Koni Classic Adjustable Shocks

[JimVillers]

I just received a pair of Koni Classic Adjustable front shocks for my 230SL (80-1415).  I ordered them from http://www.koni-na.com/index.cfm, they cost $213 per pair with delivery in 2-3 days on the east coast.  

I searched this site and could not find a thread about anyone testing different shock settings.  Has anyone experimented with these Koni shocks?

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

[Cees Klumper]

Jim, I believe you may have a first here. I don't recall ever seeing posts on this or other sites on Koni's.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[George Davis]

Jim and Cees,

Koni's have come up from time to time, but no one has played with the different settings as far as I know; I know I haven't.  I have mine set on the first (softest) setting and am happy with that.  My bias is toward comfortable touring.  The ride is comfortable, and I would describe this setting as slightly underdamped.  Not sloppy underdamped, it's more that I think I feel just the slightest hint of one extra oscillation after going over certain bumps.  One of these days I plan to try the second setting, but other things are higher priority right now.

Jim, I seem to recall that you have progressive rate springs and perhaps are inclined toward sportier performance?  If so, you might want to start with the second setting.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[JimVillers]

George .... I have progressive springs in my 190SL with Koni adjustable shocks.  I am planning to install slightly stiffer front springs in my 230SL a week or so.  The stock spring rate is 250 lb/in and I will be trying 300 lb/in springs.  John Olson's progressive springs are even stiffer, about 350 lb/in progressing to 400 lb/in.  I'll be at Joe Alexander's in three weeks and I am hoping to have them installed before then.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

[norton]

I have Koni's on my 71, along with progressive springs, My settings are 3 in the front. This gave the car good turn in, helped with brake dive, and gave a firm but not jarring ride. The car seemed to like the rear being softer, so I set it at 2.
    I did try the higher settings, 5 on the front and 3 on the rear. This might be good for autocross or a track day, but on the street you'll feel every crack in the road, and the rear end dances a bit over bumps.


Mike Halleck
Chesterfield Mi
71 280SL
68 250SL (parts car)
94 E320 Coupe

[German Dude]

I am in the process of replacing my Konis since they are old and worn out. What I like about Konis is that they give lifetime guarantee for their product. Of course, you need to show proof of purchase which I can't since they were installed when I bought the car, but my KONI guy told me he would check and see what he could do for me.

For those of you thinking about putting in new shocks: Get Koni and you are set for the rest of your life. You won't regret it, because Koni delivers superior quality.

In my younger days I replaced the shocks on my Honda CX 500 with Konis - it made all the difference in the world. They went bad once - I went to Koni and came home with a brand new set - for free.

Juergen
64 230SL #2933, 4sp, signal red, white hard top
93 Citroen XM station wagon

[norton]

Jim I just reread your post, You say your using the "Koni Classic" shocks, are these the black shocks? I'm using the yellow colored Koni's. I don't know if the info I posted is good for the black Koni's.

Mike Halleck
Chesterfield Mi
71 280SL
68 250SL (parts car)
94 E320 Coupe

[JimVillers]

Mike ... Yes, they are the balck shocks.  They do not have number settings, just degrees of twist; 0-720.  I understood the meaning of your post.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

[JimVillers]

I installed 300 lb/inch front springs (verses 250 lb/in stock) and Kong adjustable front shocks on Tuesday.  The changes were significant.  The car feels stiffer but not harsh, brake dive is reduced, as is the roll on cornering.  I might have the shocks adjusted a little too stiff as the car feels many small road variations.  The way the shock sits outside of the spring, it is easy to adjust but it has just been too hot to do those types of tasks.  It took about 3 to 4 hours to fit the springs, install the shocks, replace the front pads and grease the front suspension.  I can discuss the job and show springs and shocks at Joe's next week.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor