michaelscook

I have a 2002 S500. I am having ride quality issues after recent work. I replaced the ride height valve, compressor, and all four air struts. After completing chore I properly started car and lowered to the ground on own weight. The car leveled properly and I hit the raise car switch to cycle the struts. I took a test drive and noticed immediately the ride was very firm. I pressed the strut firmness control and it did not change the ride. I have put 600 miles on the car and still have no change in ride firmness. My question is does the computer have a fault or reset involving dampening that has to be cleared or set to factory default? I know somebody out there has run into this before and I'm asking for advise. Also, do I need a OBDII reader to perform any fault or reset issues?

wallyp

What air struts did you use?

I am not aware of any reset necessary. Haven't needed it on any of the three occasions when I changed struts on my S430, nor when Rob changed struts on his S430.

michaelscook

Thanks for the info. Any ideas on stiffness?

wallyp

What air struts did you use?

michaelscook

We installed inexpensive Chinese made from Ebay. I know , it's an abomination, but it's what we can afford. I contacted the seller but between the language barrier and obvious lack of product knowledge they were no help.

wallyp

I suspect that you got struts that are similar to the originals on the outside, but not the inside.

If you could find a "pull-a-part" near enough for you to use that has some usable struts (the one near me sold me struts that looked like new for $35 each), that might help. Other than that, I have no suggestions.