GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

GL "wallowing" ...

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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 12:53 PM
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frabouden's Avatar
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GL 320TDI
GL "wallowing" ...

I have an '08 320 CDI and over the past few months, it seems that the suspension has not been as tight as it once was (if i can call it "tight" , even then!), and i am getting what feels like a lot of body roll. is there any degradation in time of the suspension on those? should i have the dealer take a look at it - i am almost (but not there yet) out of warranty. thanks for any comments / suggestions.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 01:09 PM
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Porsche 911
You can check the shocks for fluid leaks but otherwise I don't think they will warranty them for normal wear.

I haven't looked into this yet but I'm pretty sure you have to change the shock/damper with the air spring as a unit. So, it can get pretty expensive to get the "crispness" back.

Also, "body roll" is more a function of anti-roll bars and spring rates. The shocks will inhibit body roll a bit when first turning in but then the AR bars and springs do the work of minimizing body roll. Do your air springs maintain height when the car is parked or does it droop low? If the roll is suddenly excessive, you may have a bad AR bar mount or bushing.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 02:06 PM
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2007 E63
How are your tires?
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 05:29 PM
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GL 350
My 2011 GL350 has that wallowy feel around corners, i wish it had a sport mode that stiffened the shocks.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 05:34 PM
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2011 GL350 Bluetec, Irridium over Black Leather
Originally Posted by NevadaNick
My 2011 GL350 has that wallowy feel around corners, i wish it had a sport mode that stiffened the shocks.
Mine does, but I special-ordered ADS II.

On the downside, sport mode leaves the ride quite brittle. Honestly, Mercedes' chassis tuning prowess is not really the equal of BMWs. BMW does a much better job valving their shocks across the board.

- Mark
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Old Jul 8, 2011 | 10:52 AM
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Yes, me too. I wish my 2011 GL350 had the special order ADS II to minimize lean during low speed turns. It has the same low speed yaw characteristics of my previous 2007 S550.
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Old Jul 8, 2011 | 11:06 AM
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2011 GL350 Bluetec, Irridium over Black Leather
Originally Posted by dbtk
Yes, me too. I wish my 2011 GL350 had the special order ADS II to minimize lean during low speed turns.
ADS II is very good at that. The GL corners pretty flat for a barge.

- Mark
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