I posted this question in the Performance Paddock without too much response so I'll repost it here. Thanks for any help you guys can provide....it's a mix of two posts.

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ok...it now feels like i'm riding on 23 inch wheels on 5 series tires on the back. I know my rear shocks are probably damn near dead and it's time to fix it. I have a 93 500SEL with self leveling and I know replacing the hydraulic shocks is major $$$. Is there a way to get rid of the self leveling system and go to a "regular" system? Being that my car is sitting on 19" monoblocks, a cushy ride is not the #1 priority anyway. I'm also looking to add H&R or Eibach sport springs to lower the car a bit. Please throw all suggestions my way, hopefully this is the right forum...its kind of a cross between a Tech question and performance but oh well... Thanks in advance guys.

post 2 (Michael's Response)
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How many miles on the car? Unless you're approaching a quarter of a million, I'd be surprised if your rear shocks are dead. My '88 wagon's struts, at 163k mi., still function beautifully. Presuming no leaks in your hydro struts out back, they're likely fine.
What pressure are you running in your tires? That may be the culprit.

Lastly, you might want to check part #s for the rear struts on your car vs. the (I think)W140 S500 Limited Edition they made at the end of the run...it ran 18" or 19" monoblocks, and its struts may have been adapted to better work with the short rubber.

Just a few thoughts...good luck!

post 3 (me again)
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I think they actually are leaking a little, and i have 172k on the clock. Lots of highway miles but still...I guess I just want to know what my options are and how much out of pocket I am looking at for parts. A very good friend of mine is an S class specialist so as far as labor goes I'm in good shape (a good thing too because over the winter we gotta do the AC Evaporator core...ughhh) So anyone that knows, let me know...thanks again

Thanks for anyone who took the time to read all this and respond.

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Chris Singh
1983 300D (ODO dead at 289k and still churning)
1993 500SEL brilliant silver monotone w/ AMG monoblock II 19", clear corners, 600 grill, in car multi monitor entertainment/computer/mp3/navigation system
Had an 89 560SL
Had an 89 50SEL
Had a 90 300E (miss ya)

All quality suspension modifications would continue to use the marvelous suspension design MB put there to begin with. We have install a couple of good lowering kits that came with shortened hydraulic struts. (don't remember brands as they were customer provided)

I would presume that your real problem is that your accumulators are dead! These list for $126 a piece and not too hard to replace. The shocks last indefinitely unless you continue to drive with dead accumulators.



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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

Steve, thanks for the tip. So replacing the systems won't be as costly as I anticipated? I was once told that it would cost damn near 1000 EACH SIDE!!! Is that incorrect? I noticed H&R and Eibach both have springs for self leveling suspensions on the 140 as well.

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Chris Singh
1983 300D (ODO dead at 289k and still churning)
1993 500SEL brilliant silver monotone w/ AMG monoblock II 19", clear corners, 600 grill, in car multi monitor entertainment/computer/mp3/navigation system
Had an 89 560SL
Had an 89 50SEL
Had a 90 300E (miss ya)

The accumulators are the only part of the system that fails very often. They probably should be replaced every 60k whether they need them or not.

The only thing the struts do wrong is leak. If you fall within that mileage above then replace them and drive it for a while and evaluate the rest.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

Steve - thanks for the info. last question on it, what price range do the struts run? I'm just trying to do a cost analysis of the whole project. Thanks again!

btw, the car has 172k miles on it.