Two SL 500 Beauties!! Can’t wait to get mine back on the pavement.. I definitely will be mentioning this to the mechanics along with several other of your videos once I do the coil over swap…
Maaate.... Sitting here with a set of new bt coilovers just thinking of what can go wrong when l install them on my e class. Thanks buddy the preload reference to springs moving was a nice reminder for me to check. And Mercedes being a different animal, yeah you got that right. It's worse than weddings. As soon as you mention Mercedes the price goes up. Then you realize the mechanic has never done this before. May as well learn myself rather than pay some prick to learn on my dime.
How can a professional shop put out work like that ??? That’s an accident ready to happen and then charge for it. Good job on finding this out then fixing it correctly.
Hey Brandon, I just discovered your channel. I love the info you give out! It seems hard-earned! I just bought a 2008 SL55 in the DC area and drove it home to North Carolina through a tropical storm. Wouldn’t you know it, the starter started dragging on the way home! I’m getting a Bosch reman starter, just waiting for it to arrive. I had a hard time pulling the trigger on $320 for a starter when there were no-name starters on eBay for $100. Welcome to the wonderful world of Mercedes! I haven’t looked through your channel completely yet (but I subscribed!), but I’m hoping you have a video on doing the rear brakes. I bought the car knowing it needed rear brakes, figuring I could handle that. Just waiting for parts on that. Everything else is tip top, and I got myself a 510hp hot rod for $30k. Not the greatest price, I know, but she is a beauty! And you can’t get any of the more desirable muscle car era cars for $30k, so, in a sense, it’s a steal. Anyway, I’m hoping to learn some things from you about how to care for my SL!
I’m late to respond…..my apologies. Thank you so much sir!!! I appreciate you for subscribing. And as you continue to maintain and care for your SL55, you’ll quickly discover why people who own them, LOVE them!!! That’s why my channel and many others are so important to the Mercedes community. We all need help from time to time. And the more we know, the more we all can grow. Thank you again and definitely enjoy! (I haven’t had to do my SL55 rear brakes yet, but when I do…..I’ll create videos) It’s temping to go with the cheaper starter. But remember how difficult it is to replace, so ask yourself…..do you really want to do it again sooner? I’ve used aftermarket starters on some cars. But not my personal AMGs. It’s very discretionary.
U said the magic word....THEY DO NOT WANT TO DO IT....they think you are turning a Benz into a camaro....fighting to get front shock ball joints out right now
Hey guy I got a 2004 SL500 looked at the site and saw there were options. I just want to do a simple swap and maybe the power steering pump. Do i need the extras or will the basic kit work?
I always love the way these SL look. I see so many on FB market place for sale with bad suspension. Are these cars reliable after you switch to coil overs?
Man that's bad 🥺 I've always done my own wrenching and I'm very particular and I've had some great mentors teach me over the years who are really high quality mechanics. This kind of work is just unbelievable. My CL500 is great on coilovers, this is just shit. 🙈
hi me again from the UK very bad workman ship ! having mine done by a very good company demon tweeks well known in the UK jusy waiting for them to be made to order then put a better grill on like yours ! PS like the wheels !
I wish I had the money to get ur coilovers cause my girlfriends cl500 wrecked and I wanna switch to coilovers so we don’t have to worry about air suspension
I'm flirting with a 1994 Mercedes Benz SL600 that has a blow suspension. I see a lot of your coil over kits on your site are for 1999 and up. Do any of the kits fit older models like the 94'?
I just installed the silver neomax kit on my 03 SL55 but I have a few questions. Are you adjusting the preload before you install the coilovers? With the rears installed, it is damn near impossible to adjust the preload due to the body. The front looks simple but not the rear. Wondering if I can set the preload and then install the coilovers and adjust the height as needed. Or do I need to adjust the height first, then adjust the preload?
I now adjust the preload and height prior to installation. Because yes, the rear is hard to reach up inside. To access the rear, I use a long flat head screw driver and a hammer to tighten and loosen the preload collar. Watch one of my videos for tips. By the way, I adjust the length 1 inch front and back from this videos guide. ua-cam.com/video/g22Ac-eEcyE/v-deo.htmlsi=LLQn_pdbgJ5nIZV6
@@goldelementautoworks I assume you have to play around with the coilovers when setting the height. then once you get the correct height, you then set the preload?
@@goldelementautoworks thanks for the advice. Installed mine last week using your 1 inch recommendation and the height seems perfect when the car is on the ground. Have yet to drive it but thanks again.
I’m currently interested in a model that has all the android capabilities regarding internet, car information and endless features. I’m trying to determine the best quality models. A friend of mine has the nicest one I’ve seen.
I’ve never needed to get an alignment afterwards. And no coilover swaps that I’ve done for others, altered their alignment. Did you do the installation or did you pay someone to do it?
@goldelementautoworks I had a shop do it. The ride is nice and it sits great it just the the pull to the right Going to take it to an alignment shop and see what they can do. Thanks for your help
@@mauricemalone6717 As long as your adjustments are even on each side, coilovers should make no difference. If it were extremely low, then the camber may be effected. Normal height, the cars geometry knows no difference. It’s likely something the shop did during installation. Possibly. Let me know how it turns out.
"Sir can you send me a picture of the ABC fuse under the hood? To defeat ABC light on dash, remove ABC fuse from fuse box under hood" or a good fuse diagram that highlights all the functions of each fuse in the vehicle i have a 2003 SL 500....
Unskilled hacks. That is what you get when you try and save money. Go to a certified MB technician and pay them well. They will be careful and do an accurate and thorough job. Whoever did that install was a mechanic not a technician.
I don’t sell the bypass module. But I recommend removal of the abc fuse, drivers side engine compartment…….02-06 SL. That gets rid of the red ABC light permanently. The white light will come on at startup but can be cleared with the steering wheel menu button. The 07-11 has to be cleared by either the module or getting ABC removed from the SAM unit using Mercedes STAR diagnostics. That permanently removes both red and white ABC light.
I have never heard of anything remotely related to such a statement. If that were the case……Mercedes owes back billions of dollars that they’ve ‘taken’ from SL owners who have paid out of pocket for ABC repairs.
@@goldelementautoworks I'm trying to recall where I saw/heard/read about it? I tried Google, but they list the sbc unit to have an extended 25 year warranty.
@@goldelementautoworks maybe I dreamed it? I'd luv a 2005 SL55 supercharged! But like they say, if you can't afford a new Merc, you definitely can't afford an old Merc!
@@terrystratford1235 😂😂😂😂 You can do it bro. There’s some great affordable ways to keep these beautiful cars on the road. You just have to think outside the box (dealership).
Also make sure to add swaybars from the 350, because the 500 with ABC don't come with them from factory. Also make sure to install a loop to the ABC pump or swap to pump to the no ABC version. Best Option in my book is to just repair the ABC and keep it. But I understand that this might be too much money for some.
Nice. Thorough. Expensive. You’re paying extra for what you don’t necessarily need in order to have a great and excellent handling ride. The swaybars are a nice touch if you are determined to have them. But not absolutely necessary. And the coilovers are over priced. But good quality. I recommend Silvers Neomax. For the cost and quality.
@@goldelementautoworks I got the 07 55amg and the ABC has been really good to me bht I'm always thinking about it failing so I'm looking for some ideas on coilover. I appreciate you and love the way you explain everything your doing in the videos. God bless.
Cost of coilovers and pump after tax…….approximately $1400. My labor cost is $2000. Removal of all abc components, installation and adjustment. Free consultation is included after the process.
it’s funny but if you pay 1/3 more than you pay for less than perfect coil over,you’ll have a much better ride. Parts are so much cheaper now struts for 350 not 1500 labor 200 . Tandem pump 450 rebuilt and labor 2k. Total for the correct system with a much better ride $4500-5500. How much your total cost for coil over conversion and a less than perfect ride going into a corner.
And you’ve just spent $4500-5500 and it will fail again. Once a line goes or your rebuilt pump fails, you may cause additional damage to a compromised system before you realize that fluid is expelling, red light is on again, and your car has sunken down while you’re traveling out of town or on a local cruise/date. Never again with a coilovwr conversion. How expensive is that? How inconvenient is that?
