Hi,

I have a wierd condition with my 60k 500E.

The rear feels extraordinarily underdamped first thing in the morning. Symptoms (rear wheels) are crashing over potholes and excessive sway going over single wheel bumps. Also the new 245/45/17 S-03s steer the car from the back following every irregularity with extreme fervor. Sharp turns induce considerable body lean through the back. Essentially, it feels as if one is driving after having set and left the level controller at Empty.

After driving at modest speed the car firms up appreciably, but still not as much as I recall it to be.

Initially, I thought that the level controller, which had a minor leak, might be the culprit. I replaced this and it does not seem to have made a substantial difference. The shocks and accumulators are new. The tandem pump was initally leaking but that just seemed to be loose hose fittings.

Any ideas as to what might be causing the car to be soft, when left sitting for 14 hours and then firm up a little with driving? Points to a pressure drop or fluid loss. Perhaps the level controller arm position is wrong?

Thanks in advance
Farrukh

I would look at two areas: The "minor leak(s)" and whether the fluid for the rear suspension has been change/flushed recently. Is it the exact fluid called for by Mercedes? Also, has the rear suspension fluid filter been changed recently?

The minor leak(s) makes me wonder if air isn't entering the system and cavitating, leaving tiny bubbles through the system and reducing the shock effectiveness and ride height?

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

I had a similar problem with my 500E and thought that the problem was either SLS or rear links. After replacing accumulators and all links the wobbling rear end was still present. My fix ended up being a defective Conti Sport 245-45-17 which were fairly new-5K. New tires saved the day.

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Baron

93 500E
86 190 16V