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6.9 vs 560SEL - esp handling and suspension

Started by s class, 21 October 2007, 04:39 PM

oversize

It'd be interesting to see a direct comparison; with video of course!
1979 6.9 #5541 (Red Bull)
1978 6.9 #4248 (Skye)
1979 6.9 #3686 (Moby Dick)
1978 6.9 #1776 (Dora)
1977 450SEL #7010 white -P
1975 450SEL #8414 gold -P

TJ 450

This is an interesting discussion,

Although I sold my 560 some time ago, I did do a thorough evaluation of the ride and handling and would say it solved most of the odd handling issues the standard 6.9 seems to have had, although I was never able to try the stiff mode as the valves were not operational at the time (although I think the new owner was investigating this). Even in the standard mode, the ride seemed to me to be second to none, particularly coupled with the 300bhp engine, it was one impressive machine. Cornering at speed on undulating county roads was far more confident than the 6.9, which at times can be quite treacherous, I'm sure the stiffening would assist matters.

If I remember correctly, even the normal 1st Gen 126 struts differ to the 6.9 ones in terms of internal valving, so they may well be an improvement. Definitely worth getting if available IMO.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500