I'd venture to say that the SLS system is better for sheer comfort (diplomat-in-the-back-seat ride), although handling on the twisties is sacrificed somewhat compared to the standard springs/shocks found on the 420. The SEL cars are also less agile than the SE cars, but they were really meant for the diplomats anyway. I really love being able to put four adults and all luggage into the trunk and have the car sit just as nicely as when I'm in it alone. It's not often I do this, but when I do, I smile when my passengers compliment the ride.
420 SEL vs 560 SEL suspension
Thank you to everyone who has posted on subjects relating to 560 SEL rear suspension. I have spent the morning reading through as many posts as I could search for, although I am sure I missed some - so apologies if any of this is redundant or mistaken: Your advice is appreciated: Background I have my W126 420SEL, which ride well. I am looking to purchase a 560 SEL. I have test driven a 1987 which I like although the rear suspension needs work. It's ride at the back is hard. From the posts I have read via the search engine, the accumulators obviously are an item that wears and need replacing, also the newer thicker bushings and setting up the system correctly along with new fluids.
Here are my questions:
1. When the suspensions on both models are set up totally correctly is the 560 SEL still a harder (or noisier) ride than the 420, as some have suggested? That seems unlikely from a design point of view - as my gut tells me if they went to these lengths to design it that way on the higher end model, surely when its *right* it should be excellent and superior to the 420? (remember I have a 420 and love it, so not being negative)
2. Given some posters have taken their 560s' in and had mechanics say 'it's not that' and yet, then when they go ahead and do 'that' anyway (e.g. replace with the thicker bushings) the problem is solved - I think it might be sensible, on a say 100k mileage 560 SEL, just to go ahead and replace the bushings and the accumulators - assuming so, at an excellent independent (not a MB dealer), using only MB parts and replacing the fluids and setting up the system correctly (assuming no other parts are required) would one get any change from $500 US or $700? - on bushings, accumulators, fluid?
By way of background I have a health challenge that means I hate noise and stimulus, so a smooth and quiet ride is a significant priority for me: Hence my questons regarding whether the 420 is always a softer/ quieter ride than the 560 and assuming its not
o) to get those parts mentioned addressed responsibly, the cost...
Any other information about the difference in ride (and noise) between the two models would be very much appreciated. I intend to put the 560 I am looking at into a PPi on Monday. Many thanks for this terrific resource:thumbsup:
Here are my questions:
1. When the suspensions on both models are set up totally correctly is the 560 SEL still a harder (or noisier) ride than the 420, as some have suggested? That seems unlikely from a design point of view - as my gut tells me if they went to these lengths to design it that way on the higher end model, surely when its *right* it should be excellent and superior to the 420? (remember I have a 420 and love it, so not being negative)
2. Given some posters have taken their 560s' in and had mechanics say 'it's not that' and yet, then when they go ahead and do 'that' anyway (e.g. replace with the thicker bushings) the problem is solved - I think it might be sensible, on a say 100k mileage 560 SEL, just to go ahead and replace the bushings and the accumulators - assuming so, at an excellent independent (not a MB dealer), using only MB parts and replacing the fluids and setting up the system correctly (assuming no other parts are required) would one get any change from $500 US or $700? - on bushings, accumulators, fluid?
By way of background I have a health challenge that means I hate noise and stimulus, so a smooth and quiet ride is a significant priority for me: Hence my questons regarding whether the 420 is always a softer/ quieter ride than the 560 and assuming its not
o) to get those parts mentioned addressed responsibly, the cost...Any other information about the difference in ride (and noise) between the two models would be very much appreciated. I intend to put the 560 I am looking at into a PPi on Monday. Many thanks for this terrific resource:thumbsup:
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1 - 1 of 10 Posts
