I posted this in DD and remain without a satisfactory solution: I've been working on the problem of the low ride height in the back of the SDL for the past several months. All dimensions will be made from the road to the inside of the fenderwell in the back. Prior to any modifications, the vehicle would typically have a ride height of 24.50-24.75 inches. This is a pronounced squat in the back. I changed subframe bushings and differential mount. This increased ride height to 25.25- 25.50 inches. A small improvement, but not enough. Changed springs using p/n 116 324 08 04. Installed new 19 mm rubber spring pads. Took the vehicle for a drive and parked it. Measured the ride height the following morning: 25.5" Camber: 1" negative across the tire face (equates to about 3°) The new springs had no effect on the ride height. The springs are supposedly OEM and manufactured by Meyle. In discussion with the supplier (not the dealer), he indicated that this is the only spring that was specified for the 300SDL, as cataloged by Meyle. Does anyone have any additional info regarding the proper spring and whether Meyle is the OEM supplier? The attitude of this vehicle is definitely not proper, and the camber seems excessive.

Can't help with your problem, but if it makes you feel better I have exactly the same problem.

The back of my 300SDL sags. I have replaced both subframe bushings, differential mount, and am about to do rear shocks (existing ones look just fine..)

I'm considering replacing rear springs, but now that you mention it didn't make a difference, maybe I won't.

Every W126 I saw in Orange County when I visited LA last year rode perfectly straight. There are so many of them down there, maybe there are a few good shops who know how to fix this problem. Every one looked like it did when new -- I only saw one completely worn out 300SD with a saggy rear end (although there were MANY other problems and lots of body damage -- this was NOT a well taken care of car!)

Let me know if you figure it out.. My mechanic (who used to work at MB) insists my car is "perfectly normal" and "looks fine" to him.

I don't think so....

Neal

__________________
'83 300SD 335,000km (207k) mi SOLD
'87 560SL 163,000km (101k mi) SOLD
'86 300SDL 356,000km (220k mi) SOLD
'92 500SEL 250,000km (155k mi) SOLD
'90 300SL 140,000km (87k mi) SOLD
'01 S430 260,000km (161k mi) SOLD
'03 SL500 167,000km (104k mi)
'07 GL320 CDI 4MATIC 289,000km (162k mi)
'07 S550 4MATIC 170,000km (105k mi)

Neal,

Thanks for the reply.

I will figure it out.

But, can you kindly measure the fenderwell height prior to doing the shocks?

Then, after you do the shocks, and drive it for several days, can you measure the fenderwell height again? There needs to be several days of driving time to allow the suspension to settle after lifting the body, if the data is to be valid.

I'm curious to see if rear shocks add some height due to the gas pressure.
This occurred in the front on this SDL, and, maybe it will happen in the back, as well.

Brian,

Will measure before and after doing the shocks.

You're right.. when I did the front shocks it jacked the front of the car up a bit. That's when I started not liking the angle of the car (back looked lower!).

Maybe you're right.. hopefully the new shocks in the rear will raise the height. It makes logical sense -- will let you know.

Neal

__________________
'83 300SD 335,000km (207k) mi SOLD
'87 560SL 163,000km (101k mi) SOLD
'86 300SDL 356,000km (220k mi) SOLD
'92 500SEL 250,000km (155k mi) SOLD
'90 300SL 140,000km (87k mi) SOLD
'01 S430 260,000km (161k mi) SOLD
'03 SL500 167,000km (104k mi)
'07 GL320 CDI 4MATIC 289,000km (162k mi)
'07 S550 4MATIC 170,000km (105k mi)

bump..