I know the suspension firms up as one goes to a sportier mode.

What about the height?

I know that there is a function to raise the car beside that button, but I never use that as I like to keep my car as planted to the ground as possible. However, sometimes when I get out of my car (parked), I find that it sits at different heights. Why is that? (ok, the weight of the car did not change, always empty when parked)

Sorry for the noobish question, but I have been wondering about this for a long time.

According to the manual for my '03 E500, the car lowers itself 0.6"/15 mm in Sport I or Sport II, or at speeds over about 68 mph/110 kph. YMMV with a different model or year.

I mostly drive my car in Sport I mode, which hardens the ride, reduces body roll, and lowers the car a little. I believe that anyone would be hard pressed to feel any difference between Sport I & II. The big difference is between Comfort and Sport Modes.

I do know that when I approach my car and unlock it, I hear the air suspension adjusting (possibily charging suspension PSI). That might explain the high differences you are feeling getting in and out.

Good Luck.

The hyperdrive actuators engage, but I can't tell you anymore than that.

Ahead, warp factor 6 Mr Z(S)ulu

Edit: Upped warp factor from 2 to 6

Mr. Zulu:
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~kjm49/zulu%20warrior.jpg

Mr. Sulu:
http://www.npr.org/blog/april/17/sulu200.jpg

I have to take it on faith that the car lowers 0.6" in Sport 1 or Sport 2; I've stood beside the car with the engine running and switched it from "Comfort" to "Sport 1" and haven't noticed any lowering at all. Maybe it has to be at speed for it to happen. In contrast, I can easily see (and hear) the car raise itself up when I push the "up" button; gives it that rugged off-road look.

My car raises immediately and quickly when switching from Sport to Comfort, but when switching from Comfort to Sport, it settles very slowly to it's new level. It also settles to the lower level when parked and shut off in Comfort setting, but it takes a minute or two to happen.

DWP,

I notice in your profile you list a '73 Datsun. My wife had a Datsun F10 when we were first dating back in about 1974. It was a great little car, but was pretty well worn out after about 6 years. How did you manage to keep yours for 33 years?

Just curious,

David

Hey, glad to talk about my 510; check your PM.

Are you concerned about the parking height or the riding height?
I think the riding height was explained a few times but the parking height doesnt have any specifics.I complained to my SA about the car higher on one side(fingers between the tire and fender) then the next time the other side is higher..or lower.
I was told that the uneven parking height is nothing really to measure or worry about...NOT EVEN IN IDLE...basicly the car sits as it pleases.
Once you start driving ,thats when the hydraulics kick in as adjusting itself to the settings.
I believed them....

Thanks for all the replies. Well, I'm not really concerned with the parking height.

"I've stood beside the car with the engine running and switched it from "Comfort" to "Sport 1" and haven't noticed any lowering at all. Maybe it has to be at speed for it to happen. In contrast, I can easily see (and hear) the car raise itself up when I push the "up" button; gives it that rugged off-road look."

What DWP experienced is exactly what I've found. So I was wondering if changing from Comfort-->Sport I or II will lower the height at all or not.

Of course, I'd love to have it sit lower when parked, as it looks more aggressive that way.

What I have noticed is that as you drive the car, so as the car runs over a bump and the wheels travels, it just remains up in its lower setting. Also, when driving faster it goes lower. You can hear it (and see it) when you get off the highway. There are a couple of exits where you are travelling 120km and then you get off the highway and you are all of a sudden at a stop light. You can see the car raise about an inch. It is really cool. Try this and turn off the stereo and you will hear it as well.

Also, someone said there was no difference between Sport 1 and Sport 2. On my car, there is no body roll of any kind in Sport 2, in Sport 1, there is half the roll there is with comfort and with comfort there is a lot of roll - it feels like a Cadillac.

Yea it makes sense to me that the car will lower itself when travelling faster.

I find a difference between Sport I and Sport II as ATS has said as well.