AVANTGARDE SOFTER RIDE

[BAZZER1]

Hi Guys
Just a thought, is it possible without too much engineering, to have a softer ride on my W210 Avantgarde E320cdi.
I realise that my car has a stiffer suspension than say the Elegance, but is there a method to get a softer ride on the Avantgarde, I think the ride is ok but the wife and Kids are not too happy on long journeys and always compare the Merc ride with other cars we have had as not as comfortable.
Any sensible thoughts would be appreciated
I'm not prepared to spend a fortune on this or have soft cushions in the car
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

Change the springs and front shock absorbers.

 

[BAZZER1]

Hi Nariac
Wow!! That was a quick reply, is this a job which I can do myself .
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

Not without the proper spring compressor for the front. Though I had new springs put in for £40 labour.

 

[BAZZER1]

What about the rear suspension does anything have to be done about this as well as the front
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

Just the springs. Though, now the car will ride higher so a geometry adjustment should be done.

 

[BAZZER1]

Thanks Naraic for all your valuable advice on this, I will find out from my Indie the cost for this to be done.
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

Just noticed yours is a saloon, so the rear shocks will be needed also.

 

[mersum1es]

What's your tyre size? Lower profile, harder ride, generalizing...

 

[BAZZER1]

Hi Naraic
Mine is a 2002 W210 E320CDI 7 Seater Avantgarde Estate
BAZZER1

 

[brandwooddixon]

The simplest (and possibly cheapest) solution is to choose a rim and tyre size that gives you a deeper profile.

I suspect that you may have 17" or even 18" rims fitted. I believe that you may be able to get 16" rims for your vehicle which will give a smoother ride, maybe not as soft as an Elegance model but it will remove much of the "jiggle" of small bumps.

 

[BAZZER1]

Hi Mersum
My Tyre size is 215/55/ZR16W
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

Hi Mersum
My Tyre size is 215/55/ZR16W
Best regards
BAZZER1

So since you have the standard wheel/tyre combo that will not be any help.

Since you have an estate and the family is complaining it could be that the rear accumulators for the SLS are shot and giving a harsh ride.

 

[BAZZER1]

Hi Naraic
Could you explain what the Accumulators for the SLS are please as I have no idea, thats the problem with being an Electrical Engineer and not a Mechanical one, are they expensive to replace and is it a relatively easy job for me to attempt to do.
Thanks for all your help as always
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

You have SLS (self leveling suspension) at the rear.

The shock absorbers are connected to spheres with oil and air in them separated by a diaphragm. If the diaphragm ruptures then you lose the effectiveness of the shock absorbers and the ride will be harsh.

 

[BAZZER1]

So are the Spheres repairable or do I have to get complete new Spheres and how much would they cost for my Merc and are they difficult is to replace the Spheres or should my Indie do this
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

They are not repairable. I believe they are about £90 each...ring your local MB supplier. They are a DIY job...so your indie will be able to do it if that is the problem.

The reservoir for the fluid is next to the washer bottle under the bonnet. Check the level of the fluid (which also supplies the power steering) and the colour. If it is black I believe this indicates a rupture.

 

[BAZZER1]

Thanks Naraic
Back to my last query, are the Spheres difficult to remove and replace or should this work be done by an Indie Specialist
Thanks BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

Thanks Naraic
Back to my last query, are the Spheres difficult to remove and replace or should this work be done by an Indie Specialist
Thanks BAZZER1

I added to that post...

 

[BAZZER1]

Sorry Naraic, just seen the last part of your post
BAZZER1