S320CDi Suspension

[sclassdiesel]

I've just bought a 2001 S320 CDI with 115,000 miles. If I hit a pot hole the car creaks and I've noticed that there is a lot of tyre wear just on the very outside edge and the very inside edge of the driver's side front tyre.

Bizarrely, the car seems pretty good over speed bumps but on potholes or even just going over a small lip to enter a driveway the car creaks.

I was a bit surprised that the car is ok over speed bumps as my old C-class was horrendously bad over both potholes and speed bumps.

I've also noticed that the S-class goes up and down a bit at speed on motorway if the surface is undulating although my main concern is getting rid of the creaking over pot holes.

I'd greatly appreciate any advise regarding which parts need replacing. I am hoping to get the job done at an indy.

Many thanks in advance

 

[mr. shr]

With regards to the tyre wear, if it is wearing on both inner and outer shoulders, I would suggest you check the pressure level. It is probably very low and the tyre is rolling excessively as you go rounds corners / roundabouts etc.

IIRC, should be around the 32PSI mark. Does it look low?

 

[MBManInKen]

Firstly, I don't understand why you didn't pick this up during the test drive? Did you have the car inspected beforehand? An s-class is a pretty complicated car, I would never buy one without a full diagnosis carried out TBH.

Anyway, there should be no creaking and the car should be flat while driving it, not going up and down. If the suspension is in comfort mode (no lights on the suspension button), it will roll a bit more but the airmatic keeps it pretty straight and flat at all times. In sport mode (especially sport 2) it should not roll at all.

Creaks etc could be bushings I guess, best to get it diagnosed properly and fixed. Not just because of comfort reasons, but because of safety as well.

I love the airmatic, the drive is smooth and really evens out road surfaces better. It should be quiet and a "flying carpet" experience.