OEM hydraulic suspension change

[m1tch]

Hi all,

My W210 E300 turbodiesel estate I have found has the hydraulic self leveling suspension at the back, I am looking to upgrade my suspension at some point and lower the car slightly. Am I correct in saying that all I would need to do is to simply unbolt all of the hydraulic components and simply fit the alternative springs and dampers?

I have also heard that I can adjust the ride height of the rear using the hydraulic suspension some how?

I am aware I will need to adjust all of the tracking and camber but I just need to see if its ok to simply remove all of the hydraulic components and fit non hydraulic components as they are on the saloon model.

I am also aware that I will need the stiffer diesel/V8 springs as the lighter engined models don't have the right spring rate etc. I will be keeping the spring pads the same size rather than dropping them and keeping the standard springs, although that could be an option.

[Maxbumpo]

Mitch,

No, you cannot adjust the ride height using the hydraulics. If you do, it will eventually kill the control valve.

Many who have tried to remove the hydraulics in a wagon are very unhappy with the resulting ride quality. I would not do that. Keep all that, just play with springs and spring pads. You will probably also need a camber adjustment kit to correct the camber. Keep in mind that if you keep the hydraulics and lower the rear via springs/pads, then you will need to adjust the control rod for the hydraulic control valve so the hydraulics don't try to maintain the original ride height, which will destroy the valve. Adjusting that rod will become a trial and error thing, rather a pain but much cheaper than removing the works and then regretting it.

[m1tch]

Originally Posted by Maxbumpo

Mitch,

No, you cannot adjust the ride height using the hydraulics. If you do, it will eventually kill the control valve.

Many who have tried to remove the hydraulics in a wagon are very unhappy with the resulting ride quality. I would not do that. Keep all that, just play with springs and spring pads. You will probably also need a camber adjustment kit to correct the camber. Keep in mind that if you keep the hydraulics and lower the rear via springs/pads, then you will need to adjust the control rod for the hydraulic control valve so the hydraulics don't try to maintain the original ride height, which will destroy the valve. Adjusting that rod will become a trial and error thing, rather a pain but much cheaper than removing the works and then regretting it.

Thanks for that info, I will think through my options, I did see the guide to adjust the SLS and I will get an upgraded camber kit if I decide to lower it. I was tempted to change the suspension but the ride quality is really good as standard it seems. I will perhaps look at changing the suspension if part of the rear starts to fail - eg its cheaper to go aftermarket vs returning to OEM.