ride height... does someone have a definitive answer?

[Erics]

Gents, i am doing some improvements, modifications to my 1968 280sl.

It is sitting perfectly level which in itself is no small achievement (from what i hear from specialists).

However, i think it is running a touch on the low side. Particularly at the back.

Does someone know what are the exact measurements for a Euro car: middle of star (hubcap) to extremity of fender (vertical measurement). Preferably in centimeters (cm).

Thanks in advance,
Eric.

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Eric,
I notice that you have not had a definitive answer yet. I suggest you do a 'ride height' search here, where you will find the answers.
However, the things to look for first. The rear wheels are not supposed to squat, ie have negative camber. Check the factory specks, I think the rear camber should be positive 30 minutes plus or minus one degree. ( negative= squat and positive looks as if it is pinched in at the bottom)
So just a thumb suck, if the rear wheels seems to be 100% vertical and the door thresholds are level, you should be very close to having about 14 inches from the star to the fender. IIRC 14.5 in front and 13.5 rears.
Down load a free cell phone APP called Angle Pro which will give you a very handy 'cell phone inclinometer'
Regards
Chris

[Erics]

Thank you Chris, very kind. I did a search but was hoping to get measurments in cm or mm. I know it is easy to convert inches to cm, but sometimes the latter is more precise and the cars are German after all so there may have been precise euro metrics. I do know about rear camber. Would be good to have precise data in this too.

[cfm65@me.com]

Eric,
I am visiting in the UK for a few weeks and obviously not with my books and cars. 'Google' around and you are sure to find something and since I have taken the bait surely there will be someone more knowledgable to assist and correct me.
Correction to my rear axle camber, I think it should be 1.5* positive +/- .5 degrees. I know some guys set the rear slightly negative for more spirited driving. I rather prefer the proud stance iso a squat.
Re accuracy, I believe they are all a little bent and buckled by now and the star/fender height is but a guide.
I'll be home in about 2 weeks and will make a note to check and report back.
Chris

[Erics]

Eric,
I am visiting in the UK for a few weeks and obviously not with my books and cars. 'Google' around and you are sure to find something and since I have taken the bait surely there will be someone more knowledgable to assist and correct me.
Correction to my rear axle camber, I think it should be 1.5* positive +/- .5 degrees. I know some guys set the rear slightly negative for more spirited driving. I rather prefer the proud stance iso a squat.
Re accuracy, I believe they are all a little bent and buckled by now and the star/fender height is but a guide.
I'll be home in about 2 weeks and will make a note to check and report back.
Chris

Thank you kindly again Chris. I am looking over the web for metrics and pics.

Just had a look at the Brabus website. I know they are often criticized but the stance of their cars looks spot on.

I can appreciate the rear camber trust me, i had two classic fiat 500 and the pinch at the back is epic!

[68_white]

Just curious.  What size tires are you waring?

[Shvegel]

I just looked through the Big Blue Book (BBB) and there does not seem to be a ride height measurement per se.  The BBB gives test values for springs in free length and installed values as well as height change per 100 Kg load.  There is also a handy chart to help you select the proper rear upper rubber spacer based on spring coding and optional equipment(Auto trans, Power steering etc).

It looks like your best option would be to find a car that you like the stance of and measure it. 

Another suggestion is to start looking into front end alignment specifications.  Sometimes they give ride height information there.

[Erics]

Just curious.  What size tires are you waring?

I have the Michelin MXV P recommended for this car. Top of my head 185/14?

[Erics]

I just looked through the Big Blue Book (BBB) and there does not seem to be a ride height measurement per se.  The BBB gives test values for springs in free length and installed values as well as height change per 100 Kg load.  There is also a handy chart to help you select the proper rear upper rubber spacer based on spring coding and optional equipment(Auto trans, Power steering etc).

It looks like your best option would be to find a car that you like the stance of and measure it. 

Another suggestion is to start looking into front end alignment specifications.  Sometimes they give ride height information there.

Indeed, i sent the car to my knowledgeable mechanic who has both stock and restored sl's. We are measuring the cars which we believe have the correct stance.

[GGR]

Your car looks nice!

Indeed, the BBB does not give any ride height. Rather a camber value for the rear and a lower control arm angle for the front.

You need to make sure the bushing in the trunk and the pivot bushing on your axle are in good shape, as worn bushings will throw off your camber vs ride height relation. As mentioned earlier, camber in the back should be around 0. Check in the BBB, you may have to load the car with some weight before doing that adjustment.

In the front, you need a special tool the measure the angle of the lower control arm.

All the above is if you want your car to be perfectly up to factory specs.

In real life, as mentioned earlier, you may spot a Pagoda with a stance you like and duplicate it.

[stickandrudderman]

Does someone have a definitive answer?"

You mean apart from the one Mercedes Benz provide in their technical literature?

No.

[Erics]

You mean apart from the one Mercedes Benz provide in their technical literature?

No.

Hi Colin, rather criptic response. Care to share a bit more by any chance please?

[WRe]

Hi Eric,
maybe you can find an answer in this design drawing: http://w113.eu/Shop/zeichnung%201.jpg.
...WRe

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi again Eric,
We arrived home a few days ago.
The image WRe posted is not very clear, I dont know if you can read it.
I still don't have a definitive measurement and my car is by no means even close to perfect, but you asked for it. 350mm in front and 330 in the rear, that is star to fender.
Hopefully, you’ll get more replies.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[CraigD]

WRe,
That is a nice drawing.  Is there a way to get a high quality version of this somewhere?

[66andBlue]

Aren't all the dimensions that one needs on this drawing in the Technical Manual?
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/ChassisBody/Chassis

[mbzse]

That is a nice drawing.  Is there a way to get a high quality version of this somewhere?

Yes, certainly. You obtain it from the German Club Pagode shop. Contact Joachim Kazmierzak. You can write in English
http://slpagode.mercedes-benz-clubs.com/shop-2/#

[WRe]

Hi Eric,
you can get it here: http://w113.eu/Shop/Roadbook%20Shop.html. Roadbook is a well known memeber of the German Pagoda forum: http://www.pagodentreff.de and has a wonderful web side for Pagoda spanners: http://w113.eu.
Probably the same drawing as in the SL Club shop.
...WRe

[mbzse]

.../...Does someone know what are the exact [ride height] measurements for a Euro car ?

See this old Forum posting:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=16081.msg111797#msg111797

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

WRe,
That is a nice drawing.  Is there a way to get a high quality version of this somewhere?

The attachments may help you out.

Dieter