@@goldelementautoworks not true I own a 2002 cl600 I’ve own since 2005 I still drive it no problem. Added a magnetic filter. Keeps lines clean. I also replaced my struts only once and my tandem pump only once. I’m actual proof ,I know the cost back in the early 2000 to 2010 where crazy but there so much cheaper now.
@@MichaelJwolf1984 I understand. But understand that most owners do not have the resources or local shops to care for their cars at an affordable price. Most Mercedes owners do not do their own work. So it is costly for most.
For one…..the SL doesn’t offer airmatic. They either come with Active Body Control or coilovers factory. Yes….Mercedes offers coilover factory. And secondly…..Airmatic is a simplistic pneumatic suspension that will always fail eventually. It’s ok and feels good. But people often sell their Mercedes with Airmatic suspension problems because they’re tired of Mercedes cost to repair and they don’t know anyone who can do so reasonably. Now if you meant to make reference to ABC instead of Airmatic…..the evidence speaks for itself. More and more people are converting over because the common failure is not worth the headache. Most of these cars are 2-4th owner vehicles. Neglected and in need of very expensive maintenance. There is no simple solution to maintaining ABC. A very complex system. And most owners are not mechanics. They buy them to drive often. Not repair more often.
I’m sorry. But strutmaster is in no way better than these. I’ve personally installed and used strutmaster on a personal Mercedes. I’ve also installed and used over 30 plus adjustable coilover applications. Strutmaster is non adjustable, leaves your car uneven, unsettled and poor handling under extreme driving conditions. And they cost either the same or more than Silver’s Neomax. Your statement is misplaced, respectfully. Strutmaster is better for large trucks and suvs.
Two SL 500 Beauties!! Can’t wait to get mine back on the pavement.. I definitely will be mentioning this to the mechanics along with several other of your videos once I do the coil over swap…
Good deal!👍🏾
I’m showing my mechanic these vids too😂
Oh my, this is actually shocking. This could have resulted in death!! thank goodness you fixed this.
Yes indeed! Very dangerous.
Maaate....
Sitting here with a set of new bt coilovers just thinking of what can go wrong when l install them on my e class. Thanks buddy the preload reference to springs moving was a nice reminder for me to check. And Mercedes being a different animal, yeah you got that right. It's worse than weddings. As soon as you mention Mercedes the price goes up. Then you realize the mechanic has never done this before. May as well learn myself rather than pay some prick to learn on my dime.
Car looks amazing!
How can a professional shop put out work like that ??? That’s an accident ready to happen and then charge for it.
Good job on finding this out then fixing it correctly.
damn that SL is a beauty! ive never really liked silver but that one pulls it off amazingly with those wheels!
Wow 😯 great catch
Thanks bro!
Hey Brandon, I just discovered your channel. I love the info you give out! It seems hard-earned! I just bought a 2008 SL55 in the DC area and drove it home to North Carolina through a tropical storm. Wouldn’t you know it, the starter started dragging on the way home! I’m getting a Bosch reman starter, just waiting for it to arrive. I had a hard time pulling the trigger on $320 for a starter when there were no-name starters on eBay for $100. Welcome to the wonderful world of Mercedes! I haven’t looked through your channel completely yet (but I subscribed!), but I’m hoping you have a video on doing the rear brakes. I bought the car knowing it needed rear brakes, figuring I could handle that. Just waiting for parts on that. Everything else is tip top, and I got myself a 510hp hot rod for $30k. Not the greatest price, I know, but she is a beauty! And you can’t get any of the more desirable muscle car era cars for $30k, so, in a sense, it’s a steal. Anyway, I’m hoping to learn some things from you about how to care for my SL!
I’m late to respond…..my apologies. Thank you so much sir!!! I appreciate you for subscribing. And as you continue to maintain and care for your SL55, you’ll quickly discover why people who own them, LOVE them!!! That’s why my channel and many others are so important to the Mercedes community. We all need help from time to time. And the more we know, the more we all can grow. Thank you again and definitely enjoy! (I haven’t had to do my SL55 rear brakes yet, but when I do…..I’ll create videos) It’s temping to go with the cheaper starter. But remember how difficult it is to replace, so ask yourself…..do you really want to do it again sooner? I’ve used aftermarket starters on some cars. But not my personal AMGs. It’s very discretionary.
This is totally unacceptable!!
Whoever did that job needs a knuckle sandwich for lunch. I love your videos Brandon.Keep up the good work.
😂😂😂Thank you very much!
The shop is very lucky that this is your video and not my video. I would have mentioned their name and included a picture of their shop.
😂😂😂
Very good info
Thank you!
Seems like you could make extra $$ by setting up the coil overs with a standard height+pre-load since you can’t trust shops to do it right…
already replaced 3 struts ,lines,top lock,......got them silvers in a box......the war is on
Good job! Keep us posted.
U said the magic word....THEY DO NOT WANT TO DO IT....they think you are turning a Benz into a camaro....fighting to get front shock ball joints out right now
@@kenrussell7348 Yeah man. Get a heavy hammer and the correct size fork ball joint separator and hammer away. It’ll give.
Ok, I just bought myself a 2004 E500 4matic wagon. Love to switch the air ride out so I can travel without any worries. Any recommendations?
Hey guy
I got a 2004 SL500 looked at the site and saw there were options. I just want to do a simple swap and maybe the power steering pump. Do i need the extras or will the basic kit work?
I always love the way these SL look. I see so many on FB market place for sale with bad suspension. Are these cars reliable after you switch to coil overs?
Yes, very reliable. If in the right hands, and if maintained properly….very reliable. Motors and transmission is bulletproof.
I want tou to know i did the neomax on my sons 500 and used your settings. Honestly i think it rides better then my sl55 with abc
OH WOW!!!! I am so happy to hear this. Thank you!👌🏾
Left loosey, righty tighty on that coilover. 👊
😂👌🏾
Man that's bad 🥺 I've always done my own wrenching and I'm very particular and I've had some great mentors teach me over the years who are really high quality mechanics.
This kind of work is just unbelievable. My CL500 is great on coilovers, this is just shit. 🙈
Yeah man……I was really disappointed in their shoddy work.
I need a coilovers for 2008 cl63 amg !?
What rims are those on the SL in question? Also what settings for the struts do u have on yours? I plan on coilover swapping my W221 S Class
He said in a previous comment "Fondmetal KV-1" I like them too. Sweet.
hi me again from the UK very bad workman ship ! having mine done by a very good company demon tweeks well known in the UK jusy waiting for them to be made to order then put a better grill on like yours ! PS like the wheels !
I do appreciate you bro! Thank you! Keep us updated with your progress.
@@goldelementautoworks good news got a date for my work to start 3rd of may ! i,ll keep in touch !
@@terryburns2290 Good job!
Shocking what passes for paid work. Everything must be checked before writing the check.
Correct. You have to be careful out here. And this was a reputable shop.
I wish I had the money to get ur coilovers cause my girlfriends cl500 wrecked and I wanna switch to coilovers so we don’t have to worry about air suspension
We offer Afterpay. That allows you to break up the payments but receive the coilovers in the meantime.
@@goldelementautoworks how would I go about that like if u could make a video on it or a short that would be great
Looks like the video premieres in 34 days, April 20th
Yes sir. 😂
I'm flirting with a 1994 Mercedes Benz SL600 that has a blow suspension. I see a lot of your coil over kits on your site are for 1999 and up. Do any of the kits fit older models like the 94'?
I’ll look into it…..
I just installed the silver neomax kit on my 03 SL55 but I have a few questions. Are you adjusting the preload before you install the coilovers? With the rears installed, it is damn near impossible to adjust the preload due to the body. The front looks simple but not the rear. Wondering if I can set the preload and then install the coilovers and adjust the height as needed. Or do I need to adjust the height first, then adjust the preload?
I now adjust the preload and height prior to installation. Because yes, the rear is hard to reach up inside. To access the rear, I use a long flat head screw driver and a hammer to tighten and loosen the preload collar. Watch one of my videos for tips. By the way, I adjust the length 1 inch front and back from this videos guide.
ua-cam.com/video/g22Ac-eEcyE/v-deo.htmlsi=LLQn_pdbgJ5nIZV6
@@goldelementautoworks I assume you have to play around with the coilovers when setting the height. then once you get the correct height, you then set the preload?
@@cevans6318ify correct.
