Mercedes SL500 with Strutmasters coil overs, home garage install!

After having 2 issues with my stock suspension in a year I decided to install Strutmasters coil over setup. I couldn't be happier and love how good the new ride is for ;ess than half of what it would have cost me.

[@OatesSteve]

Thank you so much for confirming it’s still drives fine without the sway bars, I’ve heard the same thing putting him in is a big pain in the---, thanks for confirming. Now I can do the conversion without any worries. STEVEO

[@riverbankfisher]

The R230 is one of the sleekest Mercedes ever designed and is so much easier on the eyes than more recent editions of the same car with all their gaping air scoops and busy spoilers. That trouble-prone air suspension was the Achilles heel of the R230, but thanks to Strutmasters Coilover conversion kits, the R230 can finally be brought back to life and driven reliably for many years. I plan to buy an R230 at some point do the Strutmasters conversion right away. I like my 1991 R 129, but I've always coveted the R230 haha.

[@JoshuaCollins]

It was not an air suspension. It was a high pressure hydraulic suspension.

[@riverbankfisher]

@@JoshuaCollins Right you are. Hydraulic and not pneumatic suspension. Magic carpet when new, money pit after a few short years.

[@JoshuaCollins]

@@riverbankfisher unless maintained. Just replaced my accumulators and rebuilt the valve blocks. No way I'd butcher this car with coilovers.

[@og4593]

Adjustable coilovers like the Neomax Silvers should be also considered for the R230.

[@mauricedevoul]

Thank u much for this awesome video. Great job

[@fanvette]

No worries, I hope it helps people

[@evoviiiyou831]

For sure going with the silvers set up for my SL65 when I get the ABC light next time and ripping all the hardware, lines and minutia associated with this expensive system.

[@thedoo777]

In the four years since you've installed the Strut Masters Your technology has appeared First of all strutmasters isn't Adjustable,,,,hiro BC Racing etc And they're cheaper Then Sprutmasters! I went with the hiro coil overs! No sway bars Because I don't do any Track Racing I drive the car hard And They're slightly different I think I like the ride Better I think it's faster And the steering Has Improve so much! I am glad so glad I went with the coil overs! I've left everything else stock I went for the strutmasters bypass For the pump I think that cost me 82 bucks! All SL 's Look new People take care of these cars

[@azmike3572]

Informative video, but when under the car, or in other tight quarters, supplemental lighting really helps, as some of the video was in shadow, and it was harder to see what you were pointing out to us.

[@Level_Up_Nation]

Looking at these for my CL600, tired of all the ABC issues and all the pump failure is due to the factory suspension. Glad I can use a cheaper power steering pump with them, since my pump is out again, might have a leak somewhere and these pumps burn up quickly.

[@fanvette]

This was a cure al for my ABC problems and the cheaper pump was a god send.

[@Level_Up_Nation]

@@fanvette the CL600 I bought actually came with Strutmasters on it, I do not like how its sitting though, the front is super low but the rear is a fist high off the back rubber, Strutmasters customer support is trash, told me that the problem is my car and not their springs. 😑 So have to figure out what spring rates I actually need to get it sitting level.

[@fanvette]

GRAND HIT GAMING I heard that from another person, not sure why either. The way my car is in the thumbnail is how it sits and I love it. Wish I could offer help but not sure what that would be from.

[@Level_Up_Nation]

@@fanvette you got lucky then. Lol I've got to take it to a suspension place and see what they say when I get it up and running.

[@melissadurbin6026]

Hello! I just had the Strutmaster kit installed and so for the installation looks sweet and felt comfortable to drive HOWEVER after a fluid leak on the front passenger side (SL500 2004) found out that I had to order the fluid bypass kit for the compressor. Hoping this works because it will save a lot of hassle down the road.

[@fanvette]

Fluid leaks can be a PITA. Hope you get it fixed

[@gregskipper]

@@fanvette what's a PITA?

[@fanvette]

Pain in the a$$

[@riverbankfisher]

@@gregskipper Problematic Interruptions Thwart Advancement.

[@fredrezfield1629]

even after coil over you have to deal with fluid? ?

[@OatesSteve]

Thank you so much for this video I need to do this to my 2003 SL 500 PLEASE help , Did you put sway bars on . I’ve heard you have and They cost quite a bit more to add to the kit and there are a lot lot more work, that’s what I’ve heard, I don’t think I need sway bars I don’t do any fancy driving around town to the store and back is about it, did you put sway bars on? What did you do about THE Abc light ?is there an extra abc light kit and plus for the hydrolic lines that go on the old ABC shocks when you take them out?And another very important question what did you do about the tandem pump? Did you change the pump to a W220 pump ? I thought you mentioned that you changed nothing as far as the power steering pump? I’ve heard some people say they take one of the hoses and just connect them together so the ABC fluid just recycles around ?rotates through the pump and you can use the same pump? Do you know if that’s correct?, Any help on these questions would help me so very much. Thank you thank you you’ve been so helpful, great job on the video you seem like a very kind man. Happy holidays; STEVEO

[@fanvette]

Sorry i just saw your comment, i did not put on sway bars and had no issues. I also left the stock pump and had no issues with fluid at all. Ive heard some did but they could have had a leaky pump or hose. The ABC light was taken care of with a switch that came with the kit so it never came on again. Ive sold the car so im not sure how its doing but i never had issues while i owned it.

