I’m trying to figure out my rear ride height after adjust the control rod on my SLS. I asked the dealer to set the height in accordance with section 40-0310 of the FSM. It requires 2 specials tools and they only had one of them so they couldn’t do it. The special tools are 201 589 01 21 00 and 201 589 11 31 00. I asked the service manager how the worked on the 124 wagons (the 201 as well) for 10 years without the second tool. He asked his tech and the tech said the ride height didn’t change when they worked on the cars. I find that hard to believe, but unless I find a dealer with both tools I'm trying to come close without them.

So can all of you measure your fender height at all four corners? Here is what I have with the car running, full tank of fuel and nothing else in the car.

Tire size



196/65-15***** 205/60-15***** center

LF 26 7/8***** 26 1/2***** 15 1/8
LR 26 3/8***** 26 5/8***** 15 1/8
RF 27 1/8***** 26 3/4***** 15 1/8
RR 26 1/8***** 26 1/4***** 14 7/8

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

We always set them on the alignment rack....rear camber

Of course if the rear springs are weak, then the system has to work ALL of the time & wears parts OUT quickly!

__________________
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

You can set the ride height on the alignment rack as well? Do you disconnect the adjustment rod and then adjust the height manually with the lever if the car needs it? So my dealer shouldn't need the 2 special tools?

Does your shop have the 2 tools I mentioned in the op?

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

Yes, dealers WERE required to have those tools (back in the day).

But much more accurate to set rear camber to spec than angle of control arm.

__________________
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

So should the attachment from the car to the control arm be disconnected when the car is aligned? Then once it is aligned reattached?

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

Here's my measurements from a previous post-
Just now measured my wagon.
the center of the wheel is 11-3/4" above the ground, the following are measurements from the center of the wheel to the lip of the fender-
LF 15-1/2"
LR 15-1/4"
RF 15-5/8"
RR 15-1/4"
Measured with car unladen, tire size 195-65-15.

Your car appears to be a slight bit down at the rear.

LF 15-1/4"
RF 15-1/2"
LR 15"
RR 15"

Measured from wheel center to fender lip negates different tire sizes.

About 20,000 miles on new accumulators and 5,000 miles on new front shocks and A arms. Spring spacers are original with 163,000 miles.