SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Reducing Unsprung Weight - SL55 AMG
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
From: Orchid Island, FL
SL 55 AMG, BMW M Roadster, Holden Commodore SSV
Reducing Unsprung Weight - SL55 AMG
Good Morning
So I've read the advantages of reducing unsprung weight benefit our 55's more in the handling area vs. flat out acceleration. However, I've also read that a 1 lb reduction in unsprung weight is, on the low end, worth 3-4 lbs of overall weight reduction and high estimates are 8-10lbs.
I'll use 6lbs as the advantage as that's in the middle. If we can achieve 8lbs/corner that = 32lbs x 6 = 192lbs. Not an insignificant figure.
Who has experience with 55's that can share findings? Has anyone done the research recently to determine today's most cost effective solution in terms of wheel/tire/rotor combinations to maximize the benefit? I've got stock 19 inch wheels, anybody know the weight?
Thanks!
Bill
So I've read the advantages of reducing unsprung weight benefit our 55's more in the handling area vs. flat out acceleration. However, I've also read that a 1 lb reduction in unsprung weight is, on the low end, worth 3-4 lbs of overall weight reduction and high estimates are 8-10lbs.
I'll use 6lbs as the advantage as that's in the middle. If we can achieve 8lbs/corner that = 32lbs x 6 = 192lbs. Not an insignificant figure.
Who has experience with 55's that can share findings? Has anyone done the research recently to determine today's most cost effective solution in terms of wheel/tire/rotor combinations to maximize the benefit? I've got stock 19 inch wheels, anybody know the weight?
Thanks!
Bill
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 212
Likes: 76
From: Arizona
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
Good Morning
So I've read the advantages of reducing unsprung weight benefit our 55's more in the handling area vs. flat out acceleration. However, I've also read that a 1 lb reduction in unsprung weight is, on the low end, worth 3-4 lbs of overall weight reduction and high estimates are 8-10lbs.
I'll use 6lbs as the advantage as that's in the middle. If we can achieve 8lbs/corner that = 32lbs x 6 = 192lbs. Not an insignificant figure.
Who has experience with 55's that can share findings? Has anyone done the research recently to determine today's most cost effective solution in terms of wheel/tire/rotor combinations to maximize the benefit? I've got stock 19 inch wheels, anybody know the weight?
Thanks!
Bill
So I've read the advantages of reducing unsprung weight benefit our 55's more in the handling area vs. flat out acceleration. However, I've also read that a 1 lb reduction in unsprung weight is, on the low end, worth 3-4 lbs of overall weight reduction and high estimates are 8-10lbs.
I'll use 6lbs as the advantage as that's in the middle. If we can achieve 8lbs/corner that = 32lbs x 6 = 192lbs. Not an insignificant figure.
Who has experience with 55's that can share findings? Has anyone done the research recently to determine today's most cost effective solution in terms of wheel/tire/rotor combinations to maximize the benefit? I've got stock 19 inch wheels, anybody know the weight?
Thanks!
Bill
I've had my wheels off and they are heavy! Never weighed them, but I would say 50 pounds is fair.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
It's not just the weight that matters but more so where the weight is on the rotating mass. Larger wheels and tires eventhough the same weight will take more force to turn since the weight is further from center mass. If you could fit a lighter 18" wheel and tire combo, it would help reduce the power it takes to move/stop the wheels.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
From: Orchid Island, FL
SL 55 AMG, BMW M Roadster, Holden Commodore SSV
Thanks Blown V8. I understand.
I wish to remain with 19" for aesthetic reasons. Any guidance on tire/wheel/rotor combos at that diameter?
Bill
I wish to remain with 19" for aesthetic reasons. Any guidance on tire/wheel/rotor combos at that diameter?
Bill
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 17
Likes: 5
2008 SL55, 2016 E350 Wagon, 1991 560SEC, 2011 Audi A3
Bill,
I believe (but can't confirm) that the 2 piece wheels as found on the SL65 are somewhat lighter. As far as tires, you want to stay with the best tire for your car rather than something lesser to save some weight. There are after market exhaust systems that are lighter than the heavy stock exhaust that comes on our cars and there is a significant weight that can be shaved by removing all the active suspension components and switching to a basic shock/spring setup but that's a costly and adventurous exercise. You might want to look into lighter weight batteries if it really matters. My suggestion? Enjoy the beast as it is. Its a great car.
J.Chip
I believe (but can't confirm) that the 2 piece wheels as found on the SL65 are somewhat lighter. As far as tires, you want to stay with the best tire for your car rather than something lesser to save some weight. There are after market exhaust systems that are lighter than the heavy stock exhaust that comes on our cars and there is a significant weight that can be shaved by removing all the active suspension components and switching to a basic shock/spring setup but that's a costly and adventurous exercise. You might want to look into lighter weight batteries if it really matters. My suggestion? Enjoy the beast as it is. Its a great car.
J.Chip
