My 02 2.5L has 105k miles on it. I'm thinking the struts are gone. When driving it seems to take the bumps really hard. Has anyone who replaced struts noticed this and then after it drove much smoother?

 

The suspension is fairly stiff on my '07 Sportwagon. I've racked up 72K miles in over 4 years, so I asked the same of my Jag service tech. He told me I should never have to replace them unless they start to leak. Not sure if they are filled with air or liquid. My friend's 5-series Beemer also hits small creases and potholes hard. Euro cars are tight, not mushy like a Buick.

 

Theres a difference between hard/firm and harsh. Mine is on the borderline, leaning more toward harsh. I think I might be due for struts and shocks and some other things.

 

OK then maybe they are normal. My z4 and my friends audi aren't like that, but my slk was, but it also had a ton of miles. It does feel more harsh versus stiff. I can't imagine the mechanic saying you never have to change them, but maybe they are really great?

 

The ride on mine was substantially better with different tires.

 

Spring rate and tire design also contribue a lot.

 

I would just get them checked out, if you are unsure. Let a mechanic take it for a test drive or take them for a test drive if you prefer. If they aren't bad, get some comfortable tires. This should improve your ride a bit.