. I try to avoid those 4 letter words at all cost.
Proper Ride Height?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Tennnessee
E500
Proper Ride Height?
What is the proper ride height for a 2003 E500 Sport with Airmatic? I had a leak in both rear air suspension air bags, but before it was diagnosed correctly, the dealer replaced the rear shocks. In attempting to recalibrate the ride height with the leaky air springs, the dealer adjusted the ride height both electronically (with the control unit) and mechanically. After replacing the air springs, the ride height in the rear is unequal. What is the correct ride height? My current measurements, from wheel center to fender, is as follows: Left Front and Right Front 14 3/4 inches (37.5 cm); Left Rear 13 3/4 inches (34.9 cm); Right Rear 14 inches (35.6 cm). Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
2020 GLE350
1/4" difference will probably be considered normal on these things, it has been a pet peeve of mine since I got it, the dealer was never able to get it right, and I just gave up. It gets even worse when I turn left into a parking spot and leave the front wheels turned, not sure why but the difference is very noticeable.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
06 E500 sport
1/4" difference will probably be considered normal on these things, it has been a pet peeve of mine since I got it, the dealer was never able to get it right, and I just gave up. It gets even worse when I turn left into a parking spot and leave the front wheels turned, not sure why but the difference is very noticeable.
put your car at a standstill and run the wheel left and right, lock to lock. The dynamics of the steering will lean your car left and right a bit as you turn. This is probably what you're seeing.
My E500 sits about 1" lower in the rear (like the OP's car). I think it's normal, as I've noticed more of the airmatic cars to do this. At speed, it all levels out, as I've observed anyway.
Keeps you from shoveling the front end into driveways
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: sunnyvale, CA
CLK500, E500, SC400
my dear Steve,
as i would assume, most of board member here, especially in w211 and up forum have a pretty decent job. we all here to help each other and share a same interest in MB cars. If you say we need a job, why don't you find yourself one, why waste time typing that message? I'm pretty sure by saying that you may get schooled by several respected member in here. so F*ck off.
best regards
as i would assume, most of board member here, especially in w211 and up forum have a pretty decent job. we all here to help each other and share a same interest in MB cars. If you say we need a job, why don't you find yourself one, why waste time typing that message? I'm pretty sure by saying that you may get schooled by several respected member in here. so F*ck off.
best regards
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Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 165
Likes: 4
2014 E350, 2015 ML350, 2017 X5
I have noticed same thing we my car.
Front is 15" on both side, left rear at 14.5" and right rear at 14.7"
I recently had alignment done at the dealer which fixed the pulling to the right problem.
On the alignment sheet, everything was adjusted to be within spec except for "Vehicle level ready for driving".
These numbers were off by about +1.25" in the front and +0.75" in the rear.
This tells me that the correct height should be somewhere around 13.75".
Front is 15" on both side, left rear at 14.5" and right rear at 14.7"
I recently had alignment done at the dealer which fixed the pulling to the right problem.
On the alignment sheet, everything was adjusted to be within spec except for "Vehicle level ready for driving".
These numbers were off by about +1.25" in the front and +0.75" in the rear.
This tells me that the correct height should be somewhere around 13.75".
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Man when I read these Airmatic Threads it takes me back to when I was dealing with all these scares/problems/worries with my ABC equipped S500. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I have noticed same thing we my car.
Front is 15" on both side, left rear at 14.5" and right rear at 14.7"
I recently had alignment done at the dealer which fixed the pulling to the right problem.
On the alignment sheet, everything was adjusted to be within spec except for "Vehicle level ready for driving".
These numbers were off by about +1.25" in the front and +0.75" in the rear.
This tells me that the correct height should be somewhere around 13.75".
Front is 15" on both side, left rear at 14.5" and right rear at 14.7"
I recently had alignment done at the dealer which fixed the pulling to the right problem.
On the alignment sheet, everything was adjusted to be within spec except for "Vehicle level ready for driving".
These numbers were off by about +1.25" in the front and +0.75" in the rear.
This tells me that the correct height should be somewhere around 13.75".
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 165
Likes: 4
2014 E350, 2015 ML350, 2017 X5
Front castor spec is left: +10'39" / +-0'30", right +10'41" / +-0'30"
As I said, everything camber, caster, toe, etc are within the spec, and the car drives perfect.
It's just the vehicle level is out of spec by about 25mm (higher).
Last edited by MBE550; Apr 21, 2009 at 09:16 AM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
2003 E500 Sport, 1999 ML430 & Regal 402 Commodore
Where do you live? I've been trying to find a stealership that would work with me. I live in the burbs of Chicago & most of the stealers won't touch my car because it's "modified". I also have the same issue with variances in ride height. I will agree with most everyone here...It varies & corrects on a regular basis. I do hate the AIRMATIC!!!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
^^ Without Warranties, cars with Air Ride Suspensions and the like are huge no-no's to me personally. Wayy to risky and the better ride doesn't outweigh said risk IMO.
