SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 Coilovers experience?
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 387
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From: New York
2005 CL55 (sold) C63 Coupe 2012 p31(sold) Audi 330awhp E55 511WHP(sold)Z06C6 550whp C63 LTH
SL55 Coilovers experience?
I currently have a 520whp FBO E55, but as I get older the SL has grown onto me. From my experience owning two CL55/s, the ABC is not the cup of tea I would drink. I do recognize the possiability of running a BC coilover conversion alongside all the necessary sl350 parts. My questions is what Is the average cost for the full conversion. I would love to have a touring kind of a car that I can take my fiancé with. We always go to the beach with my E55 but lol, I wanna drive with a top down. Sl55 also has beautiful body lines. How has these coilovers treated the average owner, because I don't really see a long term review on them. My group of guys in new York have ran them with no issues on m's. I wonder what a difference they make in terms of handling for e55 because unlike the e55, the sl55 has a proper chassis, really has a lot of potential with that wide body(a lot wider then a e55).
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 15
From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
I have owned my 2003 SL55 AMG for eleven years and love the car.
At the end of 2017, a rear strut let me down and I was quoted c$6,600 for both rears to be replaced by my MB dealer. I looked at alternatives and decided to go to coil-overs, but stay with all Mercedes-Benz OEM parts (from the "rest of the world" SL350) not available in North America.
My local dealer and MB Canada worked with me to get the German parts lists put on the Canadian MB computers. I was now able to order all the parts from Germany (takes about 6 weeks to arrive). My MB dealer installed and whole cost (parts and MB dealer labour) was around c$10,000 and that included total removal of all ABC parts such as struts, tandem pump, all ABC pipes, front and rear valve blocks, 4 accumulators, etc.
The only item I had an issue with, was the sump clearance for the front anti-roll bar (being for a 6-cyl). It's not much out but as the car drives and handles so well and more smoothly on bumps than before, I have not rushed to fit it or find a replacement. I have driven the car almost a year now with the coil-over conversion and it's better than the nine years I drove it with ABC.
I have created a PDF file on my web site detailed lots of collected information on the SL55 AMG, incuding my coil-over conversion, with OEM parts listings, drawings, etc. :
http://www3.sympatico.ca/gmacgruer/SL55_AMG.html
At the end of 2017, a rear strut let me down and I was quoted c$6,600 for both rears to be replaced by my MB dealer. I looked at alternatives and decided to go to coil-overs, but stay with all Mercedes-Benz OEM parts (from the "rest of the world" SL350) not available in North America.
My local dealer and MB Canada worked with me to get the German parts lists put on the Canadian MB computers. I was now able to order all the parts from Germany (takes about 6 weeks to arrive). My MB dealer installed and whole cost (parts and MB dealer labour) was around c$10,000 and that included total removal of all ABC parts such as struts, tandem pump, all ABC pipes, front and rear valve blocks, 4 accumulators, etc.
The only item I had an issue with, was the sump clearance for the front anti-roll bar (being for a 6-cyl). It's not much out but as the car drives and handles so well and more smoothly on bumps than before, I have not rushed to fit it or find a replacement. I have driven the car almost a year now with the coil-over conversion and it's better than the nine years I drove it with ABC.
I have created a PDF file on my web site detailed lots of collected information on the SL55 AMG, incuding my coil-over conversion, with OEM parts listings, drawings, etc. :
http://www3.sympatico.ca/gmacgruer/SL55_AMG.html
Last edited by Geo3; Jan 1, 2019 at 09:06 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 58
Likes: 24
From: Tucson, AZ
2013 F12
I have owned my 2003 SL55 AMG for eleven years and love the car.
At the end of 2017, a rear strut let me down and I was quoted c$6,600 for both rears to be replaced by my MB dealer. I looked at alternatives and decided to go to coil-overs, but stay with all Mercedes-Benz OEM parts (from the "rest of the world" SL350) not available in North America.
My local dealer and MB Canada worked with me to get the German parts lists put on the Canadian MB computers. I was now able to order all the parts from Germany (takes about 6 weeks to arrive). My MB dealer installed and whole cost (parts and MB dealer labour) was around c$10,000 and that included total removal of all ABC parts such as struts, tandem pump, all ABC pipes, front and rear valve blocks, 4 accumulators, etc.
