This is an opinion based, seat of my pants review of the strut bar sold for the R129 by Wiechers. I purchased this strut bar off of fellow BenzWorld member rennwerkes after he attempted to install it on a M113 equipped R129 and didn't want to leave it on since it rubbed the airbox. First off I would not even consider installing this in the original red color just way too loud and clashes with everything in the engine bay. I was undecided between silver and black but since I had some hi-temp black caliper paint I used that and I think it makes it look much better in the engine bay.
This review is based on my R129 in which I am running a staggered set of 18" wheels with very sticky Dunlop SP Sport 01 Run Flat Summer tires measuring 245/40 fronts 275/35 rears, H&R Lowering springs on newish OEM shocks so your results may vary a little or a lot depending on your setup, so here goes:
Cons:
Will not fit M113 equipped R129s. (Unless you don't mind it rubbing against the airbox)
Will not fit ADS equipped R129s.
Will not fit M112 equipped R129s.
Hideous red color.
Can not remove airbox cover when fitted. (M119)
Mounts should come labeled left and right.
Pros:
Price
Easy to install 20 minutes at the most, no special tools needed.
Improves turn in response and eliminates alot of lateral movement.
Seems to evenly distribute irregularities in the road across the entire front suspension.
Slightly better steering feedback.
If you don't do any type of spirited driving, don't waste your money on this mod, go out an have a nice steak dinner. On the other hand if you like carving up some twisty roads and wish you could carry a little more speed into and out of corners then definitely get this bar you will be pleased with added lateral stiffness along with turn in response and you can really attack corners at a faster pace.
I had no clearance or rubbing issues. Bar has about 1/2" - 5/8" clearance above the airbox. I would like a bit more but not much room in that location to begin with as it is a very tight fit. I don't see any indentations on my hood pad (r129motoring pad, not OEM) or any markings on the airbox or underside of strut bar after one day and about a 30 mile test run.
For me this was worth the money especially since rennwerkes sold it to me at a very nice discount but after feeling the results I would pay the $150 asking price for the steel bar, I have no opinion on the aluminum version.
Again this a seat of my pants review I have no scientific data nor will I be obtaining any.
This review is based on my R129 in which I am running a staggered set of 18" wheels with very sticky Dunlop SP Sport 01 Run Flat Summer tires measuring 245/40 fronts 275/35 rears, H&R Lowering springs on newish OEM shocks so your results may vary a little or a lot depending on your setup, so here goes:
Cons:
Will not fit M113 equipped R129s. (Unless you don't mind it rubbing against the airbox)
Will not fit ADS equipped R129s.
Will not fit M112 equipped R129s.
Hideous red color.
Can not remove airbox cover when fitted. (M119)
Mounts should come labeled left and right.
Pros:
Price
Easy to install 20 minutes at the most, no special tools needed.
Improves turn in response and eliminates alot of lateral movement.
Seems to evenly distribute irregularities in the road across the entire front suspension.
Slightly better steering feedback.
If you don't do any type of spirited driving, don't waste your money on this mod, go out an have a nice steak dinner. On the other hand if you like carving up some twisty roads and wish you could carry a little more speed into and out of corners then definitely get this bar you will be pleased with added lateral stiffness along with turn in response and you can really attack corners at a faster pace.
I had no clearance or rubbing issues. Bar has about 1/2" - 5/8" clearance above the airbox. I would like a bit more but not much room in that location to begin with as it is a very tight fit. I don't see any indentations on my hood pad (r129motoring pad, not OEM) or any markings on the airbox or underside of strut bar after one day and about a 30 mile test run.
For me this was worth the money especially since rennwerkes sold it to me at a very nice discount but after feeling the results I would pay the $150 asking price for the steel bar, I have no opinion on the aluminum version.
Again this a seat of my pants review I have no scientific data nor will I be obtaining any.
