Does anyone know what the specific different parts are between the XF suspension and the SLK 320 suspension? Shocks? Springs? Anything else?


Will the SLK 320 parts fit on the XF?


Thanks

 

No difference at all.
SLK320 suspension parts interchangeable with N/A Crossfire
SLK32 AMG suspension parts interchangeable with SRT6

 

i have a set of slk32 eibach springs if you want to change yours out

 

Thanks for the responses. I'm actually trying to figure out how to make the car ride more smoothly. I drive on a paved but pretty rough road to my house, and it's getting tiresome.


I figured, maybe incorrectly, that the SLK would ride more smoothly than the XF, but if the springs and shocks are the same, then the only difference would seem to be the 18 and 19 inch rims, unless there is something else I'm missing.


Would you agree that the rim sizes are the main/only difference between the two, and so to get more of the SLK ride, the best and only way left would be to go to smaller rims on the XF?


Thanks in advance for your ideas.

 

not at all. the xfire/slk chassis is a very stiff chassis. the silk springs have said to be slightly softer than the xfire springs. shocks will also help with the ride. the koni adjustable will help some. swapping to 18" all around will help with sidewall height but will change the look and attitude of the car. remember the silk originally came with 17" rubber with a much taller sidewall

 

Thanks 32. I thought the SLK had 17's, and figured I could go to 17s front and 18s rear and they would fit the XF. I know they have to clear the calipers too, and would need spacers for offset. I'm trying to put all this together to do it right and not make a big and expensive mistake. Also, I'd go with taller tires in an effort to maintain as closely as possible to original ride height so it doesn't throw off the speedo and odo calibrations. I think adding a half inch of sidewall all the way around would make a noticeable difference.


But if I can gain some ride comfort with SLK shocks and springs, without having to modify suspension mountings connections etc, I might want to try that first before I mess with the look and stance of the car, as you suggest.


Any idea how I can verify the specific differences in SLK springs shocks to determine how much comparative "smoothness" that would gain over the stock XF shocks and springs? I know there are specs such as spring rates and shock dampening rates, but how do you find out what the specific ratings are for each cars spring/shock combo, and then if there are differences in the rates, how do you interpret the data about the rates to determine which would result in the smoother ride?


I'd rather not go through all the trouble to swap springs and shocks and then afterward find out there is little or no difference.

 

no info given anywhere on spring rates from factory. i have seen am springs sort springs and limited springs and visually the only difference is amg springs are marked eibach. the # of turns the height and coil thickness are all the same

you can change the height slightly with rubber springs pads and other than that cutting or trying the new stuff coilovers are about your only options

 

A 2003 SLK came with 205/55R16 front and 225/50/ZR16's in the rear.
In a comparison Road Test of the SLK 320 vs an 04 Crossfire, here's what Motor Trend had to say about their respective handling.

"The SLK 320 arrives with 16" wheels shod with Michelin Pilot HX MXM tires. Although it can't compete with the Crossfire in slalom or skidpad performance, the SLK's ride is more isolated and just feels more sophisticated despite the same, small 94.5-inch wheelbase. There's less tire slap and thump when encountering abrupt transitions and less tendency to porpoise. The Crossfire's tuning falls on the sporty side of the fence, while the SLK's is more luxurious.
Both cars share like-ratio recirculating-ball steering that feels sporty, but does not offer the light and agile feedback one might expect from such small cars. Also the two have identical brake components, but the Crossfire's wider and stickier tires help it stop shorter".

Installing this size tire will also make your car at least 3/10's faster in the 1/4 mile, will cost much less to replace, and will not have any effect on on your speedometer or odometer.

 

Thanks Fireamx. I've been reading old posts on this topic, and back in 2009 Lantana talked about changing the shocks to KYBs for an SLK230, and that it made an improvement in the ride.


So I'm going to go ahead and get the KYB SLK 230 shocks and see what they do. I can always put the SLK230 springs on the car if it needs more softening.


I just wonder if putting on shocks/springs for the SLK230-the engine of which is presumably lighter than the Crossfire's 6 cyl- would have any adverse effects. Any ideas about that anyone?


And I'm going to go to the Mandrus Wilhelm wheels, 17s front and either 17s or 18s rear, with the Hankook tires that according to Tirerack have the best ride. I'll use a size that gives as close a diameter to the original as is possible. The 17s and or 18s won't give the ride advantage that the 16s would, but I'd rather not vary too much from stock.


Thanks again for posting the MT review. Another post said that article was from the Dec 03 MT issue, so I'm going to try to find that back issue as well.

 

Personally, I wouldn't touch the suspension.
Just a small change in the the tires side wall can make a BIG change in the way the car rides.
If I was going to change the wheels anyway, I'd probably use a 45 or even a 50 series tire, as wide as would fit in the wheel well without rubbing, and go with a slightly taller tire.
I'm glad I'm OK with the way my "stock" 04 rides and handles, but I wouldn't mind saving money on different size tires. Good Luck.

 

230 shocks may not be what your looking for. since the slk230 had a small 4 cylinder engine the weight difference to the v6 may cause those shocks to bottom out. try some 320 if you don't want the amg version

 

AndyJ,
I'm in the same boat. Roads here are far from good, and a 45 min daily commute is taking its toll.

Here's what I've done so far:
1) Switched to Koni's all around and in the softest setting made a slight improvement
2) Larger tires in front (235/40/18) and it got much better

My problem is in the rear: tried fitting 275/35's and got a slight rubbing in the front wheel well when the wheels were off the ground; tire shop recommended against it. I can feel every bump in the road, and some of my friends with tuned cars agree that it's too much.

I'm debating between slk320 springs or if I find a set of Base/Limited springs for cheap, would be willing to try that route. I've been searching for Mercedes spring rates for quite some time with no luck.

I'll keep you posted

-R

 

Things have changed since 2009 (5 yrs ago). Sometime early last year, KYB introduced a Crossfire specific shock version. I believe they are valved slightly different then the SLK model (different P/N). See HERE:

http://www.kyboutlet.com/parts-for/?...ossfire-141187

Here's a thread where they were being tested before introduction:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...yb-shocks.html

FYI - I've had the SLK version KYBs on my '05 Limited for over 3 yrs w/ 235/40-18 & 275/35-19 during all 3 yrs with no problems whatsoever. Stock rims and springs and all is smooth going. The taller sidewalls make a nice difference in smoothness. Only mod is the DIY rear cambers & front M/B adjustable bolts. On my second set of General G-Maxs after getting over 42k on previous set.