Mercedes w123 280TE problems

[Temujin]

Hi all,

Just bought a w123 280TE this week, it has been stored for the last 7 years.
Took it for MOT today failed on the following:
1) the self levelling suspension does not go up, it is just in its low position, but drives really well.
2) the ABS light is constantly on.

can some please advise on how to fix the above problems.

Thank you very much for reading

 

[bolide]

How far have you got with your initial fault-finding? You need to get it up on a ramp and have it examined by a specialist. If it has those faults there are likely to be lots more

Nick Froome

 

[Temujin]

Hi Nick,

Thanks for your quick response and I'll take your advise.

 

[Deleted member 11979]

If I were you I'd post the faults in the relevant sections on here, i.e suspension for the suspension and so on. You might get lucky, these cars are pretty tough mechanically and of course it'll need TLC after such a long sleep, but really, if an MOT man has looked and that's all he can find (i.e. no rust) then you're on to a winner!

 

[dinoy]

check self leveling pipes if they need replacing or leaking, as for abs i would as a matter of course change possibly both pads and discs and sensors and it might be alright, put some pics up

 

[219]

Have a look in the reservoir under the bonnet for the hydraulic fluid , see if it is empty ! Rotting hydraulic lines in the area of the rear suspension is quite common . The pipes are not expensive , but replacement is labour intensive .

If there is plenty of fluid present - the level control valve may simply be stuck ! It is located centrally just behind the diff and has a link to the rear anti-roll bar . Sometimes the linkage comes apart or loosens off from the bar - try popping one end of the linkage off and , with the car on ramps and the engine running , work the valve lever up and down to see if the suspension moves .

Let us know how you get on .

ABS is a bit more complex and not such an easy DIY repair - other than making sure everything looks clean and intact . If you tell us which part of the country you are in - someone may be able to recommend a good Indy near you . Wheel sensors are a common problem , but at £130 each a bit expensive to diagnose by replacing parts to see if they make a difference .

 

[grober]

Didn't think W123's had ABS? Do you mean W124 series - What's the year of manufacture of the car please

 

[219]

ABS was an option on the 123 .

 

[grober]

If it has ABS then it could be something as simple as low supply voltage- poor battery/ alternator regulator pack/ OVP relay - or as Pontoneer says- something a bit more expensive!= control unit/sensors/hydraulics