Suspension Differences -- 230/250/280

[lowpad]

I am currently working on a book about Affordable Classics with a chapter on the W113 (and I realize that affordability is in the eye of the beholder!).  I've seen on several online auction sites (you can probably guess which ones) where commenters note that the 280SL has a softer / more compliant / less fun-to-drive etc. ride & handling setup.  Yet my unscientific survey of suspension components shows no part number-level distinction between the various models.  If there's no difference in the key components (ie, bushings, springs, shocks etc.), then there should be no difference in handling.

As I'm really only familiar with the 230SL, I'd appreciate feedback from the group so that I can state the facts correctly.

Thanks,

Lowell

[AndrewB]

Hello Lowell, I am no expert, but think the difference between 230 and 280 is that the 230 had many suspension components that needed regular grease, whereas the 280 had these replaced with rubber bushes with no requirement for greasing.

There are many experts who will be able to give you detailed feedback, but I understand this to be the high level view 

[Peter]

that the 280SL has a softer / more compliant / less fun-to-drive etc. ride & handling setup. 

This is the first time I've read this.
I would be very careful with these kinds of suggestive comments.
It's a very personal matter!

I have a 280SL and I can tell you it's fun to drive, and luckily it's not a BMW.
It is a car for cruising and enjoyment and if you need or want you can drive 1000 km a day without any problems, just fun….

^ Peter

[lowpad]

This is not my personal opinion, but rather comments I have read in online forums.  My question is a factual one -- was the W113 suspension tuning changed over its lifecycle?  If so, what components changed?  I've not been able to find any detailed evidence around this.

[dirkbalter]

This will answer all the questions you may have on the differences between 230-280sl.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/3613013673/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=paslgr-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=HLACTHRZ55JO5N6D&creativeASIN=3613013673



(https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Documents/Start)

[Garry]

I believe the torsion bars are different by 2 mm. 230sl 22mm, later bar is 20mm. don’t know when the change was made.

[Jonny B]

Engelen/Mallory listed the torsion bar changed at 250 SL VIN ending 34 for US and A/C cars, then another listing at 250 SL VIN ending 339 simply as torsion bar change. There were no dimensions listed.

[Peter]

Maybe this helps, a lubrication overview.

[Pawel66]

As for the torsion bar this is what the system is saying for 113043:

World:
A 113 323 01 65 TORSION BAR Replaced with A 113 323 02 65 +1 A 110 323 04 85 (this is rubber mount)
Plant information: Until Chassis 0 05164

A 113 323 02 65 TORSION BAR FRONT 22 MM

USA and Canada
A 113 323 01 65 TORSION BAR Replaced with A 113 323 02 65 +1 A 110 323 04 85
[003] 043 UP TO CHASSIS 005164
   
A 113 323 02 65 TORSION BAR 22 MM DIA.
[004] 043 FROM CHASSIS 005165

For 113042 (no differentiation of market):

A 113 323 00 65 TORSION BAR Replaced with A 113 323 01 65

A 113 323 01 65 TORSION BAR Replaced with A 113 323 02 65 +1 A 110 323 04 85
Plant information: Until Chassis 0 05164
   
A 113 323 02 65 TORSION BAR FRONT 22 MM

Both front and rear springs had 3 part numbers for 113042, but just one for 113043 and 113044 - no info on chassis no. when chang ehappened.