Hi,

I own a 1990 300SE and live in an area where I have to cross a couple of sets of railroad tracks every day. My car goes over the first set (which is a typical asphalt crossing) without a problem, but the second set (which is a new crossing with concrete shoulders) really jolts the whole car. The steering wheel does not kick over the crossing, but the front suspension feels like it doesn't have any compliance at all and the whole car shakes pretty badly over the track. The rear suspension seems to cross the tracks OK.

Anyway, I thought that was just the way the car rides until I recently bought a 1989 560SEC. It goes over both sets of tracks without much more than a ripple.

Both cars are well maintained, have recent Bilstein shocks and good tires, and both drive fine in every other situation, although the 300 generally rides more firmly -- and I usually prefer it. The 560 just had tie rod ends and ball joints replaced, and I'm pretty sure I did the same repairs to the 300 within the last couple of years.

What's the problem with the 300?

Thanks in advance,

John