R107 sag to drivers side when stationary

[flamesnm]

All

I've noticed a pronounced sag to the driver side on my wife's 1986 R107 500SL.

I've just parked it in a number of spots on the road to eliminate any camber induced lean, and it definitely sits lower on the driver side when viewing from the rear.

A quick pootle around and it drives just fine.

I don't know the provenance of the suspension, but expect it is original.

Just wanted some expert opinion as to the likely culprit. I suspect springs. A quick search around the forums gives opinion on shocks ( Bilsteins appear to be the consensus ) but I can't find anything for springs. Are Mercedes spares the best option here ?

Thanks in advance.

 

[whitenemesis]

Always best to get springs from MB if you want to maintain the ride quality.

 

[BTB 500]

I was told by a suspension specialist that it's quite common for older cars to sit a bit lower on the driver's side, and this is nothing to worry about. It obviously depends how much though - if it's a significant difference you could indeed have a broken spring.

 

[flamesnm]

Thanks for your replies.

There's no noticeable issue with driving, so I suspect it's nothing drastic. I'll keep an eye on it and if that changes, I'll get it checked.

Are springs and shocks something I could consider replacing myself ?

 

[Druk]

Are springs and shocks something I could consider replacing myself ?

On the rear you can...just, but not on the front without proper 107 compressor. Shocks back and front are easy but failure shouldn't really cause it to lean.
If you've got a broken 107 spring it will be the first, they're massive compared to todays rubbish.

Wonder if the front subframe mounts have gone?

 

[SG1]

What colour is your car, can't make it out from the picture?

 

[flamesnm]

Its paggett red. With a healthy covering of road grime. It's a daily driver up the M3 into London, so it can get a bit unlovely during the week in winter months.

Why ?

 

[flamesnm]

Wonder if the front subframe mounts have gone?

It seems to be drivers side rear that has the sag. Looks level from the front.

I think I'll get it checked out properly.

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[flamesnm]

For the record, this turned out to be a very severely corroded and sagging offside lower wishbone. Lucky it was found as the cars sits on the M25 most days, so would not like to have that wishbone snap while I was testing the speed limits

If yours is doing this, check the wishbones.

 

[Druk]

Front or rear? It's not uncommon for the front lower control arm (not wishbone btw ) mounting point on the subframe to fracture in pre-facelift cars. There was a recall for strengthening fillets to be welded in but quite a few cars slipped through the net.








.

 

[ray_hennig]

For the record, this turned out to be a very severely corroded and sagging offside lower wishbone. Lucky it was found as the cars sits on the M25 most days, so would not like to have that wishbone snap while I was testing the speed limits

If yours is doing this, check the wishbones.

Nice car; I had one of those years ago.

Do make sure you find a good specialist who will use the correct parts. No aftermarket rubbish.

Sachs are also original dampers on those.

All the best.

RayH

 

[flamesnm]

Trouble

Right, looks like I'm in trouble.

The car is with TM Motors, who are very good. It was they that identified it as the offside lower wishbone, and immediately tried to source the part.

Turns out, there wasn't one in the country. Mercedes has listed the part as 'EE' which means it isn't made any more. TM Motors are saying the can't find one. These R107s just got alot more risky to own !

Anyone have any ideas on a dedicated breakers that deals with R107s ?

 

[Druk]

There are a few breakers but not of facelift cars. I'm afraid you're going to be struggling. German eBay.de might be a source.

And as I mentioned somewhere else this part is called a 'Transverse (or lower) Control Arm' not a wishbone. It might help in your search.




.

 

[flamesnm]

Thanks Druk. Have a lead on a part in Germany, but just got a confirmation from a Dronsfields ( recommended on this forum by lordelee ) who have found me an ( expensive ) new, genuine Merc part.

The old girl is saved. Again.

 

[SG1]

I am breaking a facelift 500SL at the moment.

 

[flamesnm]

Location ?

Hi SG1

Whereabouts in London are you ? There's a few parts I'd like as backups, including this lower offside control arm or wishbone. I can't PM as I'm sub 30 posts.

Let's see if this works:

n i a l l s e m a i l @ y a h o o . c o m

 

[rorf]

Get your parts from the USA - Pelican Parts or FCP Euro, one week delivery to your door

 

[flamesnm]

Thanks rorf. I'll take a look at those.

In the meantime, could someone PM SG1 for me ? If he's breaking one, I have needs

 

[Druk]

Sent.

 

[flamesnm]

I spend most of my time on here saying "Thanks Druk".

So again, thanks Druk.