500 SEC Suspension

[Don Martin]

I have a 1984 500 SEC that is a Euro version. I bought the car used and do not know very much about it. I do know that someone put lowering springs in the car. As a result, I go through a set of rear tires in about 5000 miles because the rear camber cannot be adjusted. I would like to return the suspension to OEM but the car also has the self leveling hydraulic system so I am not sure what springs to use. Most vendors that sell springs say their products fit the car except thiose withthe self-leveling suspension. I have disabled the self-leveling system since the hydraulic pump continued to fail and dump the hydraulic fluid into the crank case, even after several rebuilds. If you are not familiar with my dilemma can you recommend a source of information on this? Thanks very much.

[lbackusmb]

Now you know why the car was for sale. Sorry. Seriously though, if your car originally came with the hydrolic suspension you may be facing a good bit of work. I have a 500SEC USA version with no hydrolics and if I had a euro that had problems I would consider converting to springs. Most suspension parts from 500SELs are interchangeable with the SEC so if you can locate a non hydrolic SEL in a junkyard you will have all the parts you need.

Don't see why you are having so much trouble with the pump - usually the problem is with the accumulators.

If you are a do it yourselfer, you can search for SLS or self leveling suspension, learn about it and then decide whether to keep the SLS system in tact or replace with non SLS components.

There is one other item to check which is the mounting bracket for the rear end. This bracket attaches the rear end to the frame of the car and if that bracket is broken, you will probably eat the inside of your rear tires and the rear of the car will sit low. The part isn't that much - maybe around 50 bucks or so and the bracket attaches, if I recall with two 17 or 19 mm bolts.

good luck

lee backus

[jhodg5ck]

I'm surprised you had so much trouble w/ the pump..usually finding a good used pump is not a hard reach. That aside, you can swap out to any Non SLS 126's springs if you want to go back to stock ride etc.. Your best bet would be a set from a 420. That and a full set of Bilstein Comforts and you'll be back to normal.

One question for you though, what colour are the springs on your car?

Wish I knew someone up your way but all the benz mechanics I know are down on the island.

Jonathan

[cdplayer]

Originally Posted by Don Martin

I have a 1984 500 SEC that is a Euro version. I bought the car used and do not know very much about it. I do know that someone put lowering springs in the car. As a result, I go through a set of rear tires in about 5000 miles because the rear camber cannot be adjusted. I would like to return the suspension to OEM but the car also has the self leveling hydraulic system so I am not sure what springs to use. Most vendors that sell springs say their products fit the car except thiose withthe self-leveling suspension. I have disabled the self-leveling system since the hydraulic pump continued to fail and dump the hydraulic fluid into the crank case, even after several rebuilds. If you are not familiar with my dilemma can you recommend a source of information on this? Thanks very much.

Congrats on your purchase.
I have a USA version 1984 500SEC I picked up last year. It's my baby. I have already put more money into it than I paid for it. But I get so much satisfaction when I complete each project.
A PO lowered the front of my SEC too. I kind of like the aggressive look is gives. Got that California attitude!
I picked up a shop manual on CD from Ebay for the W126 model. Plus check out the DIY sections on this forum relating to the W126. Really helpful! Good luck

[cool]

since in your message, you did mentioned that you have already shut down the hydraulic system, which location are you in? in california, go to silverstar in glenndale tons of parts for your car, but you need to learn how to negotiate with them, look for joseph.