PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

yhliem · #9 03-22-2005, 03:16 AM

1) SLS is used to maintian a level ride irrespective of the load placed in the rear of the car.

2) This was a feature in only a few models because it was considered a "higher end" component, so vehicles like the W140, R129, W124 500E and W201 16v were equipped with it. Additionally, it was added to the T-class because - in theory - these vehicles would be carrying greater loads than the 'regular' sedans.

3) Sport models such as the EvoI and EvoII as well as the R129 had a variation of the SLS which involved hydro-struts at both ends of the car. This resulted in improved dive & squat resistance along with the ability to adjust ride height from the driver's seat. This would be an obvious advantage on the race track and since the EvoI and II were homologation specials, they came equipped with this system.

4) the SLS is not really designed to counteract body roll. the system employs a valve which is connected to the rear swaybar. when the valve opens & closes it allows pressurized hydraulic fluid into/out of the rear struts. the valve is actuated by the rotational displacement of the rear swaybar. That having been said, if there is enough torque applied ot the rear swaybar, it is possible for it to deflect enough to actuate the valve. I have experienced this in the 500Es during hard cornering. you can feel the rear end resist the body roll.

5) The SLS is NOT cheap. Each strut retails for approx $400 CDN. This is why most 16v owners replace the system with conventional shocks & springs when their SLS fails. Another reason many owners replace the system with conventional shoclks is because there is only a certain amount of "drop" that you can achieve by adjusting the SLS in a 2.3-16. remember, these cars had early versions of the SLS. they did not have the full SLS system with ride height control ready for production until around 1988/1989.

6) the loud banging could also be a result of worn rear suspension bushings. The bushings in the 5-link suspension take a LOT of abuse and are subject ot high loads. as the wheel travels vertically, the bushings have to allow it (the wheel) to move in an arc, while at the same time preventing it from mving in an arc. this is why the suspension bushings wear out so frequently. if the bushings are worn, there is nothing holding the mounting bolt to the suspention strut. the bolt is just floating in the eye of the strut with approx 1/2" of play on all sides of it. you may also want to check the swaybar links as well as the struts. noises like a bang or a clunk in the rear suspension have also been traced to worn swaybar link bushings and collapsed bumpstops in the struts.

7) as for why it was not available in all models, i suspect one word would be an adequate explanation: cost. cost to produce, cost to sell (increased retail price), and cost to support the system at the parts desk (greater volume of parts to carry).