional click at the end like a position 31, but that it fully locked out and will have basically zero fluid movement through the valve system, so always make sure to stay a full click less than maximum. We have found most customers run their VVK coilovers at setting 15-20.
You can also turn right to the maximum, and then count backwards from Locked-30-29-28 etc
Best regards,
Sean
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 13
From: Guthrie, OK
SL55, Opel GT, 70 LT-1, BMW 745 turbo, MRoadster, 49 Stude truck, 69 Z/28, Ferrari project
I don't know if VVK offers installation services, but they are located in Stuart Florida, about 100 miles North of Miami.
I would contact them directly. If they don't install, I am certain they can recommend an installer.
I would contact them directly. If they don't install, I am certain they can recommend an installer.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 13
From: Guthrie, OK
SL55, Opel GT, 70 LT-1, BMW 745 turbo, MRoadster, 49 Stude truck, 69 Z/28, Ferrari project
Incidently, the 2004 SL55 I bought last summer already has a coilover kit on it. Being the V8, they just swapped out the dual pump for a single pump for the power steering.
It is sprung VERY STIFF. Doesn't bother me, as I am used to stiffly sprung cars.
I have not had a chance to put it on the lift and try to figure out which kit was used. I think I remember seeing Bilstein struts. Don't know about the springs.
It is sprung VERY STIFF. Doesn't bother me, as I am used to stiffly sprung cars.
I have not had a chance to put it on the lift and try to figure out which kit was used. I think I remember seeing Bilstein struts. Don't know about the springs.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 14
SL55
Here is the first installment video of the simple way to do the VVK coilover conversion. No need to completely remove the crossmember. Always remember to replace the motor mounts when doing this unless they have very low miles on them.
Part 2 will be ready in 1-2days, and part 3 is the easiest part; bolting the coilovers in!
Part 2 will be ready in 1-2days, and part 3 is the easiest part; bolting the coilovers in!
Last edited by Sean@VVK; Mar 11, 2020 at 12:18 AM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 13
From: Guthrie, OK
SL55, Opel GT, 70 LT-1, BMW 745 turbo, MRoadster, 49 Stude truck, 69 Z/28, Ferrari project
Thanks Sean. Very nice of you to post the how to.
I really like the way this SL55 handles with the coil overs. But, I miss the monster torque of the V12TT. I will probably sell this one and start looking for an SL65, from 2004 to 2009. I really like the look in black, although a pain to keep clean.
I doubt I will find one that LOOKS as good as my SL55. Since I had the PDR guy work out the tiny dings it had, and the detail guy work all day on paint correction, except for one small scrape on the butt end that can't be fixed without paint, the body is a solid 9.5 out of 10. I get compliments on it everywhere. Hard to believe it has 130,000 miles on it. Sorry, started rambling again.
Point being, if I get an SL65, I will keep the ABC for as long as it is trouble free. Once the trouble starts, I will be installing one of the VVK kits.
By that time, hopefully Sean will post a how to for one of the V12TT cars!!!
Now, if someong would come up with a power steering pump for the V12 that doesn't have the tandem pump on the back, that would make it a perfect conversion in my book.
I really like the way this SL55 handles with the coil overs. But, I miss the monster torque of the V12TT. I will probably sell this one and start looking for an SL65, from 2004 to 2009. I really like the look in black, although a pain to keep clean.
I doubt I will find one that LOOKS as good as my SL55. Since I had the PDR guy work out the tiny dings it had, and the detail guy work all day on paint correction, except for one small scrape on the butt end that can't be fixed without paint, the body is a solid 9.5 out of 10. I get compliments on it everywhere. Hard to believe it has 130,000 miles on it. Sorry, started rambling again.
Point being, if I get an SL65, I will keep the ABC for as long as it is trouble free. Once the trouble starts, I will be installing one of the VVK kits.
By that time, hopefully Sean will post a how to for one of the V12TT cars!!!
Now, if someong would come up with a power steering pump for the V12 that doesn't have the tandem pump on the back, that would make it a perfect conversion in my book.
Last edited by LynnBilodeau; Mar 11, 2020 at 09:49 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 14
SL55
Our labor rate is much lower than most Mercedes shops, and the only thing we can't currently do is the ABC delete coding (I can refer you to a shop in Fort Lauderdale who can do it), or you can find many independents that are capable.
Please call the number on the VVK-USA website
All the best!
-Sean
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 14
SL55
Thanks Sean. Very nice of you to post the how to.
I really like the way this SL55 handles with the coil overs. But, I miss the monster torque of the V12TT. I will probably sell this one and start looking for an SL65, from 2004 to 2009. I really like the look in black, although a pain to keep clean.
I doubt I will find one that LOOKS as good as my SL55. Since I had the PDR guy work out the tiny dings it had, and the detail guy work all day on paint correction, except for one small scrape on the butt end that can't be fixed without paint, the body is a solid 9.5 out of 10. I get compliments on it everywhere. Hard to believe it has 130,000 miles on it. Sorry, started rambling again.
Point being, if I get an SL65, I will keep the ABC for as long as it is trouble free. Once the trouble starts, I will be installing one of the VVK kits.
By that time, hopefully Sean will post a how to for one of the V12TT cars!!!
Now, if someong would come up with a power steering pump for the V12 that doesn't have the tandem pump on the back, that would make it a perfect conversion in my book.
I really like the way this SL55 handles with the coil overs. But, I miss the monster torque of the V12TT. I will probably sell this one and start looking for an SL65, from 2004 to 2009. I really like the look in black, although a pain to keep clean.
I doubt I will find one that LOOKS as good as my SL55. Since I had the PDR guy work out the tiny dings it had, and the detail guy work all day on paint correction, except for one small scrape on the butt end that can't be fixed without paint, the body is a solid 9.5 out of 10. I get compliments on it everywhere. Hard to believe it has 130,000 miles on it. Sorry, started rambling again.
Point being, if I get an SL65, I will keep the ABC for as long as it is trouble free. Once the trouble starts, I will be installing one of the VVK kits.
By that time, hopefully Sean will post a how to for one of the V12TT cars!!!
Now, if someong would come up with a power steering pump for the V12 that doesn't have the tandem pump on the back, that would make it a perfect conversion in my book.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
2005 SL55
We are located in Stuart, FL, about 1.5 hour drive from Miami, and our shop is just off I-95. We need the car for 1 week and the installation takes 16hrs on V8 cars, 20hrs on V12 cars.
Our labor rate is much lower than most Mercedes shops, and the only thing we can't currently do is the ABC delete coding (I can refer you to a shop in Fort Lauderdale who can do it), or you can find many independents that are capable.
Please call the number on the VVK-USA website
All the best!
-Sean
Our labor rate is much lower than most Mercedes shops, and the only thing we can't currently do is the ABC delete coding (I can refer you to a shop in Fort Lauderdale who can do it), or you can find many independents that are capable.
Please call the number on the VVK-USA website
All the best!
-Sean
