560sel rear suspension
 

I have a 91 560sel with 242k miles (and it doesn't have a flaw) however, when I fill the trunk up with luggage and put my two teenage daughters in the back seat the rear end sets down far enough that the tail pipe scrapes the chassis over bumps and railroads. My mechanic says my nitrogen air bage system needs to be replaced. He said an alternative would be to switch to a 450's suspension so I could put air shocks on. I would prefer to keep the car original. Suggestions? Comments. Thanks.

Does your car leak any hydraulic fluid? I think your mech is right unless you need new hydralic shocks. How does the car ride when loaded and unloaded? Is the car very bouncy either way? The hydro shocks hardly break so at that mileage, expect something to go. It was well worth it! Just get it fixed

560sel
 

the car rides great. there is no leaks anywhere...my garage floor is clean. I just need to know what to ask about so I won't be taken to the cleaners.

You are looking at somewhere between $500 and $1000 to fix your rear air suspension. Final price will be determined by how much you need to do. These systems are obviously not cheap to repair. And forget about changing suspensions in order to use a shock absorber setup. Bad idea.

I agree with what has been said.
The mechanics diagnosis sounds good. In the SLS suspension. IF no fluid leaks are present it is probably the hydraulic accumulators. Once done the cars hydraulic control valve adjustment should be checked for proper suspension height. This should be quick and easy. Since it was the accumulators that were the problem. The suspension should be up to 100% after they are replaced and no adjustment should be necessary.

Get the fluid and filter replaced while doing this repair. The mechanic should be able to replace the fluid. The filter will take him 2 minutes. This is a good idea while your doing the repairs.

Cost, I don't know. I do everything myself.

Dave

nombmechanic, Are you sure the the suspensions are hydraulic? If so then NEVER change them to anything but the original hydraulic suspensions. In Kuwait they all change it and the car gets rubbish on road. Listen, u have either the hydraulic suspensions or the buck hydraulic suspensions valve is defected. The buck hydraulic suspensions valve is located near the differential, it's silver iron object. Don't buy a brand new hydraulic suspensions and valve just by them from a scrap used but good. This should fix ur problem. I remember that i spend more than 300$ on the same and worse problem.

All the best.