CLS500 back end all over the place and car sitting very low
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 620
Likes: 16
CLS500 M113
CLS500 back end all over the place and car sitting very low
Apologies for the X-Post from the CLS forum, but need some help please, as the cars are so similar.
I had my subframe bushed replaced recently and after that the car was just never the same.
The rear end is absolutely all over the place and is very "nervous" and "skittish" for want of better words.
Also, the rear ride is now extremely harsh and has this awful sideways kick when going over even moderate bumps. On wet and slippery roads, it is impossible to keep the car straight.
Have changed the tires twice. There are no leaks or anything, but the rear DOES sit extremely low when the car is off. Comes back to normal ride height when started, but almost instantly resumes road hugger position after the doors are locked.
I did have a bit of an issue where I had to replace the rear ride height sensor as the plastic ball and socket broke off and the car just slammed itself.
I had my subframe bushed replaced recently and after that the car was just never the same.
The rear end is absolutely all over the place and is very "nervous" and "skittish" for want of better words.
Also, the rear ride is now extremely harsh and has this awful sideways kick when going over even moderate bumps. On wet and slippery roads, it is impossible to keep the car straight.
Have changed the tires twice. There are no leaks or anything, but the rear DOES sit extremely low when the car is off. Comes back to normal ride height when started, but almost instantly resumes road hugger position after the doors are locked.
I did have a bit of an issue where I had to replace the rear ride height sensor as the plastic ball and socket broke off and the car just slammed itself.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
If no clunking from the rear I am *assuming* the rear was reassembled correctly so my first thoughts are:
-rear toe is incorrect. When my car starts wagging its tail under full throttle, first thing I check is toe. I got 30,000 miles out of my last set of tires; would have been 35,000 miles but I was ignoring the tail wag for the past two months. Found the passenger side rear was 1mm toe out and the inside of the tire was toast; seems I failed to properly secure the toe arm lock nuts last time I set toe and the adjuster proceeded to slowly work loose.
-be aware that the inboard and outboard rear suspension bushings may be bad. If the car aligns to proper toe in a static environment (on the rack) but both inside and outside of the tires' tread show feathering and/or chunking, that's a reasonable indicator the bushings or multi-link is worn and the wheels/tires are shifting back and forth under acceleration and braking.
-Calibrate the suspension using Xentry. Search for W211 suspension calibration; you'll find it on page 41 of the STAR/DAS/Xentry sticky. If the sensor was replaced, you have to calibrate. Not difficult; just use a cell phone app inclinometer, an absolutely level surface (water level and floor tiles under your tires), raise/lower with Xentry, match recommended angles to the sensor readout (i.e. 2.2 volts to 3.0 volts IIRC), enter measured angle values, press Save, if good to go your car is happy. (yes, a bit of anthropomorphism there)
-rear toe is incorrect. When my car starts wagging its tail under full throttle, first thing I check is toe. I got 30,000 miles out of my last set of tires; would have been 35,000 miles but I was ignoring the tail wag for the past two months. Found the passenger side rear was 1mm toe out and the inside of the tire was toast; seems I failed to properly secure the toe arm lock nuts last time I set toe and the adjuster proceeded to slowly work loose.
-be aware that the inboard and outboard rear suspension bushings may be bad. If the car aligns to proper toe in a static environment (on the rack) but both inside and outside of the tires' tread show feathering and/or chunking, that's a reasonable indicator the bushings or multi-link is worn and the wheels/tires are shifting back and forth under acceleration and braking.
-Calibrate the suspension using Xentry. Search for W211 suspension calibration; you'll find it on page 41 of the STAR/DAS/Xentry sticky. If the sensor was replaced, you have to calibrate. Not difficult; just use a cell phone app inclinometer, an absolutely level surface (water level and floor tiles under your tires), raise/lower with Xentry, match recommended angles to the sensor readout (i.e. 2.2 volts to 3.0 volts IIRC), enter measured angle values, press Save, if good to go your car is happy. (yes, a bit of anthropomorphism there)
Last edited by bbirdwell; Sep 18, 2017 at 01:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 620
Likes: 16
CLS500 M113
Hi bbirdwell,
Did all that you suggested.
The front and rear levels were off, for sure.
Got the alignment done again, toe WAS way out of alignment.
Checked the level sensors, bushings, sway bars, ball joints, etc.
But, the problem still persists.
As a last resort just changed all 4 tires at HUGE cost (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S)...still no difference.
I am completely option-less now.
Even the dealer is scratching his head.
Did all that you suggested.
The front and rear levels were off, for sure.
Got the alignment done again, toe WAS way out of alignment.
Checked the level sensors, bushings, sway bars, ball joints, etc.
But, the problem still persists.
As a last resort just changed all 4 tires at HUGE cost (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S)...still no difference.
I am completely option-less now.
Even the dealer is scratching his head.
