1991 500SL Ride Height

[230K]

Hi

As some of you may know i am in the market for an early 90's SL.
Well viewed one this evening and it was sitting high all round, tried it in all settings but could not get it to drop. It has self levelling suspension all round with ADS.

Do any of you know is there a common problem with the self levelling on the 129's. Ride was not harsh.

Advice please

230K

 

[230K]

Bump

 

[KLP 92]

The ride height is controlled by a switch next to the headlight switch. Press it down and the car should return to normal height. I've never heard of a problem where the ride height all round is high, normally tends to be opposite. If the light in the cluster with the shock absorber symbol isn't on, then there shouldn't be a fault with it.

 

[230K]

Hi

Thanks for reply, tried switch beside the light switch and drove for several miles as the handbook said but car remained high. Th shock absorber switch down below the radio does light when it is pressed.

Thanks,

230K

 

[stats007]

It sounds like the ADS ECU is at fault. The early ADS had problems with leaking pressure lines between the reservoir and dampers - these were amended in '92/'93 along with a repositioning of the ECU do to the effects of heat. Best to get it checked out - unfortunately a complete ADS costs £3k.

 

[KLP 92]

It sounds like the ADS ECU is at fault. The early ADS had problems with leaking pressure lines between the reservoir and dampers - these were amended in '92/'93 along with a repositioning of the ECU do to the effects of heat. Best to get it checked out - unfortunately a complete ADS costs £3k.

If there's a fault the car will drop, not rise!

 

[stats007]

It will drop if there is a pressure leak, but be at full ride height if the ECU is at fault. I was merely stating common problems with the early system.

 

[Shude]

Moving to wheel/tyre section.