silnt_assn_009

Hello, Happy New Year to everyone on this board. I have a 2004 SLK 230 Sport. I wanted to know what options I have to soften the ride quality. Right now everything is all stock. I only have about 14,000 miles on the car so I know that the stock suspension is still good. Is there any after market suspension/springs I can get for a better ride even if my handling is compensated.

Thanks

Clk&Slk

Change the spring pads to a thinner pads will soften up the ride.

silnt_assn_009

whats a spring pad? Do you think changing the shocks will work?

Clk&Slk

Shocks, to what? There's nothing softer then the factory standard shock. Try finding out more about the spring pads. It will help soften-up the ride with a thinner one.

millerm77

My wife has a '03 SLK and it has 120K+ miles on it. The ride is extremely noisy and not the sound of a trure Merc. I can hear wind and road noise to the point of annoyance. We recently changed the tires (Toyo) and did an alignment--this helped a bit but, not to my satisfaction. Does anyone know what modifications I can make to quite the ride down (springs, bushings, shocks, etc)?

MNG

you could try some DYNAMAT under the car's carpet and some in the door panels...

alot of car audio shops use this product to quiet down the interiors of the cars

bazzle

Sadly you are driving the wrong car if you need softer and quieter than standard. There is not a lot to do. Some tyre brands have softer sidewall, may help, run pressures at MBs lowest recommended around town.
These cars are noisy. Some tires help, sound proofing helps to but they are not a limo. Drop the roof and enjoy them for what they were built to be

Bazzle

Buellwinkle

Wow, I think my kid's SLK 230 is quieter and smoother riding than my C230 and it has Koni shocks which are firmer than stock. Maybe you should look at getting an SL, they are much smoother riding and with the optional hard top can be pretty quiet.

MNG

sorry guys..posted in the wrong forum regarding my post above...

lilfish

My 98 SLK 230's ride is getting harsher by the mile. I changed the shocks to KYBs, but noticed little difference. I know this car has a firmer ride, and I like the way it drives, but I'm now skipping across the pavement in corners when the surface is a little rough. Can anyone recommend some help with this?

mkaresh

Maybe buy a different car?

The aftermarket generally caters to people seeking better handling, not a better ride.