1997 SL500 and the suspension problem
- Thread starter royalr
- Start date
Again, I responded to one of the other threads you started with the same question.
The other thread I replied to has been deleted, so my question was whether this is standard suspension or adaptive damping (ADS)?
W1ghty
MB Enthusiast
Ian at Star Mercedes , Reading any good for you ?
OK (I also have a '97 SL500 with ADS).
Have you checked the fluid level (reservoir under the bonnet, front offside corner)? Do you have a warning light on the dash?
The only garage I know of with specific ADS expertise is SS Motors in Surrey:
SS Motors | Mercedes Specialists in Surrey
SS motors is an Independent Mercedes Benz family run service centre, located in Weybridge Surrey.Est in 1990. We cover all aspects of aftersales for your vehicle from routine car servicing to fault diagnosis, electrical and mechanical repairs. We offer a professional and comprehensive service to...
ssmotorsuk.com
I took mine there a few years ago to have the ADS accumulators ('spheres') replaced and would 100% recommend them. It was a bit of a drive (this was before I moved to Shropshire!) but they gave me a courtesy car to get home in.
thanks for the information, Ill check tomorrow the reservoir and yes from memory the warning light is on. SS motors sound good but a long way from REading was hoping for someone more local.
Your car is >25 years old & so is the technology on it.
Any reputable MB independent garage that has been around 10 or more years will have seen your problem & know all about it. You are fortunate in having Star Motors, one of the better indy's, on your doorstep. There's no need to go anywhere else.
www.starmotorservices.co.uk
Read the google reviews - star motors caversham - Google Search
Any reputable MB independent garage that has been around 10 or more years will have seen your problem & know all about it. You are fortunate in having Star Motors, one of the better indy's, on your doorstep. There's no need to go anywhere else.
Mercedes Garage | Reading | Star Motor Service
Keep your vehicle running smoothly, get in touch with Star Motor Service today. For the highest quality repairs in Reading, contact our Mercedes garage.
Read the google reviews - star motors caversham - Google Search
W1ghty
MB Enthusiast
Where are you in Berkshire ?
I rang Star motors last week and they said they wouldn't want to get involved with suspension issues.Your car is >25 years old & so is the technology on it.
Any reputable MB independent garage that has been around 10 or more years will have seen your problem & know all about it. You are fortunate in having Star Motors, one of the better indy's, on your doorstep. There's no need to go anywhere else.
Mercedes Garage | Reading | Star Motor Service
Keep your vehicle running smoothly, get in touch with Star Motor Service today. For the highest quality repairs in Reading, contact our Mercedes garage.
Read the google reviews - star motors caversham - Google Search
Based in Reading
W1ghty
MB Enthusiast
Edit ..deleted as I hadn’t read the previous posts correctly
Last edited:
W1ghty
MB Enthusiast
Thanks buddy , I’ve deleted my non relevant post .
Thats the second Indy I’ve heard of now who doesn’t want to get involved with old ABC systems
ADS equipped R129s are relatively rare (not that many SL600s around, and an expensive option on the other models) and it's pretty reliable compared to ABC on the R230, so I suspect many garages wouldn't have much/any experience of it. The accumulators are essentially consumables (the rubber diaphragm separating the gas and oil has a finite lifespan), but replacement of those is pretty straightforward.
There are mechanically operated front & rear level sensors on the suspension - the linkages can actually be adjusted to tweak the ride height (which is also adjustable via STAR). If the suspension has dropped all round and the fluid level is OK I would suspect the pump - I've never heard of one failing before, but it must be a possibility.
There are mechanically operated front & rear level sensors on the suspension - the linkages can actually be adjusted to tweak the ride height (which is also adjustable via STAR). If the suspension has dropped all round and the fluid level is OK I would suspect the pump - I've never heard of one failing before, but it must be a possibility.
