The R230 Mercedes SL500 and SL55 AMG are engineering marvels, blending luxury with performance in a timeless design. But as these cars age, one component has proven to be a persistent headache for owners: the Active Body Control (ABC) system. Expensive to maintain and prone to failure, the factory hydraulic suspension often becomes a costly burden. That’s where VVK’s coilover conversion kit steps in, offering a permanent solution that not only eliminates the hassle but also delivers exceptional performance and handling.
Why Replace ABC with Coilovers?
The ABC system, while advanced for its time, is a ticking time bomb for many R230 owners. Each repair can cost thousands of dollars, and the issues tend to compound as the system ages. A coilover conversion replaces the entire hydraulic suspension with a simpler, more reliable setup. With VVK’s coilover kit, you’re not just replacing a faulty system; you’re upgrading your SL500 or SL55 to a suspension setup inspired by the legendary SL65 Black Series.
VVK’s Coilover Conversion Kit: A Complete Solution
VVK’s coilover kit is the premier choice for R230 owners because it’s more than just coilovers. This comprehensive package includes everything you need to make the transition seamless and effective:
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Full Coilover Suspension: Featuring 25-click simultaneous compression and rebound adjustment, you can fine-tune your ride to match your driving style, whether you prefer smooth cruising or aggressive cornering.
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Replacement Power Steering Pump: Eliminates the stock dual pump that feeds the ABC system, simplifying the hydraulic setup.
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Custom Front and Rear Sway Bars: Since the R230’s ABC suspension does not include sway bars, VVK’s kit provides custom-designed sway bars to ensure your car handles as well as the SL65 Black Series. The front sway bar even features two adjustment points for fine-tuning your handling.
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All Required Hardware: Ensuring a straightforward installation process.
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1-Year Limited Warranty: Providing peace of mind against manufacturing defects.
The Importance of Sway Bars for Proper Handling and Safety
Without sway bars, the suspension system of a vehicle is significantly compromised in its ability to manage body roll during cornering. This can lead to dangerous handling characteristics, especially when transitioning to coilovers. The sway bars play a critical role in maintaining balance by reducing the lateral weight transfer that occurs during sharp turns.
For cars like the R230, which were originally designed with the ABC system, the absence of sway bars makes the vehicle unstable when the hydraulic suspension is replaced with coilovers. By incorporating custom-designed sway bars into their coilover kit, VVK ensures that your car not only handles properly but also safely. These sway bars are tuned to match the increased stiffness and responsiveness of the coilovers, delivering a driving experience that is both predictable and confidence-inspiring—whether on a spirited canyon drive or at high speeds on the highway.
Street or Race: Choose Your Setup
VVK offers two versions of their coilover kit to cater to different driving needs:
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Street Version: Ideal for daily driving and grand touring, the Street version delivers a smooth yet responsive ride. The adjustable damping allows you to soften the suspension for relaxed cruising or dial it in for spirited driving.
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Race Version: Designed for track enthusiasts and aggressive canyon carving, the Race version features stiffer spring rates and enhanced valving. It’s perfect for widebody setups, low stances, and high-horsepower builds, giving you the confidence to push your car to the limit.
Custom Sway Bars: A Unique Feature
VVK’s kit stands out as the only coilover conversion on the market that includes custom sway bars. These sway bars are designed specifically for the R230 chassis, ensuring optimal handling and stability. This feature transforms the SL500 and SL55 AMG into precision-handling machines, comparable to the SL65 Black Series.
Engine Mounts: A Crucial Upgrade
For the best results, VVK recommends replacing your engine mounts when installing the coilover kit. The factory mounts often collapse with age, especially on high-horsepower models like the SL55. VVK suggests using Mercedes Black Series engine mounts (part number 2402400817) for improved durability and clearance. Without this upgrade, the sway bar may contact the oil pan, particularly on older vehicles with worn mounts.
Why Choose VVK?
VVK’s coilover conversion kit is meticulously engineered and hand-assembled in the USA. With a focus on precision and durability, this kit is built to last and transform your R230 into the car it was always meant to be. From the SL500 to the SL55 AMG, VVK has tailored their solution to meet the needs of every R230 owner.
Elevate Your SL500 or SL55 Today
The SL500 coilover conversion is more than a fix; it’s an upgrade that breathes new life into your Mercedes. Say goodbye to the headaches of ABC and hello to confident handling, improved performance, and the joy of driving a car that feels better than new.
Explore VVK’s coilover kit today and take the first step toward transforming your R230.
