dmacgreg

My owner's manual describes the ADS (adaptive damping system) and calls out the button location on the center console however I do not have that control on the center console. I plan on doing some rear suspension work (bushing replacements) and would like to know what I will need to deal with. The service info on AllDataDIY only shows one type of rear suspension with the hydraulic struts.

How can I tell (other than the obvious crawl underneath and look) what type of rear suspension that I have? Is the auto-leveling the same as the ADS or are they different systems?

Thanks as always - Duncan

Germancar1

Only the W140 S600 models had the ADS. The load leveling feature is seperate from ADS. Load leveling is only at the rear wheels and ADS is a 4-wheels setup.

M

dmacgreg

Thanks for the info. I assume that the rear struts for load leveling or ADS are similar? I only see one type illustrated in the manuals. I'll have to dig into this soon....

NZ_Benz

No it was an option on all W140, but some don't have it.

Peter Guenther

The rear load leveling shocks had a valve in line to control fluid flow, and the fronts had the valve buit into the shock . They were controlled by a series of sensors and a computer module

pcmaher

http://v12uberalles.com/Adaptive_Damping_System.htm

http://v12uberalles.com/Rear_Struts.htm

dmacgreg

Excellent info as always! I've read this before but now I really understand the differences and common components between the ADS and levelling systems. You are very correct about the amount of mis-information that exists out on the Internet and even the MB forums. Many opinions but often lacking in accuracy!

Thanks again.

FYI - I did finally manage to get my A-pillar inner cover securely re-attached by bending the wire/cover clips. A little tricky since it's a blind operation to install it but works great once it's all lined up correctly.