@@goldelementautoworks thanks for the advice. Installed mine last week using your 1 inch recommendation and the height seems perfect when the car is on the ground. Have yet to drive it but thanks again.
@@cevans6318ify You are more than welcome!
Any recommendation for Bluetooth head unit/radio
I’m currently interested in a model that has all the android capabilities regarding internet, car information and endless features. I’m trying to determine the best quality models. A friend of mine has the nicest one I’ve seen.
do you need an alignment after a coilover swap is done? my alignment was great but after the swap i have a pull to the right when driving.
I’ve never needed to get an alignment afterwards. And no coilover swaps that I’ve done for others, altered their alignment. Did you do the installation or did you pay someone to do it?
@goldelementautoworks I had a shop do it. The ride is nice and it sits great it just the the pull to the right
Going to take it to an alignment shop and see what they can do. Thanks for your help
@@mauricemalone6717 As long as your adjustments are even on each side, coilovers should make no difference. If it were extremely low, then the camber may be effected. Normal height, the cars geometry knows no difference. It’s likely something the shop did during installation. Possibly. Let me know how it turns out.
@goldelementautoworks ok thank u. I will get the shop to check
@@mauricemalone6717 No problem. You’re welcome.
"Sir can you send me a picture of the ABC fuse under the hood? To defeat ABC light on dash, remove ABC fuse from fuse box under hood" or a good fuse diagram that highlights all the functions of each fuse in the vehicle i have a 2003 SL 500....
ua-cam.com/video/OR-KN9To9Lc/v-deo.html
www.mercedesmedic.com/sl-class-r230-fuse-chart/
thankyou
How much is the normal price for an installation on one of these kits?
I charge $2200 for 01-06. $2500 for 07-11
I have the same car with the same issues. How do I get in touch with you
Call or text 513-967-8079 www.goldelementautoworks.com
Could You please tell us, in Your opinion, what is the best tension position when You like to drive comfortably? Thanks
Are you referring to dampening settings?
Yes please
where are you located. i definitely need this swap out
Cincinnati, Ohio. You?
Unskilled hacks. That is what you get when you try and save money. Go to a certified MB technician and pay them well. They will be careful and do an accurate and thorough job. Whoever did that install was a mechanic not a technician.
Mines won't start because I've told it has a bad TRP. What the hell is a TRP?
Theft- Relevant Parts ?
What's are wheel specs stance looks proper
Thank you! Fondmetal KV-1
@@goldelementautoworks much appreciated
Where can i buy the bypass module
I don’t sell the bypass module. But I recommend removal of the abc fuse, drivers side engine compartment…….02-06 SL. That gets rid of the red ABC light permanently. The white light will come on at startup but can be cleared with the steering wheel menu button. The 07-11 has to be cleared by either the module or getting ABC removed from the SAM unit using Mercedes STAR diagnostics. That permanently removes both red and white ABC light.
He didn’t lock the collars!
What is the link to buy the Coilovers?
www.goldelementautoworks.com/product-page/sm3011-silver-s-neomax-coilover-kit-mercedes-sl-class-r230-03-11-1
What kind of rims are those??
Blaque Diamond BD15
That's terrible I've installed at least 15 sets of coilovers. I've done coil swaps on 3 mercedes that's crazy they let customer leave like that.
Manuel are you near Houston?
@@alo4150 no I'm in nj
@@Mlive722 Ok thanks I'm in Houston
Yeah….that’s pitiful!
I'm understanding that Merc have a 25 year warranty on the abc and sbc! So if It fails,when it fails, take to Merc and they'll fix it under warranty!
I have never heard of anything remotely related to such a statement. If that were the case……Mercedes owes back billions of dollars that they’ve ‘taken’ from SL owners who have paid out of pocket for ABC repairs.
@@goldelementautoworks I'm trying to recall where I saw/heard/read about it? I tried Google, but they list the sbc unit to have an extended 25 year warranty.
@@terrystratford1235 That’s the only thing Mercedes covers.
@@goldelementautoworks maybe I dreamed it? I'd luv a 2005 SL55 supercharged! But like they say, if you can't afford a new Merc, you definitely can't afford an old Merc!
