6.9 suspension conversion

[browndog]

Does anyone have specific information regarding a suspension conversion with a 6.9? I have been told that the front frame/unibody is different from other 116's. The suspension is in "proper" condition, I am trying to get the car
to handle more like a modern car. (E55/BMW M series? I have been told by an
M100 specialist to put eighteen inch wheels on the car, & live with it.


Thanks

 

[WGB]

The front upper mounts are different but it is only a welded in panel on each side - this could be replaced with 450 panels with some but not great difficulty . The lower front arms have the bolt holes and threads for the spring retaining plate.

The rear has all the hardware in place to use the original springs and dampers as far as I am aware.

I will post photo's of 450 vs 6.9 mountings in a day or two when I have time.

Other than that you would need to use racing type spring-damper combinations which have also been covered before on the w116 site.

Another possibility is to use your present setup but lowered significantly and find someone clever to revalve and recondition your present struts so they are much harder.

You could have clearance problems at the front with 18 inch wheels and lowered suspension.

Bill

 

[John S]

The standard 450's can be vastly improved by increasing the stiffness of the anti-roll bars front and rear - so I assume (but do not know) that the 6.9's would benefit from the same modification.

 

[WGB]

Here are some comparison pictures showing 450 vs 6.9 front upper suspension mounting points on the inner guard part of the unibody.

The first photo shows the LH under bonnet view with the upper mount visible.



This part is spot welded in if you look and it shouldn't be too difficult to replace it with the 450 part which looks like this



Here is the under guard view of a 6.9 mount (notice the tyre rub mark)



Here is the underguard view of a 450 with separate spring and shock mounting points.



Apart from this difference and the diameter of the sway bars I'm sure all other mounts are the same and all present on the structure.

Bill

 

[Michel]

Why on earth would you want to change....

A properly set up 6.9 suspension leaves any standard or modified steel set up for dead...

 

[s class]

Though not everyone agrees, it is my humble opinion (shared by many others) that converting the car will make it unsaleable and valueless in the future.

 

[Michel]

Though not everyone agrees, it is my humble opinion (shared by many others) that converting the car will make it unsaleable and valueless in the future.

I agree totally...

The value of a 6.9 is in the whole package.

 

[John S]

I agree, a 6.9 should keep its hydro-pneumatic suspension, however if the 6.9 originally came with anti-sway / anti-roll bars, going up slightly in diameter would not be noticed visually but supposedly improves the handling of standard 450's considerably.

 

[BenzBoy]

Having briefly driven Michel's 6.9 I must say I found it tight and roll-free - and with an amazing ability to soak up the sharp edges of humps and bumps. Yes, not bad at all for German engineering - almost up to Spirit 11 standards.
If you are not happy with your 6.9 suspension, I suspect something is not right with it...
Regards,
Benz-Boy

 

[john erbe]

Browndog. Just sent you PM. I did a conversion on mine. It's relatively easy and the old set up, minus the struts and pump, remain on car if you should decide to change back. You could also do a partial conversion, leaving the hydraulic in the front.

 

[-bb-]

Browndog. Just sent you PM. I did a conversion on mine. It's relatively easy and the old set up, minus the struts and pump, remain on car if you should decide to change back. You could also do a partial conversion, leaving the hydraulic in the front.

Do you have any details posted anywhere regarding your conversion?

I'm not planning to do one but I am quite interested in the details of what is involved.

 

[john erbe]

Posted some description and photo some time back on the M-100 website as well as W116 if I recall. Explain how to post pics. on this site I would be glad to do same.