Hello All, finally bought a beautiful wagon which needs SLS work. I have searched this site but have not found a step by step procedure for properly working through the SLS system to determine which area is at fault. Is there a 123 td wagon site? Any other tips/resources would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

I think the general diagnostic principle followed on this site, is that if the 'shocks' are not leaking and the height is correct, but there are ride problems, it's the accumulators.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

thanks! Does anyone have a pic of the accumulators? I was hoping for a step by step diagnostic that also orients me to the system -thanks!

If you search on it there are pictures of accumulators cut open so you can see how they work. Spherical objects mounted to the body above and to the inside of the rear lower control arms with metal lines and rubber hoses going in and out. It's a pretty easy job to replace them. Did mine in an hour or so. Kind of messy since you need to drain the hydraulic fluid out. My bleed screw on the control valve was frozen so I just loosened the lines to the accumulators very slightly and let the fluid drain out.

Here's one on Fastlane:

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1985-Mercedes--benz-300td-Suspension&yearid=1985%40%401985&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES-BENZ%40%4063%40%40MERCEDES-BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6234%3AMBC|1518%3AED|10000135%40%40300TD&catid=241464%40%40Suspension&subcatid=241574@@Accumulator&mode=PA

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Here is a write-up I did on for Diagnosing the SLS system
Diagnosing your SLS Sytem

Here is the info from the Factory Manual about the SLS system:
http://oregonstate.edu/~lindgrea/DIY/PDFs/32-501.pdf

The most common issues with the SLS is a leaky height valve, or bad accumulators. Sagging over night means your valve needs re-sealing, bouncy or harsh rides mean the accumulators are shot. Not rising when the rear is loaded is usually the pump.

__________________

Mine leaked down over night and had a harsh ride. I assumed I had a bad valve and bad accumulators. I replaced the accumulators first and was surprised to discover that it stopped leaking down overnight without any work to the valve.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Thanks. the PO informed that the system used to work but I noted that the hydraulic fluid tank was empty?? Leaky/cut hose or other? Not sure, but it appears that the only fluid to use is the MB stuff . . . is there a substitute to use so that I can determine the source of the leak and then flush replace with the MB product? Thanks! Great info!

The link is no longer working. It requires a log in, then gives
no way of registering

__________________
81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project