Discussion
Hi
If anyone can offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
I went and had a look at an early SL500 that has the ADS suspension. I took it for a quick drive and it drove well generally (slight pull but presume tracking is as a normally damped car so no big drama) but prior to my viewing it had been sitting for a few months and the suspension had dropped a bit at the front driver's side. All other corners were ok. Once it was started all appeared fine. The trader is going to get it investigated with a local Merc guy but I thought it prudent to get as much information as possible.
With hindsight, and I'm annoyed I didn't look to check, it would be more suggestive of a tired spring than a defective sphere/damper as it sat at the correct height after the car had been switched off for around 20 mins or so. I don't know what it did after that as I had left.
The car overall seemed honest, if a little bit scruffy internally, and I am interested. Stories on the internet about ADS range from abject horror to glowing praise with the middle ground being its not a cheap fix if it breaks but it's not horrendous either and when working it's very good so it hasn't put me off...yet.
There was also a bit of bearing noise from one of the pulleys on the front of the engine but again, that would be fixed prior to any deal being done.
All opinions, experience and advice welcome.
Thanks.
If anyone can offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
I went and had a look at an early SL500 that has the ADS suspension. I took it for a quick drive and it drove well generally (slight pull but presume tracking is as a normally damped car so no big drama) but prior to my viewing it had been sitting for a few months and the suspension had dropped a bit at the front driver's side. All other corners were ok. Once it was started all appeared fine. The trader is going to get it investigated with a local Merc guy but I thought it prudent to get as much information as possible.
With hindsight, and I'm annoyed I didn't look to check, it would be more suggestive of a tired spring than a defective sphere/damper as it sat at the correct height after the car had been switched off for around 20 mins or so. I don't know what it did after that as I had left.
The car overall seemed honest, if a little bit scruffy internally, and I am interested. Stories on the internet about ADS range from abject horror to glowing praise with the middle ground being its not a cheap fix if it breaks but it's not horrendous either and when working it's very good so it hasn't put me off...yet.
There was also a bit of bearing noise from one of the pulleys on the front of the engine but again, that would be fixed prior to any deal being done.
All opinions, experience and advice welcome.
Thanks.
ADS is not particularly complicated. The roof mechanism and the ABS system are more complicated, but people do like to get worked up over it. Yes, it's going to be costly and inconvenient to sort if there are any issues, but I believe an enthusiast owner should take the trouble to learn about the system and appreciate its benefits.
If the car had been sitting for months it's not surprising a valve had let by. The fact it re-pressurised after start up is a good sign. I do think you need to establish how long it takes to "sag" again. Due diligence is important and potentially a good bargaining chip. You don't want to drive off with a problematic system if you haven't built it into the price. You need to determine the service history of the suspension. If it's all original then it's going to be tired.
The fact you mention "spheres" implies you are someone who has gone to the trouble to do a little research. Any 20+ year old car is likely to spring issues from time to time. It boils down to what type of owner you are. If you want a hassle-free, hands-off ownership then ADS is not recommended. If you want the top spec and can take the time to understand the system then ADS adds an extra level of satisfaction to the ownership experience. I find mine (ADS2) to be very impressive, it adds to the sophistication and talent of the car. I know something will go wrong one day but I will take satisfaction in identifying and fixing it and learning more in the process. It's also important to find a specialist who knows the system if you need professional help.
If you do buy the car and then encounter suspension issues you can't deal with you always have the fallback option of removing the hydraulic components and replacing with standard suspension.
If the car had been sitting for months it's not surprising a valve had let by. The fact it re-pressurised after start up is a good sign. I do think you need to establish how long it takes to "sag" again. Due diligence is important and potentially a good bargaining chip. You don't want to drive off with a problematic system if you haven't built it into the price. You need to determine the service history of the suspension. If it's all original then it's going to be tired.
The fact you mention "spheres" implies you are someone who has gone to the trouble to do a little research. Any 20+ year old car is likely to spring issues from time to time. It boils down to what type of owner you are. If you want a hassle-free, hands-off ownership then ADS is not recommended. If you want the top spec and can take the time to understand the system then ADS adds an extra level of satisfaction to the ownership experience. I find mine (ADS2) to be very impressive, it adds to the sophistication and talent of the car. I know something will go wrong one day but I will take satisfaction in identifying and fixing it and learning more in the process. It's also important to find a specialist who knows the system if you need professional help.
If you do buy the car and then encounter suspension issues you can't deal with you always have the fallback option of removing the hydraulic components and replacing with standard suspension.
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