Is it ADS?

[wolfman]

I have a switch on the front facia next to the snow chain switch of my r129 SL500 which shows an image of a suspension damper with arc shaped downward pointing arrows either side.
Is this ADS?
If so what is the purpose/use...?
It may seem a dumb question after I have owned the car for four years but I was told when I purchased the car that I should use when negotiating speed bumps etc but that seems like a very limited usefulness...
Anyone know much about this?

Thanks
Wolfman

 

[matthewm1965]

I think this is to stiffen the dampers for a more "sporty" ride. It doesnt seem to make any difference to the ride quality of my S class on the few times I have tried it.

 

[Richard Moakes]

That switch means your car has ADS.

Do you have a similar yellow light in the instrument panel when you turn the key to the ACC position before you start the engine?

That switch changes the damping characteristics, not much use for speed bumps, there will be another switch by the light switch which changes the height of the car.

As your car is a 1990, then it's ADS1, which is still complex but less complex than the later ADS2 version.

As to the purpose, well it gives a more comfortable ride and improves handling through the corners etc..

 

[wolfman]

Richard,
Thanks for the reply...
Yes there is a yellow light on the instrument panel with the same "damper" sign....it's next to "ASR"...
You are also correct about the ride height switch next to the light switch..
So what is your take on when to use these two functions?
Is the ride more comfortable with ADS switched off?...and firmer/sportier handling when switched on?

Wolfman...

 

[Richard Moakes]

ADS can't be turned off!

If the yellow light on the instrument panel lights up when you turn the key and goes out when you start the car, then it's working. The switch merely changes the suspension from comfortable cruising to a more taught sporty handling (allegedly!)

If you can't tell the difference, perform this test, with the ignition off, press down at each corner of the car, if you get a typical push down and rebound then the gas spheres are in good order, if you can hardly press down at any corner, then that particular sphere has failed and will require replacement.