1995 E320 Wagon SLS conversion

[leesan]

Hello, All, I have 95 E320 Wagon. Recently I noticed that it's been getting really, really bouncy. My kids complained not being able to take a nap. Cost for the SLS valve at Performance Products is $360. Forget SLS valve. Also, I was told that it needs a pair of mounting adapter. Does anybody know the type of shocks that will work for this conversion? Please let me know.

[wbrian63]

you should not post questions in threads that contain links to other threads. I'll answer your question, and maybe the moderators can move your post to a thread of it's own.

You don't need an sls valve, you need new accumulators. The accumulators are what provides the damping for the suspension - think of a sphere with a dividing bladder inside - one side is the hydraulic fluid from the suspension, the other is compressed nitrogen gas. Eventually, the bladder ruptures and the gas mixes with the fluid and you have no damping. Since a fluid cannot be compressed, when you hit a bump, the only thing that compresses is the shock mounts and the tires - they're all hard rubber, and you get a bouncy ride.

I think they should be replaced in pairs. You can probably purchase them from the FastLane parts outlet here on the forum - in fact here's the link to the page where they're for sale:

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1995-Mb-E--3--0--Wagon-Suspension&yearid=1995%40%401995&makeid=MB%40%40MB%40%40X&modelid=E-320-004%40%40E+320+Wagon&catid=L%40%40Suspension&subcatid=L7040@@Accumulator&mode=PA

I think you need 2, one for each side, and they should be replaced in pairs. Others will confirm my suspicion.

This solution is far less costly than any conversion you might be considering, and retains the functionality for the car as MB had designed.

[whunter]

Originally Posted by leesan

Hello, All, I have 95 E320 Wagon. Recently I noticed that it's been getting really, really bouncy. My kids complained not being able to take a nap. Cost for the SLS valve at Performance Products is $360. Forget SLS valve. Also, I was told that it needs a pair of mounting adapter. Does anybody know the type of shocks that will work for this conversion? Please let me know.

The conversion typically costs more than proper repair.





Have a great day.

[A. Rosich]

I have been assured by all local techs that the conversion can be done on sedans, but on the wagons is almost impossible (due to clearance to install the regular shocks at the wheel wells and the necessary work to shut down the hydraulic fluid lines).

It might be possible to do it, but it will cost high on thousands of dollars to do it properly, so why not just fix the regular system? It should work from 8 to 10 years without any trouble.

[lkchris]

Many folks are possibly confused by a supposed similarity with 740/760 Volvo wagons.

These cars simply have "Nivomats" in the place of regular shocks at the rear and indeed regular shocks can be mounted and that's all there is to it.

This isn't the case with Mercedes, which has leveling struts installed in the area where shocks are normally found and have accumulators that perform the function of shocks. The leveling action is accomplished by an oil pump and height sensor that pumps up/lets down the leveling struts.

"Nivomats" wear out at about the same rate as regular shocks. Mercedes'
leveling struts don't and are almost never replaced in pairs except by the ignorant or greedy. As noted above, it's the accumulators that require replacement.

In this--as in so many other ways--the difference between Volvo and Mercedes is apples/oranges, night/day, etc.

[leesan]

Hello, I thank you for everyone replied to my question.

I'll take your words for it and will replace both accumulators.

And, next time, I'll ask questions by creating different thread.

Hoping I did not cause too much trouble by asking questions w/o creating different thread. If I did, please accept my apology.