I could be wrong here, but here goes-

My understanding is that non- ADS cars had a slightly firmer ride. This is because regular springs need to be on the stiff side to support the cars weight. Also, without ADS, you cannot select a firm or soft ride with the flip of a switch. These comments are from the SL Market Report Newsletter.

Having said that, I have driven several non-ADS SL's (mine has ADS), and I did not notice a stiff ride. If you take out the ADS you will probably take a small ding at resale time.

I have spent $3300 on my ADS and I am finished throwing money at it. So I will do the same thing if, heaven forbid, the thing fails again. But it is kind of nice being able to flip a switch and change the ride quality.

You decide how much the ADS is worth to you, and proceed accordingly.


Hope this helps,
Roger