self levelling suspension

[phils500]

Good news
Now know my S500 W140 does have self levelling suspension as suspected.
Bad news
Looking prob at a very expensive bill and
where do I go in cheshire to someone who knows about such things
Just had a price from MB for the shock absorbers and had to sit down
Anyone had this same problem
Cheers

 

[EDZ649]

Ian Walker @ 124 Works may be able to help you. Not sure how far he is from you though.

 

[mikestrivens]

Try SPR Autos in Stockport. They look after my small fleet, including my S600 W140, and have bags of experience of these cars. SPR AUTOS LTD STOCKPORT - INDEPENDENT MERCEDES BENZ SPECIALISTS

 

[phils500]

Cheers
Thanks for that guys will give them a call

 

[jonnyboy]

You sure you need the struts? From what I remember I was under the impression that they rarely fail?

 

[Setanta]

Agreed - although they do go (mine were done).

What is actually wrong with it? Sitting high or low?

 

[phils500]

Basically seems to be sitting fine just bounces around too much esp when going over a speed bump. I take it to south france every year and think I have maybe overloaded it a bit but always looked fine and level. When I push boot down just not as firm as at front.

 

[phils500]

Just noticed today( actually just noticed after 3 years ) the hydraulic fluid tank on min so will top up tomorrow but def not empty

 

[Setanta]

This sounds like the accumulators (95% sure) as ths symptoms match

 

[phils500]

Are these the things at the top of the shock absorbers that look like something the queen holds when she is crowned for wont of a better description.
If so assume these can be replaced.
phil

 

[Setanta]

The accumulators can be replaced and relatively (note: relatively!) cheap

Details of what they are are here:

V12 Uber Alles, Replacing Accumulators (aka Spring Actuators, Nitrogen Spheres) in a W140 Mercedes Benz

Absolutely utterly pointless in my opinion, as is if the self-closing doors and boot as just more to go wrong for little or no practical application.

True self-close (as in you hit a button on the lid and it closes by itself) was great and I had it on a W220 S600 but after more than a few W140/C140's with normal suspension, I don't see the fuss about SLS.

I have not seen many 500's with SLS though

 

[Setanta]

Not an accumulator:

 

[phils500]

Just my luck to have it ! Only bothered it might be an mot failure as one is due at the end of this month and just trying to plan ahead. That said passed last year and was no different and only done 3000 mile since 2000 to Nice and back. Does seem like an avenue to go down before panicking. Will check out some prices for them.
Apart from the odd diamond and a little dearer still see resemblance

 

[bh13coupe]

Give Acid a shout, he has sourced some expensive suspension parts relatively cheaply for members, you can PM him the part codes and he get you the prices. I hear nothing but good things

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/96680-40-mb-service-parts-discount.html

 

[Setanta]

Just my luck to have it ! Only bothered it might be an mot failure as one is due at the end of this month and just trying to plan ahead. That said passed last year and was no different and only done 3000 mile since 2000 to Nice and back. Does seem like an avenue to go down before panicking. Will check out some prices for them.
Apart from the odd diamond and a little dearer still see resemblance

That is the accumulator from Junction Produce in Japan (lots of lovely VIP cars)

It was a brilliant way of describing it though!

 

[phils500]

Read again your link and it does back your view in that my fluid is now really low so am hopefully on right track, not sure who I know that could deal with the very detailed way of changing them and as i don't know Uri Gellar would struggle with the bendy spanners.
Will make some enquiries tomorrow with more hope and knowledge
Thanks

 

[phils500]

Paul
ta for that will ask him

 

[phils500]

Paul
Not letting me into pm, maybe because I am new here, or too stupid. Not sure which can you help
Cheers