Self levelling suspension oil top up

[SilverSaloon]

Hi

We noticed at a GTG that the hydraulic self levelling suspension oil in my W124 estate was pretty low and the dipstick also shows this.

I'd like to top it up.

i believe it has the genuine mercedes stuff in it (i think) - should i stick to the genuine fluid from MB or is an aftermarket brand fine as a top up? if so, can anyone recommend a type/brand to use.

the car is a 1994 E300D estate.

thanks

Derek

 

[The Crooner]

You can get the fluid from MB, or elsewhere provided the spec is right.

I believe its £12 per litre from MB IIRC.

I'd also be a little worried about why it needs topping up - a pleasant few hours on your back with some degreaser and cloths around all off the suspension components may be a good idea.

I'd also clean all of the connectors and examine their condition, and maybe start regularly applying Plusgas if you think some work may be necessary.

Tony

 

[SilverSaloon]

i dont think its ever gone down, so not leaking (i hope), its always been at this level as far as i can remember.

i didnt know there was a dipstick for it until the GTG so just thought aslong as there was oil in the tank it would be fine

 

[Smiley]

Check the hose that goes from the reservoir to the side of the PAS pump - most of it is behind and tucked under the n/s headlight assy and you cant really see it - mine has deteriorated somewhat and looks like it has weeped ever so slightly over the years at the joint at the bottom of the resevoir. I only noticed it when I took the whole headlight out. I have got a new one and some of the correct fluid from MB - just need to get on and change it. I think it is just a case of unsrewing the connections to the reservoir, draining it; replace the pipe and re-fit.

For the sake of a few quid dont be tempted to use another fluid - it is available in 1 litre bottles for about 10 or 12 pounds.

btw the fluid level on mine has never been very high up the reservoir either.

 

[stwat]

ZHM is the correct fluid to use. The last litre i got from the dealers was around £9. GSF do the febi-bilstein stuf for around £5 a litre. It's the exact same stuff you get from MB but cheaper.

 

[SilverSaloon]

thanks. i ended up getting the genuine fluid from MB as i was there anyway and as i know its got genuine stuff in already I thought i'd stick with that as its a top-up.