SL/R129: Bouncy ride
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 12
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500SL
Bouncy ride
My father-in-law was the original owner of what’s now our 1991 500SL. It has 47k miles and is excellent shape. Having never owned a Mercedes before, let alone an SL, I find the ride very bouncy in both ride modes (I actually notice only slight difference in the two modes). I realize this is a sports car and would expect a stiffer ride, at least in sport mode suspension setting, but is it normal for this car to be so bouncy? It is a fun car to drive, but the bounce takes away a lot of the fun.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Since you have "ride modes" I presume your SL is fitted with the very, very rare "ADS" suspension option. Counter-intuitively to me, when the nitrogen-filled "spheres" ("air springs") fail, the ride becomes bouncy.
There are four spheres -- one at each wheel. They are a bit of a fuss to replace, but the job can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. Each sphere cost c. $140.
There are four spheres -- one at each wheel. They are a bit of a fuss to replace, but the job can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. Each sphere cost c. $140.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
500SL
Since you have "ride modes" I presume your SL is fitted with the very, very rare "ADS" suspension option. Counter-intuitively to me, when the nitrogen-filled "spheres" ("air springs") fail, the ride becomes bouncy.
There are four spheres -- one at each wheel. They are a bit of a fuss to replace, but the job can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. Each sphere cost c. $140.
There are four spheres -- one at each wheel. They are a bit of a fuss to replace, but the job can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. Each sphere cost c. $140.
Last edited by Bcron; Apr 26, 2019 at 11:01 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
I have no idea about rare, however it was an option. The extra energy absorbing system was standard on the 600 but not so for the other early models. Your vehicle would have the first version of the ADS. Several R 129 models I have owned ( 500's, the V8 engine) did not have that option. The sphere has a barrier between the hydraulic fluid part of the suspension and the nitrogen gas side. When working with a membrane it softens any shock from the wheel and the system can adjust ride height. My experience is at best a decade of useful life of the sphere. ( much like the top hydraulics life expectancy ). Good luck with your dad's vehicle.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 428
Likes: 96
From: Houston
001 s600, 94 sl600
It sure sounds like the 'spheres' are dead---all the nitrogen 'cushion' has diffused through the 'rubber' diaphragm resulting in very limited suspension travel and a harsh ride. The car SHOULD ride very nicely. There is a test procedure for judging the condition of the 'spheres', involving measuring how fast the pressure builds on a cold start. No nitrogen left = near instant pressure jump.