[@gregskipper]

Mine are a bit lower in the back than I wanted

[@OatesSteve]

If it doesn’t have the sway bars, how does it go around the corners? OK? Is it possible? I’m sure it doesn’t drive the same, however that doesn’t matter to me because it’s such a beautiful great car as long as it drives decent I would be happy as could be thanks again, I hope you have time to answer some of my questions sorry if I bothered you at all with all the questions, really appreciate it thanks again, STEVEO

[@fanvette]

Even with no sway bars it handles great. I’ve heard they can be added but it’s a lot of extra work.

[@jeremygraham7976]

So I'm just curious does this not need sway bars, I have a SL500 and I'm looking to swap suspension so I don't have to be paranoid about my suspension going out but don't know whether I need sway bars or not cuz I was told my car doesn't have sway bars

[@fanvette]

Sorry I’m just now seeing your question. I have not found a need for sway bars unless you were going to track the car.

[@FastFoxx82]

It sure makes this car 100% more appealing to know there is an option over that silly ass ABC nonsense

[@davidvaughn3949]

How does it corner without Sway bars? Just curious. I am looking to do the same thing.

[@fanvette]

I have absolutely no issues on corners and highway driving. It might if it was cornered at high speed but I’m talking about very high speed.

[@nathanielm2792]

I did mine on a cl550 but a month after installing the front just kept getting lower and lower to the point my fenders stArted getting a beating each time I would turn into a plaza or make any turn rather.... but since than I have reached out to them again after sending pictures and measurements from the bottom of the tires to the top arch of the Wheel wells so they could built a better custom strut for the front because obviously the first one sucked and didn’t last a month. But I could say is that I’m hoping that the cornering is much better because it was very iffy going into corners after installing this conversion do to all the body rolling when cornering! Fingers crossed all the issues was because of it was a none tested kit that truly wasn’t built for my car and that this new front set will put a smile on my face!

[@jruerph]

Should have went coilovers.

[@Level_Up_Nation]

@@jruerph What brand makes them for these cars?

[@stephenbota1916]

How are available for the labour work to swap my car

[@shivammodhwadia3855]

You got a link for the hydraulic line caps ?

[@fanvette]

No sorry, the company I bought the kit from is called Strutmasters but they don’t have a link for just the caps. You might contact them to see if they will sell them separately

[@esafromny]

I also had the Strutmasters kit installed by an indy, and unfortunately, my SL now drives low and when at high speeds on highway (40-50), it touches the ground, when the road gets bumpy ... feels like car is more bouncy with the Strutmasters on - anyone else had similar problems ?

[@fredrezfield1629]

you just bought 4 piece kit? what size tires do you got?

[@elijahlane411]

How does it handle over bumps and holes

[@fanvette]

It did fine, not as smooth as with the factory shocks but still very nice.

[@zamorafarm]

So no more ABC light on in the dash?

[@fanvette]

With this kit you will have no more ABC light.

[@harryblanchard315]

where in uk can i get these fitted pls to my sl 500 ? thanks

[@fanvette]

I honestly have no clue in the UK. If you find someone it’s worth the money.

[@mcmxm]

How the strurmts now with you? Hiw did you see thier quality?

[@fanvette]

@@mcmxm they were good the ride was nice and smooth. I no longer own the car so I’m not sure how well they held up though.

[@renovanity8001]

Did you have any lights? Did they all go away? How many hours do you think it would take a mechanic to Install these?

[@fanvette]

This kit comes with a wiring box that takes care of the ABC warning lights

[@renovanity8001]

fanvette did the lights go away completely tho?i heard you still get the white abc light

[@fanvette]

Reno Vanity all the dash lights went off, a small red light on the console still lights up

[@renovanity8001]

ABC light on console?

[@fanvette]

Reno Vanity the small light on the ABC button

[@gregskipper]

what did you do with the power steering pump?

[@fanvette]

I left it normal and had no issues. I sold it so I don’t know if it’s still working but I never lost as fluid from it.

[@gregskipper]

@@fanvette I ordered my kit today. One of my hydraulic lines burst and the dealer wanted 4700.00 to fix it. Screw that.

[@fanvette]

@@gregskipper kind of the same reason I bought it. I want paying over $5000 for some suspension. Good luck brother.

[@gregskipper]

Replaced it

[@j.badinter988]

What about body roll? There are no sway bars front and back...

[@evoviiiyou831]

If you get the right spring rates for the adjustable coil overs you don’t need the sway bars. Also if you do elect the 350 non ABC sway bars make sure you have the motor mounts done other il wise the lot or will sag and the sway bar will hit on bumps.

[@josephfigueroa3527]

Why not buy the factory coilover setup? ABC was an option not a standard.

[@fredrezfield1629]

they all came with ABC suspension

[@Jcokis]

Did you had to install the ABC sensor? My dash has the red light I want to get rib of it

[@fanvette]

It came with a part that got rid of the ABC light.

