hawk1996

Hi, we just got a 2008 GL320 CDI and really like it a lot. The only issue we have is at highway speeds when you go over a bump there seems to be a lot of bouncing and swaying side to side. I don't think that is normal, but never have driven a GL320 I was not sure. Any advice would be great.

Thanks,

Fourdiesel

Shocks

a2j

More likely your rear struts leaked out and need to be replaced. I've done it twice so far.

hawk1996

Thanks for the reply's. Thats what I was thinking could be the problem, it looks like there are 2 version one with ADS and one without, how can I tell which one I need?

SHOCK ABSORBER.
Required: 002
REAR LEFT AND RIGHT
489
[20010326 - 20010326]: AIRMATIC DUAL CONTROL / AIR SUSPENSION SEMI-ACTIVE


SHOCK ABSORBER.
Required: 002
REAR LEFT AND RIGHT
214+489
[19951002 - 20000407]: ADAPTIVE DAMPING SYSTEM (ADS) WITH SKYHOOK
[20010326 - 20010326]: AIRMATIC DUAL CONTROL / AIR SUSPENSION SEMI-ACTIVE

a2j

GL320 don't have ADS, but I could be wrong. Are you able to switch your suspension from Sport to Comfort? button between ESP and seat warmer. If you don't have this feature, you don't have ADS.

hawk1996

My console looks just like the one in your picture, there is no button for Sport/Comfort. So it looks like I do not have ADS.

Thanks for the help a2j

N_Jay

Non ADS.
My leaking shock was obvious. (The thing holds a LOT of fluid)

a2j

That picture is not mine. I googled it. You are welcome.

N_Jay

"Sport/Comfort" is the button with eth shock absorber picture.
If you have that (and I doubt you do) then you have ADS (and get the honor of paying twice as much per shock)


P.S I just did a rear shock, and give yourself some extra time to disassemble that rear cargo space interior. It is not hard, but does take some careful time so you don't loose or break any clips.


Having a few spare clips is worthwhile. (I lost one on reassembly, and the parts store replacement was not a good fit)
Also, my shock did not come with new hardware, and you are not supposed to reuse the interference (crush) nuts.
Both the two nuts at the top and the one through the suspension are crush nuts.
I just reused the nuts and added locktite blue to the threads.