Controlled compression and rebound: the multi-link independent suspension
The series-production launch of the Mercedes-Benz 190 in 1983 also marked the beginning of the multi-link independent suspension's career. In many respects this is a feature that remains without parallel to this day, which is why this patented axle principle - naturally in a modified form - is also employed in the C-Class. With the multi-link independent suspension the wheel is fixed to five elastically mounted links that are independent of each other and which restrict its scope for movement in five directions:
The lower transverse control arms activate the suspension springs and dampers
The upper transverse control arms regulate the camber over the spring travel
The torque struts take up the drive and braking forces, and compensate for dive
and squat when accelerating and decelerating
The diagonal struts are arranged differently from the torque struts, and also
help to prevent dive and squat when braking and accelerating
The track rods limit changes in the wheel's toe-in to a desirable minimum
Owing to this intelligent control arm construction, each rear wheel basically retains freedom of movement in one plane only: namely during controlled compression and rebound.
See also:
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in
vehicles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
The MAX COOL function is activated
automatically:
• if climate cont ...
Problems with the side windows
Problem: a side window cannot be closed
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Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requiremen ...