Dodgy suspension, maybe or maybe not?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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John Deere
Dodgy suspension, maybe or maybe not?
About a month ago, I seemed to notice a sudden behavior change when running over rough road/frost heaves, etc. The jarring was quite a bit more pronounced then before, to the point of rattling the sunroof shade and causing the steering wheel to vibrate several times past the bump. This occured with my winter tires. Soon after, I put on the set of summer tires and it seemed the same or worse. We aired up the pressure to 37 for high speeds, and I'm sure that is part of it, but as I said, the problem began before the tire swap.
I had it on a lift with two indie specialists looking at all the bushings, shocks, springs, etc. They both took it out for a test drive. Both state that all is fine. I almost begged them to take my money and fix something, but they refused. How about that?
My lower Vogtland springs and Bilstein shocks have been through roughly 40,000 miles.
Any ideas?
I had it on a lift with two indie specialists looking at all the bushings, shocks, springs, etc. They both took it out for a test drive. Both state that all is fine. I almost begged them to take my money and fix something, but they refused. How about that?
My lower Vogtland springs and Bilstein shocks have been through roughly 40,000 miles.
Any ideas?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
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From: COSTA MESA
99' E320 4MATIC ESTATE / 92' 190E 2.6
Not that I would know the answer but for those who do, what year are you driving?
It seems that the post facelift models(2000-20030 tend to have more strange faults than their predecessors. I rarely see the tranny/suspension/lcd cluster/cd, bluetooth, nav, iPod electronic bug/rear window regulator/etc... issues with specifically late 98 and 99 models. did MB really just fall off the quality wagon? I have probably just jinxed myself and "Bessie" but I had to throw it out there...please be gentle on me?!
It seems that the post facelift models(2000-20030 tend to have more strange faults than their predecessors. I rarely see the tranny/suspension/lcd cluster/cd, bluetooth, nav, iPod electronic bug/rear window regulator/etc... issues with specifically late 98 and 99 models. did MB really just fall off the quality wagon? I have probably just jinxed myself and "Bessie" but I had to throw it out there...please be gentle on me?!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 804
Likes: 74
From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
The early w221's are prone to premature transmission failure. There are a few threads about people with the same model year and having similar issues. The final outcome was that the car has a defective valve body. MB finds it easier just to do a transmission swap. My understanding is that you can replace the valve body. There are shops that will do it but, the car won't be driveable until it's coded at the dealer. I think you would be looking at $3500 for all of that work. You stated your Indy said there weren't any codes. Chances are your Indy isn't using STAR.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
The early w221's are prone to premature transmission failure. There are a few threads about people with the same model year and having similar issues. The final outcome was that the car has a defective valve body. MB finds it easier just to do a transmission swap. My understanding is that you can replace the valve body. There are shops that will do it but, the car won't be driveable until it's coded at the dealer. I think you would be looking at $3500 for all of that work. You stated your Indy said there weren't any codes. Chances are your Indy isn't using STAR.
