[socalapproach]

I would really appreciate some feedback on the lowered sport suspension as opposed to the standard suspension. Is the ride noticeably smoother without the lowered sport and does cornering feel much different as well? I am also a bit concerned about the car being 3/4 of an inch closer to the road. I have seen some pics posted here where the scratches make you say 'OUCH'.
Thanks all.

 

[garycourtland]

My car has the standard suspension, which is still fairly firm, but not punishing. I have not driven the R171 SLK with the sport or AMG suspension, but I rode in my son's R170 SLK with sport suspension (and really low sidewall tires) a couple of years ago. It was very uncomfortable and I could not see driving in a car with suspension that firm for any great distance, or even very often.

 

[masmole]

My car is one of the firmest-riding cars I've owned. It can be downright punishing on larger ruts and bumps common on city streets but oddly enough, small imperfections on the highway are nicely managed. 18" wheels probably don't help the ride much either but definitely still not as hard as a 996 or E46 M3 which is fine with me. If this car were to be a daily driver, I don't think I can live with this suspension. Fortunately, it's not.

 

[drgates]

I have a 350 with lowered suspension and 18" wheels which I drive daily. I live in an area that has relatively bad roads, i.e., they ain't been repaired in a long time. Even in these conditions I don't find the ride too rough. I love the car and it handles like a dream. I haven't been bothered by speed bumps either, but I do have to use caution. I haven't had that many miles on a regular setup so I really can't compare the two, however, if I were to do it again, I'd get the same setup.

 

[Duo-Art]

I drove a demo car with the sport suspension and I found it to be uncomfortable. I ordered my car with the standard suspension which I find a lot more comfortable. It handles great.

 

[fgwinn]

If I could have gotten the sport package without the sport suspension as available in Europe, I would have taken that option. I like the appearance of the SLK350 w/AMG Package, but I would prefer the softer ride and higher ground clearance offered by the regular suspension.

 

[malibuite]

I, too, drove a demo with the Sport Suspension and did not like the firmer ride so ordered the standard suspension. I also prefer the look of the car without the AMG kit.

 

[Julien]

I had an S-2000 before so the SLK w/Sports Suspension "rides like a Cadillac". I would not have the car without it. Even with the Sports Suspension it still does not handle near as well an my S did. You need to ask yourself what is more important a softer cushiony ride or more road feel and response?

 

[Gatecrash]

I choose SLK350/AMG than SLK55 because I prefer ride SLK with standard suspension (Yes I have SLK350 with AMG bodykit and standard suspesion). Before my present SLK I have old R170 with AMG suspesion and I don't do this mistake again. [8)]

I wish that SLK R171 had airmatic suspesion (as option) [8)]

 

[socalapproach]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Very helpful. May all those sweet rides live ding free!

 

[SIlver_Lana]

Gatecrash - 2/2/2005 11:31 AM

I choose SLK350/AMG than SLK55 because I prefer ride SLK with standard suspension (Yes I have SLK350 with AMG bodykit and standard suspesion). Before my present SLK I have old R170 with AMG suspesion and I don't do this mistake again. [8)]

I wish that SLK R171 had airmatic suspesion (as option) [8)]

Although an attractive thought, it would simply be too heavy for a car like this.
There are many times I wished for it when i try to get the car washed. []