Greetings! I have a 1987 190e 2.3-16 5 spd that I recently purchased that I am trying to become familiar with (the Merecedes service manual is en-route!).
This is probably a stupid question but this is my first Mercedes & my first experience with this type of suspension. (Not to mention my first time on a forum) .
The car sags in the back end. When I purchased it about 3 months ago, the tires were good all around. Now my back right rear is completely bald & the driver's side is well on it's way. Fronts are good. What could possibly cause this? Can it possibly be related to the sag in the back end?
I suspect there's more to it after reading through this forum but need some sort of direction.
I appreciate any input!

to "Tech Help".

When the rear sags the rear camber goes negative, too much negative rear camper will wear the inside edges of the tires.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Have the hydraulic Self Leveling Suspension (SLS) inspected, including the engine mounted pump, the hydraulic lines back to the rear, the nitrogen cells on each side of the rear suspension; the leveling arm and the rear hydraulic shocks as well.

new member could not find this, due to move.

I doubt a 190E has the self leveling suspension system....the 190 was the "cheapest" MB available at the time.....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

A 190E 2.3-16 has the SLS system.

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1991 300TE Sold
1987 190E 2.3-16v Sold
2009 Toyota Yaris LB
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L
1994 Toyota 4runner
1996 Ducati 900SS

Thanks to all for your advice!

all 190E16v had rear self levelling, unless it was removed, see picture below, pump and reservoir are marked

Attached Thumbnails

 

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1967 250 S
1967 280SE
1968 250S
1971 280 SE
1973 220
1974 280 S
1975 450 SEL
1976 220 D
1979 300SD
1983 300 SD
1985 230 TE euro
1986 280SL
1986 500 SEL euro
1986 190E 2.3
1990 300 SE
2003 C230 K
2004 C230 K
1987 560SEL
1987 300SDL now in canada
2005 C230
1998 C43 AMG Sold to DON
1993 190E 2.6
300TD Former daily driver Totaled
current:
R320 CDI
Ram 2500 Cummins

Sorry for the off topic, but Wow, Stone Brew! I really enjoyed your beers when I was assigned to 29 Palms, CA. I'm missing it here on the east coast. I am advertising with my Arrogant Bastard shirts and glasses though. Get that beer out here!!!

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1991 300TE Sold
1987 190E 2.3-16v Sold
2009 Toyota Yaris LB
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L
1994 Toyota 4runner
1996 Ducati 900SS

The 2.3-16 had an MSRP of $35,400 in 1986 and $40,300 in 1987, compared to $24,300 and $27,100, for the 190E 2.3L.

i am not with them, but love their beers also! see link below you may find it close to you.

http://www.stonebrew.com/about_us/distributors/index.html

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1967 250 S
1967 280SE
1968 250S
1971 280 SE
1973 220
1974 280 S
1975 450 SEL
1976 220 D
1979 300SD
1983 300 SD
1985 230 TE euro
1986 280SL
1986 500 SEL euro
1986 190E 2.3
1990 300 SE
2003 C230 K
2004 C230 K
1987 560SEL
1987 300SDL now in canada
2005 C230
1998 C43 AMG Sold to DON
1993 190E 2.6
300TD Former daily driver Totaled
current:
R320 CDI
Ram 2500 Cummins

Did the previous owner install lowering springs? If so, you'll have to buy a camber kit somewhere, or put it back to stock to cure the issue.

If the spheres are shot, you'll get a hard ride and a loud bang every time you go over a bump.

Check to see if the adjusting lever is still attached as one piece to the leveling valve. Jack up the car, and put two jack stands under there. You'll find teh valve and the arm if you look. You'll also see the spheres and the oil charged SLS shocks.

You can buy the parts here.

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

WHunter, thank you for your help in navigating this site.
No, there are not lowering springs. However, I have been reading about this system & have discovered that the adjusting lever was broke. I have purchased a new one. FYI, not sure where I read it but someone claimed theirs broke as well & the part for a 300E was the exact same part (only $50 less) than the 190e so that's what I bought. Ended up having to purchase the bracket as well (long story & too much rust). Anyway, bracket is on order. Am curious if any of you have attempted to replace either of the suspension lines as I know I have a tiny leak but won't know until this weekend which
line it is. I would like to fix it properly if at all possible.
Thanks for all the help!

It was easy. When I rebuilt mine, I bought new spheres, shocks, lines, washers, etc. Cost a little money, but teh original set had almost 20 years on them. So I figure I'm good for another 20.

Use proper line fitting wrenches and the proper MB Fluid. The system is self bleeding, but may take a while to get all the air out. A bunch of people in the trunk helps.

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport