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