SLK Shocks

[alexcollett]

My 1997 SLK wallows to an uncomfortable degree. I have taken it to my local independent (Kings of Cardiff) and asked them to check the shocks but they say that they are fine and that it is a characteristic of the car. Does anyone else have this problem or is it specific to my car and due to some other problem?

 

[Blobcat]

Hi, Is this a new problem? What wheels / Tyres are fitted and what is the mileage?
The SLK is not an out and out sportscar (SLinKyjoe's '55 excepted) so has more of the standard Mercedes handling than something like a Boxster or Z3.

 

[alexcollett]

I've had it a year and its always been there. Just had a look - the tyres are All Nankang EX500s 225/50 R16 except the offside rear which is a Pirelli P6000.

 

[Blobcat]

If the problem has always been there what has made you decide now to try and fix it? Not having driven your car I cannot comment on if it is normal, however from what you have written it does seem normal.
You could look at upgrading the springs and shockers, fitting the AMG specification suspension.

 

[alexcollett]

It's something I meant to do from the start but haven't cos when I took it for its first service at the local garage they said that there was nothing wrong with it. Guess I'll see what the AMG shocks are like, or buy a Boxster.

 

[angus falconer]

My 1997 SLK wallows to an uncomfortable degree. I have taken it to my local independent (Kings of Cardiff) and asked them to check the shocks but they say that they are fine and that it is a characteristic of the car. Does anyone else have this problem or is it specific to my car and due to some other problem?

I have 1999 AMG C class (same chassis) on 62,000 miles and the damping is very tight - hit some big undulations when fully loaded at *ahem* 70mph on the way back from Dorset at the weekend and not a trace of wallow.

So I would suggest that either your car has done a much higher mileage and the dampers are shot or the standard dampers are weak anyway.

(anyone I know who has bought a Merc, BMW or Audi has always gone for the "sports" suspension or whatever the manufacturer calls it)