The only item I had an issue with, was the sump clearance for the front anti-roll bar (being for a 6-cyl). It's not much out but as the car drives and handles so well and more smoothly on bumps than before, I have not rushed to fit it or find a replacement. I have driven the car almost a year now with the coil-over conversion and it's better than the nine years I drove it with ABC.
I have created a PDF file on my web site detailed lots of collected information on the SL55 AMG, incuding my coil-over conversion, with OEM parts listings, drawings, etc. :
http://www3.sympatico.ca/gmacgruer/SL55_AMG.html
At the end of 2017, a rear strut let me down and I was quoted c$6,600 for both rears to be replaced by my MB dealer. I looked at alternatives and decided to go to coil-overs, but stay with all Mercedes-Benz OEM parts (from the "rest of the world" SL350) not available in North America.
My local dealer and MB Canada worked with me to get the German parts lists put on the Canadian MB computers. I was now able to order all the parts from Germany (takes about 6 weeks to arrive). My MB dealer installed and whole cost (parts and MB dealer labour) was around c$10,000 and that included total removal of all ABC parts such as struts, tandem pump, all ABC pipes, front and rear valve blocks, 4 accumulators, etc.
The only item I had an issue with, was the sump clearance for the front anti-roll bar (being for a 6-cyl). It's not much out but as the car drives and handles so well and more smoothly on bumps than before, I have not rushed to fit it or find a replacement. I have driven the car almost a year now with the coil-over conversion and it's better than the nine years I drove it with ABC.
I have created a PDF file on my web site detailed lots of collected information on the SL55 AMG, incuding my coil-over conversion, with OEM parts listings, drawings, etc. :
http://www3.sympatico.ca/gmacgruer/SL55_AMG.html
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 9
Sl55 AMG
I currently have a 520whp FBO E55, but as I get older the SL has grown onto me. From my experience owning two CL55/s, the ABC is not the cup of tea I would drink. I do recognize the possiability of running a BC coilover conversion alongside all the necessary sl350 parts. My questions is what Is the average cost for the full conversion. I would love to have a touring kind of a car that I can take my fiancé with. We always go to the beach with my E55 but lol, I wanna drive with a top down. Sl55 also has beautiful body lines. How has these coilovers treated the average owner, because I don't really see a long term review on them. My group of guys in new York have ran them with no issues on m's. I wonder what a difference they make in terms of handling for e55 because unlike the e55, the sl55 has a proper chassis, really has a lot of potential with that wide body(a lot wider then a e55).
Certainly it is now more like a muscle car rather than a limo. The ride is now similar to my previous car, a 997 Carrera S.
I would advise you to definitely fit the front sway bar. VVK makes custom made bars which are a much better fit than the SL350 bar which hits the oil sump!!!
I would also advise an adjustable camber kit because your coilovers will most likely lower the car causing slightly too much negative camber.
My overall cost, including KW Variant 3 coilovers was about £5k, but you will recoup about £1.5k selling the old struts and pump.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 229
SL55, S500
No point to drive a 4000 lb car without ABC..I would've gotten a ****ty BMW otherwise.
The only reason this car drives and handles the way it does is because of ABC esp the sport.
Go hit the insane corners and see how well you really handle.
The only reason this car drives and handles the way it does is because of ABC esp the sport.
Go hit the insane corners and see how well you really handle.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 9
Sl55 AMG
A coilover installation will greatly reduce the cars weight and lower the centre of gravity. Also most high end coilovers (such as KW or Bilstein) will be stiffer than the ABC struts.
I have driven my SL55 with both the original ABC and the coilover conversion and can confirm 100% that the cornering and feel is now superior.
The only downside is that it is slightly less comfortable, but still acceptable for a sports car, comparable to a 911 or M3.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 15
From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 9
Sl55 AMG
Also compression and rebound damping has 16 level adjustment allowing the car to be dialled in to suit the users preference on stiffness vs comfort.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 229
SL55, S500
The main benefit of ABC is comfort as it smoothes any minor road imperfections. It certainly is not superior in cornering to a properly set up coilover and sway bar installation.
A coilover installation will greatly reduce the cars weight and lower the centre of gravity. Also most high end coilovers (such as KW or Bilstein) will be stiffer than the ABC struts.
I have driven my SL55 with both the original ABC and the coilover conversion and can confirm 100% that the cornering and feel is now superior.
The only downside is that it is slightly less comfortable, but still acceptable for a sports car, comparable to a 911 or M3.
A coilover installation will greatly reduce the cars weight and lower the centre of gravity. Also most high end coilovers (such as KW or Bilstein) will be stiffer than the ABC struts.
I have driven my SL55 with both the original ABC and the coilover conversion and can confirm 100% that the cornering and feel is now superior.
The only downside is that it is slightly less comfortable, but still acceptable for a sports car, comparable to a 911 or M3.
Just stick with ABC, they designed it with ABC for a reason..and no def not an SL65 BS comparison.
with that said my cuz has coilovers on his SL, I'll try it sometime in the future and get back..but from what I heard so far ride was stiff ****.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Well, with the exception of the V12 cars, I believe the v6 and V8 chassis was designed for a shock and spring setup. ABC is what they want with on the 500 and up because they didn't need sway bars with ABC. The SL 350 had standard shock and spring setup and has the same suspension as the 500/55 just without ABC. That's the original conversion process. Just remove ABC and bolt on the swaybar and shock/spring setup from the 350.
It is not ideal since the stock 350's sway bars are not thick enough and the shocks are not as beefy. With that said, there are many with direct experience with some of the aftermarket kits that say the car handles better but is just a little harder. I'm not a fan of ABC with the exception of smoothing small road imperfections and staying flat in most conditions. ABC gives a very artificial handling experience and I'm not a huge fan.
It is not ideal since the stock 350's sway bars are not thick enough and the shocks are not as beefy. With that said, there are many with direct experience with some of the aftermarket kits that say the car handles better but is just a little harder. I'm not a fan of ABC with the exception of smoothing small road imperfections and staying flat in most conditions. ABC gives a very artificial handling experience and I'm not a huge fan.
Last edited by BlownV8; Jan 7, 2019 at 11:10 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 9
Sl55 AMG
Well, with the exception of the V12 cars, I believe the v6 and V8 chassis was designed for a shock and spring setup. ABC is what they want with on the 500 and up because they didn't need sway bars with ABC. The SL 350 had standard shock and spring setup and has the same suspension as the 500/55 just without ABC. That's the original conversion process. Just remove ABC and bolt on the swaybar and shock/spring setup from the 350.
It is not ideal since the stock 350's sway bars are not thick enough and the shocks are not as beefy. With that said, there are many with direct experience with some of the aftermarket kits that say the car handles better but is just a little harder. I'm not a fan of ABC with the exception of smoothing small road imperfections and staying flat in most conditions. ABC gives a very artificial handling experience and I'm not a huge fan.
It is not ideal since the stock 350's sway bars are not thick enough and the shocks are not as beefy. With that said, there are many with direct experience with some of the aftermarket kits that say the car handles better but is just a little harder. I'm not a fan of ABC with the exception of smoothing small road imperfections and staying flat in most conditions. ABC gives a very artificial handling experience and I'm not a huge fan.
All of this hardware fits the SL55 with the exception of the front sway bar which doesn't clear the V8's sump. That is why some converted cars run without the front bar.
There are several coilover kits made for the Euro SL350.
Indeed the KW Variant 3 coilovers fitted on my SL55 are a SL350 fitment. However I checked the specs and, given that they are stiffer than the stock SL350 springs and dampers, they are actually perfect for the 55
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Port Perry Ontario Can.
2003 sl55
Interested in the info for the swap over. I also have a SL55 that I'm going to put coilovers on. Thinking about getting all the bits and pieces from VVK. Could you share some of your experience with this project. BTW I'm in Ontario.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 9
Sl55 AMG
It should only take a couple of days to get everything stripped and the new parts fitted.
Just make sure you have all the parts required before you start
