SL/R230: Ride question
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 258
Likes: 34
From: Gluckstadt, MS
2003 R230
Ride question
Hello all,
I am a new owner of an '03 SL500s with just 50K on the clock. I spent a good bit of time researching before I bought the car and did have it checked out at a dealer prior to purchasing. All was good except for a TPS transmitter in one tire. I do have a question about the ride. With the car in the "high" setting and the ABC on it's softest setting, the car seems to want to fishtail a bit when going over bumps in the road. No ABC warnings or lights, no leaks in the system, fluid right on the marks and tires are stock. I have other sports cars and have not experienced this. Any help or thought would be appreciated.
I am a new owner of an '03 SL500s with just 50K on the clock. I spent a good bit of time researching before I bought the car and did have it checked out at a dealer prior to purchasing. All was good except for a TPS transmitter in one tire. I do have a question about the ride. With the car in the "high" setting and the ABC on it's softest setting, the car seems to want to fishtail a bit when going over bumps in the road. No ABC warnings or lights, no leaks in the system, fluid right on the marks and tires are stock. I have other sports cars and have not experienced this. Any help or thought would be appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 809
Likes: 74
From: Dallas, TX
2008 E63 wagon (1 of 62)
How fast are you going over bumps in the road? Any reason why you feel the need to drive in the raised setting? Just fyi, raising the vehicle with ABC will affect the vehicle alignment and this may be contributing to your issue.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 258
Likes: 34
From: Gluckstadt, MS
2003 R230
Noticed it at 30 and above to about 75 MPH. I had my wife in the car and changed the settings in hopes of a softer ride.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Alignment, especially Toe in, may cause this issue.
So would worn bushings in the suspension. The front / lower / inside bushings are only 50K mile parts before they wear and tear and need replacing.
My SL55 has the fishtail issue, but I need the left rear toe in setting adjusted, so I attribute it to alignment after adding the adjustable camber links.
So would worn bushings in the suspension. The front / lower / inside bushings are only 50K mile parts before they wear and tear and need replacing.
My SL55 has the fishtail issue, but I need the left rear toe in setting adjusted, so I attribute it to alignment after adding the adjustable camber links.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 258
Likes: 34
From: Gluckstadt, MS
2003 R230
Well learned a valuable lesson today. Went out to drive today in the nice weather and noticed tha the right rear tire appeared to be low. Broke out my trusty air hose with chuck and gauge to find it was 25 psi. Added air to read 34psi. Thought I would check the others while I was at it even though they looked good. They all had 48psi! No wonder it rode a bit squirrelly.
Always check the the simple things first!
Always check the the simple things first!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 451
Likes: 44
2007 E350; 2018 GLE350
How much air do you have in your tires? I've been running 32 psi front and rear, and the ride is a bit choppy. You might try reducing air pressure to whatever is printed inside the gas cap cover.
