bouncy 500E rear end? Hydraulic problem?
 

I test drove a 500E and the rear end seemed very bouncy. Kinda reminded me of my old 6.9 when the suspension went bad.

My question is, should red flags go up? This car doesnt have shocks in the back correct? I uses the 2 nitrogen balls in the trunk spare tire area I believe. Is this an expensive fix? should I be worried? The car looks alot lower than stock.

Thanks to all that reply.

-Andy

Definitely the Nitro cells:rolleyes:

Ok, thats what I figured.

How much should that slash off the price?

Thanks,

-Andy

The spheres cost about $100 each; figure 2 hrs labor, max. Figure accordingly.

Thanks Michael,

I was thinking though, and correct me if Im wrong. This car def. looks lower than stock. Hypothetically speaking, if the springs are sagged, or if lowering springs were put on it, wouldnt that screw up the self leveling system? I was thinking that perhaps because it sat so low, that the self leveling was compensating by putting alot of pressure in the rear shocks, thus the premature wear of the nitrogen cells? Am I on to anything here or should I just shutup?;)

Just dont want to get myself into another nightmare like my 6.9.


-Andy

A good PPI (pre purchase inspection) should answer all your questions about this E500. Expect to pay a couple hundred for a thorough inspection. The results of the inspection might just give you a little more barganing power too. Do you have a personal favorite Indie that will peform the PPI for you?

Three things can make the rear squat -- bad valve or linkage (or missadjusted), bad struts, or bad/empty pump.

The N2 spheres aren't bad, less than $100 each and not too diffucult to replace -- that is why it bounces so hard -- the tires are the only springs back there at the moment.

Droop is not enough fluid in the struts, either from the valve not sending it there or the pump not supplying it, or it is leaking out.

Have someone familiar with this system check it out. Can be expensive to fix.

Peter