Rough Ride....

[Theo113]

I would be most pleased to hear suggestions as to how one might smooth out what I perceive as a 230sl rough ride.  In full disclosure I must report that our daily drivers are 2018 A6 and 2019 A5 Cab which unintentionally could be setting expectations for improvement on the SL. I understand that is unattainable and totally unreasonable.   I have replaced four shock absorbers and installed a steering baffle (?) which has had some positive results.  I would appreciate any suggestions and especially those based on experience with this issue. Thanks...

[stickandrudderman]

You may be surprised to learn that the ride quality in your pagoda should surpass that of your modern cars.
Start by changing ALL of the following:
Engine & transmission mounts, front sub frame mounts, front anti-roll bar bushes, rear axle mounting bush, rear axle panhard rod bushes (and maybe the rod itself), rear axle pivot bush, rear radius arm bushes and possibly springs whilst you're at it.
Then have the chassis set up properly by someone who knows these cars well and you'll be very pleasantly surprised at just how good the ride quality is on these old cars.
You also need to consider whether your seat springs have collapsed.

[mauro12]

Another suggestion , buy always bilstein shocks . The ride quality of my car changed 100% with new shocks .
Stay away from cheap stuff .

[Theo113]

Thank you Stick for this comprehensive list of fixes for my rough ride issues.  Yes, I am both surprised and pleased to hear your comment that there is the potential of the pagoda surpassing the ride quality of my modern cars.  Could the actions you have listed be prioritized into functional results-oriented repairs?  Put more simply, in what areas do you see the "best-bang-for-the-buck"?  Where would one start on this endeavor?  It would be pleasing to get some near-term results; changing ALL the following would definitely be a project for next Winter.  Thank you

[Theo113]

Thank you, mauro12....Yes agreed no cheap stuff...Bilstein it is.

[mauro12]

I’ve recently replaced in my car all shocks , new subframe mounts , new engine mounts ( oem) and sway bar bushing . Last year I did also rear axle mount . I can tell you that the ride has improved significantly. I didn’t touch the springs because mine are still good but I think if you replace them too , you will have even better ride . If you are looking for a sport ride , this car was never sporty , but rather a cruiser and comfort . Never had any rise in the front end with new shocks . The ride height was like before , correct .

[JamesL]

If you’re changing rubber, how old are your tyres?

FYI, most comparisons would say our cars are soft, particularly compared to a “sports car” of the same era - be it e-type or 911. So rough is well out of character, and some would beef up sway bar, or bushes, or springs, or shocks or... to make the ride a little firmer and “sportier”.

[Theo113]

Mauro12,   The additional information is quite helpful, indeed.  Thank you as it does give me a more defined and refined starting point.  I  am pleased to hear you have had excellent results.   Thank you. 

[dirkbalter]

Thank you, mauro12....Yes agreed no cheap stuff...Bilstein it is.

They are approx. $75 versus $30 For KYB but worth it I think.


https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/mercedes-benz,1966,230sl,2.3l+l6,1342628,suspension,shock+absorber,7556

[Theo113]

James L , My tires had been replaced 2 months past and it did make a difference.  I do understand the comments regarding relative ride quality with "sports cars".   There are a few SLs in my neighborhood, I have the opportunity to compare the ride in my 230 with 3 other Pagodas a 230 and two 280s.  In those comparisons I find my 230 to be a rough ride and therefore the request here.  Thanks for the suggestions and observations.

[mauro12]

I payed 135€ each , in Europe . In USA you can find for less money the bilsteins.

[Cees Klumper]

Not likely perhaps in your case, but on my car I installed polyurethane 'donut' bushings for the body-to-rear trailing arms to try them out. After one ride around the block I decided to put the original rubber ones back in, as the ride had worsened incredibly. So, yes, check all suspension components.

[Theo113]

Cees,  thanks for the heads-up on polyurethane "donut" bushings, good to know.

[stickandrudderman]

Thank you Stick for this comprehensive list of fixes for my rough ride issues.  Yes, I am both surprised and pleased to hear your comment that there is the potential of the pagoda surpassing the ride quality of my modern cars.  Could the actions you have listed be prioritized into functional results-oriented repairs?  Put more simply, in what areas do you see the "best-bang-for-the-buck"?  Where would one start on this endeavor?  It would be pleasing to get some near-term results; changing ALL the following would definitely be a project for next Winter.  Thank you

The problem with replacing one or some of these rubber components is that you never get the full benefit of any.
I always strongly advise my customers to have it all done. It takes two or three days at most and then you will have "like new" ride quality for many years to come.

[mauro12]

Which rubber bushing do you suggest to replace ?