[@Jcokis]

@@fanvette how do I install it ?

[@fanvette]

@@Jcokis my kit came with instructions. I had to wire it into the car. It’s been too long to remember exactly where though. I remember being down by the floorboard.

[@commasNculture]

How long was the install time ??

[@fanvette]

It took several hours on a couple evenings. I ran into trouble getting the rear shocks back on until I realized I had to push a pin back in before they would mount. That alone took several of frustrating hours.

[@jeremygraham7976]

If I do this should I even be worried about sway bars

[@fanvette]

I’ve taken mine at good speeds and having no sway bars doesn’t seem to matter. IMO

[@jeremygraham7976]

@@fanvette hell yeah, my hydraulic suspension is still good but paranois me so deleting it with that

[@fredrezfield1629]

@@jeremygraham7976 so you never did the conversion?

[@aleksandarkrstic1493]

Hey im currently putting in the same strutt master kit, but my car seems to be raised really high in the front after putting the front ones in. Any help you can give me?

[@fanvette]

After driving in them they settle down a lot. Not sure if you have driven on it yet or not but try that

[@aleksandarkrstic1493]

Was yours raised about 3 inches at first and it settled down?

[@aleksandarkrstic1493]

All we have done so far is the front ones and the car is sitting decently high. You purchased the same strutt master kit as i did i assume it was around 140-1500$, i beleive they only made 1 kit for the sl500 if im not correct?

[@fanvette]

Aleksandar Krstic Yeah it was pretty high at first. But a short drive lowered it down up front a lot. The rear actually took another trip or two the way it sets in the video is about an hour of driving

[@aleksandarkrstic1493]

fanvette thank you I really appreciate this alot, i was stressing alot because i didnt want my sl to look like an airplane lol. Have alot invested in it and looks great. I would hate to have it look like crap, you helped me out alot man thanks. You have an email or something i can contact you with any other questions if necessary? Thanks

[@nicholascummings6803]

How does the handling performance compare?

[@fanvette]

IMO it performs better than stock but my stock wasn’t working very well. It handled curves well and in and out of traffic just fine.

[@MrIFARI]

@@fanvette How was it at high speed/highway driving over long distances and under heavy braking and hard maneuvering? Thanks

[@fanvette]

@@MrIFARI it did well at highway speeds and braking. My stock suspension was crap so I feel it was much better but I couldn’t get it to feel like it would fail.

[@MrIFARI]

@@fanvette Good to know. I really appeciate your efforts and excellent feedback because unlike some vids on these conversions, you actually took it out for a proper test drive and shared your proven experiences and thoughts...Cheers

[@MrIFARI]

@@fanvette Also, I forgot to ask -- How long did it take to do the conversion re/re on all 4 corners? Thanks

[@frankburdodrums8984]

It's way quieter than BEEP ABC Drive carefully over and over. Or BEEP ABC Car too low.

[@fredrezfield1629]

did you end up buying this kit or something else?

[@frankburdodrums8984]

@@fredrezfield1629 I bought the kit had it installed and now the car is tuned up and better than ever. 83K now owned her for 6 years. Think I'll get another 6 years out of her.

[@frankburdodrums8984]

@@fredrezfield1629 The kit is way better than the air ride system.

[@fredrezfield1629]

@@frankburdodrums8984 AIR ? you mean hydraulics ?

[@frankburdodrums8984]

@@fredrezfield1629 it's called Mercedes-Benz "Air ride" system.

[@lincolnvlogs8965]

HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH ANY SENSOR/ELECTRONIC ISSUES OF THE OLD SYSTEM? DO YOU THINK ITS POSSIBLE TO CONVERT ONLY REARS OR ONLY FRONTS (AS NEEDED) AND STILL BYPASS THE EXISTING STOCK HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRONICS? THANKS FOR AN OPINION

[@fanvette]

The chip you install to bypass the electronics I believe makes it so you would have to replace all 4 shocks and not just two. But to be sure you might contact the company that makes this setup to verify.

[@lincolnvlogs8965]

@@fanvette THANKS FOR THE REPLY. I WILL TRY TO REACH OUT...ANYTHING SEEMS POSSIBLE

[@robertomendoza5239]

Where can I buy those struts for my 2003 Mercedes sl500

[@fanvette]

strutmasters.com

[@mrkongsimr]

I get mine from Arnott Arizona

[@MegaRugby2]

Do you want Seay bars

[@MegaRugby2]

Sway

[@fanvette]

I don’t own the car any more but I don’t think I would go to the trouble of adding sway bars if I still owned it.

[@fredeb67]

That looks like OK City,

[@fredeb67]

Near Will Rodgers.

[@fanvette]

It’s OKC near Edmond

[@fanvette]

The screenshot is near Edmond, the rest of the video was shot in Mustang then out by the airport.

[@fredeb67]

@@fanvette I attended the FAA school there a couple of times and remember seeing that radar on one of the back roads near the school.

[@sanders007]

I do not like how Mercedes did the suspension

[@avinstallations]

OMG!! No, no!!