Auto Leveling Suspension
 

96 S500.

Trying to diagnose a less than desirable ride.

How can I tell visually or some other way if I have any auto leveling components.

Seems like the car has standard coil springs and shocks on all four wheels.

Any ideas or procedures are appreciated.

KG

Try to see if you have a "unrecognizable" reservoir under the hood.

Your S500 does have the auto leveling rear suspension. It is standard on this model.

Take Care

rough ride s500?
 

There are hydraulic accumulators for each wheel that provide the 'give' for the wheel. As those lose the nitrogen charge the ride gets harder and harder until there is no suspension travel left.

Cost about $110 each.

Self levelling suspension codes
 

Another way to be sure if you have self-levelling suspension and you are not to mechanically inclined: look at the stamped plaque near the engine bay hood lock that has a bunch of three number codes (or the production data card of your car).

If the lists includes code No. 480 (Self-levelling suspension on the rear axle) or Code No. 214 (ADS-Adaptive Damping System), your car is equipped with such a system.

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

Self levelling suspension codes
 

Another way to be sure if you are not too mechanically inclined, look at the production data card of your card or at the metal plaque stamped near the engine bay hood lock that has a bunch of three number codes.

If the lists includes code No. 480 (Self-levelling suspension on the rear axles) or Code No. 214 (ADS-Adaptive Damping System), your car is equipped with such a system.

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

Auto Leveling Fixed
 

Thanks for all the help. Yes, the accumulators were replaced and now the ride is back. The correct diagnosis. The S500 has the accumulators on the back only I am told.

KG