Can anyone explain what a SLS is to a newbie? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GarrardFan · #1 05-09-2010, 03:46 PM

I just took the plunge again and bought a 560 SEL from a fellow board member after being Benz free for a few years. It's a 1991 and has the Self-Leveling Suspension- which appears to be working perfectly so far.

Can anyone explain the basics of the SLS to me in layman language? And if the SLS goes bad, can you give me the Cliff Notes version of repair? I looked at a 560 a few months back where the owner claimed he removed the SLS and installed regular shocks in its' place. Is this a legitimate repair option if it goes bad?

Thanks in advance for your help. Glad to be in the fold again.

2.5-10 · #2 05-09-2010, 03:59 PM

its a hydraulic suspension system that self levels 'Self Leveling Suspension'.

most remove it in favor of conventional suspension because of its expensive replacement cost but if its working, it does provide a bit more ironed out ride.

MrBits · #3 05-10-2010, 03:33 PM

Here's some info that may help provide more background.
A diagram plus link and another one here.

Congrats on your purchase - I'm very biased toward these models

TylerH860 · #4 05-10-2010, 03:53 PM

It sounds like all the answers you are looking for could be found easily using the search function.

Its a pretty basic system. Pump leads to valves, valves lead to struts, struts send off excess into accumulators.

Common failure points include the following:

Accumulators: Probably the most common, causing the it to ride like a truck as they have collapsed, giving the compressed strut over bumps with nowhere to send the excess fluid.

Valves: As these get older, then tend to let off pressure causing the car to sag. It starts out as a mild drop after the car sits for a while, but they can also completely fail.

Other than being costly, it is a fairly straight forward system.