AVANTGARDE SOFTER RIDE

[BAZZER1]

Will cost the Spheres up and come back to later ref the fitting instructions if I may
I will get the Spheres checked out first for any leaks or losses
Thank you again
BAZZER1

 

[BAZZER1]

Hi again Naraic
Just checked Fluid level Bottle, its at the correct level and the fluid is clear.
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

Probably ok then.

 

[brandwooddixon]

As Naraic suggests - I'd check out the rear suspension to make sure that all is well.
If your're on 16" rims then the wheel/tyre change is not an option. I don't think that 15" rims are an option for your car.

 

[Naraic]

^ 15s are not an option because of caliper size. In any case I have never (nor my passengers) found the car in anyway uncomfortable...so I would look for a cause. Are all your springs intact?

 

[BAZZER1]

Yes I believe all springs are ok, I think the other half is comparing the comfort ride of the Merc to our previous Volvo which was so smooth, so will have to bite the bullet and put up with the firmer suspension I guess.
Funnily enough, I was going to buy an Elegance Merc as a friend of mine always claimed how comfortable his was to drive, however I saw this Avantgarde Select Estate for sale with FSH and all of the Bolt on Goodies and chose this instead of the Elegance.
Thanks again for all of your help guys
BAZZER1

 

[toby1]

What makes it a Select, out of interest? New one on me.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Interesting thread!

What tyre pressure are you using, anything over 32psi will give a harsh ride, this is very apparent on mine?

If anything the ride has become less harsh over the years as the springs have softened slightly.

 

[Rockall]

Just for the record - some years ago I had a 2nd hand 1998 300 turbodiesel avantgarde saloon.
Where I live, the roads are pot holes linked together with bits of tar!!
I found the avantgarde very harsh and stiff on the road but most of all far too low at the front - I kept hitting the road centre.
Local Mercedes dealer fitted shocks and springs from the standard model just at the front - he had done so to every avantgarde he had sold!!
Transformed the car - more ground clearance and comfort at last.

Regards
Bill

 

[BAZZER1]

Hi Toby
The Avantgarde Select was one of the last off of the line and they loaded it with everything, its a very nicely equipped car and so far touch wood has given very little problems.
Regards
BAZZER1

 

[BAZZER1]

Hi Malcolm
Thank you for your reply, The tyre pressures are 29 psi in front tyres and 32 psi in rear tyres which according to the book are the correct pressure.
BAZZER1

 

[Naraic]

Just for the record - some years ago I had a 2nd hand 1998 300 turbodiesel avantgarde saloon.
Where I live, the roads are pot holes linked together with bits of tar!!
I found the avantgarde very harsh and stiff on the road but most of all far too low at the front - I kept hitting the road centre.
Local Mercedes dealer fitted shocks and springs from the standard model just at the front - he had done so to every avantgarde he had sold!!
Transformed the car - more ground clearance and comfort at last.

Regards
Bill

And yet I have never hit a road in Donegal...and I am there a lot.

 

[giuseppe]

if read the manual, it should say for a softer ride, reduce the tyre pressure by I believe, 1 bL all round.

 

[BAZZER1]

Thank you for the info Giuseppe, good to hear from another local Forum Member
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[Rockall]

And yet I have never hit a road in Donegal...and I am there a lot.

Give me your car for a 30 minutes and I can leave it back minus belly plate and with a cracked sump - all within 15 minutes from my house. Been there done that - unfortunately!!

Bill

 

[Naraic]

What part of the County do you live in? I have a carter plate under the sump...so it would be hard to do.

 

[Rockall]

What part of the County do you live in? I have a carter plate under the sump...so it would be hard to do.

Glencolmcille - next town is New York!!
Once I changed the front suspension, repaired the sump, I never had any more problems.

Bill

 

[Naraic]

Glencolmcille - next town is New York!!
Once I changed the front suspension, repaired the sump, I never had any more problems.

Bill

Indeed you are "remote" Bill. But the rest of Donegal is more forgiving....especially further North. Not many houses there (Google earth view), which one is yours?

 

[BAZZER1]

Back to my original question guys, I will reduce the pressure in front and rear tyres and see if that does actually make for a softer more comfortable ride, will let you know.
BAZZER1

 

[Frontstep]

I had the same issue thats why I looked for an Elegance which has hard and soft days weirdly enough, but a wrongly approached speed nuisance in the road and it will scrape.