@@terrystratford1235 😂😂😂😂 You can do it bro. There’s some great affordable ways to keep these beautiful cars on the road. You just have to think outside the box (dealership).
hey buddy whats the offset on those wheels?
ET18 and ET30
Also make sure to add swaybars from the 350, because the 500 with ABC don't come with them from factory. Also make sure to install a loop to the ABC pump or swap to pump to the no ABC version. Best Option in my book is to just repair the ABC and keep it. But I understand that this might be too much money for some.
Whats ur thoughts on the vvk coilover?
Nice. Thorough. Expensive. You’re paying extra for what you don’t necessarily need in order to have a great and excellent handling ride. The swaybars are a nice touch if you are determined to have them. But not absolutely necessary. And the coilovers are over priced. But good quality. I recommend Silvers Neomax. For the cost and quality.
www.goldelementautoworks.com/product-page/sm3011-silver-s-neomax-coilover-kit-mercedes-sl-class-r230-03-11-1
@@goldelementautoworks I got the 07 55amg and the ABC has been really good to me bht I'm always thinking about it failing so I'm looking for some ideas on coilover. I appreciate you and love the way you explain everything your doing in the videos. God bless.
What’s yo website how
Much is the conversion I need it
www.goldelementautoworks.com
www.goldelementautoworks.com/product-page/sm3011-silver-s-neomax-coilover-kit-mercedes-sl-class-r230-03-11-1
Cost of coilovers and pump after tax…….approximately $1400. My labor cost is $2000. Removal of all abc components, installation and adjustment. Free consultation is included after the process.
Good looking I can do the installation...I wanted to see the pricing for the strut
are they 19 inch alloys ?
No 20x10
what wheels are they?
Fondmetal KV-1
it’s funny but if you pay 1/3 more than you pay for less than perfect coil over,you’ll have a much better ride. Parts are so much cheaper now struts for 350 not 1500 labor 200 . Tandem pump 450 rebuilt and labor 2k. Total for the correct system with a much better ride $4500-5500. How much your total cost for coil over conversion and a less than perfect ride going into a corner.
And you’ve just spent $4500-5500 and it will fail again. Once a line goes or your rebuilt pump fails, you may cause additional damage to a compromised system before you realize that fluid is expelling, red light is on again, and your car has sunken down while you’re traveling out of town or on a local cruise/date. Never again with a coilovwr conversion. How expensive is that? How inconvenient is that?
@@goldelementautoworks not true I own a 2002 cl600 I’ve own since 2005 I still drive it no problem. Added a magnetic filter. Keeps lines clean. I also replaced my struts only once and my tandem pump only once. I’m actual proof ,I know the cost back in the early 2000 to 2010 where crazy but there so much cheaper now.
@@MichaelJwolf1984 I understand. But understand that most owners do not have the resources or local shops to care for their cars at an affordable price. Most Mercedes owners do not do their own work. So it is costly for most.
He need to go back and get a refund asap.
Airmatic isnt that bad. Coilswaps is a waste of the character of the car.
For one…..the SL doesn’t offer airmatic. They either come with Active Body Control or coilovers factory. Yes….Mercedes offers coilover factory. And secondly…..Airmatic is a simplistic pneumatic suspension that will always fail eventually. It’s ok and feels good. But people often sell their Mercedes with Airmatic suspension problems because they’re tired of Mercedes cost to repair and they don’t know anyone who can do so reasonably. Now if you meant to make reference to ABC instead of Airmatic…..the evidence speaks for itself. More and more people are converting over because the common failure is not worth the headache. Most of these cars are 2-4th owner vehicles. Neglected and in need of very expensive maintenance. There is no simple solution to maintaining ABC. A very complex system. And most owners are not mechanics. They buy them to drive often. Not repair more often.
My Strut Masters are way better than these struts, less money.
I’m sorry. But strutmaster is in no way better than these. I’ve personally installed and used strutmaster on a personal Mercedes. I’ve also installed and used over 30 plus adjustable coilover applications. Strutmaster is non adjustable, leaves your car uneven, unsettled and poor handling under extreme driving conditions. And they cost either the same or more than Silver’s Neomax. Your statement is misplaced, respectfully. Strutmaster is better for large trucks and suvs.