W108 Rear Spring Compensator help needed!
 

Hello PeachParts!

Back in the day I owned a 1982 300SD, which accomplished two things. 1) I got bit by the MB Bug and 2) discovered how incredibly invaluable this forum is as a resource. With luck you can help me now....pictures below.

I work on cars for a living, and I was just given (yes, given) a 1972 280SEL 4.5 in insanely good shape. The car is rust-free and complete. However, whoever had the car before did two things: 1) swapped the 4.5 for a 3.5 from a 300, and 2) stored heavy parts in the trunk.

Having read previous threads on W108 rear end sag, I've determined it's the dreaded hydro-pneumatic compensator that's at fault. The ride height is low with negative camber.

In a few other threads, a FEBI kit to swap out the H/P compensator with a steel spring was referenced: FEBI 110 586 05 01. However this was discontinued in 2012.

Does anyone out there have this kit? Is there an alternate solution? As it stands, the rear of the car is so low that I hit my head on the inside of the trunklid when it's opened. I do see new H/P compensators, but they go for over $1500. Which, I don't have.

Any help is appreciated!

Best,

-James

http://tinyurl.com/oqazv53

http://tinyurl.com/pn4evz2

Buy a used spring off a 6 cyl car.

The spring is still available from Mercedes as far as I know.

Mercedes W108 Steering and Suspension Parts they show the "kit" for $209, but I've called them before and they were out of stuff still listed on their site.

Also, if you go the rebuild route, Mercedes will only sell you one if you have a core, so you'll need to pull yours first.

Sadly, you're right - they're out. I also discovered that Potomac Mercedes is no longer selling vintage Mercedes parts. The problem is I also need the 'perch' to support the spring, as the H/P Compensator is anchored differently.

Maybe Pierre Hedray can offer some ideas:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/southeast-us-ar-al-fl-ga-ky-la-ms-nc-sc-tn/243661-over-above-call-duty-~-fl-mechanic.html

Steel Compensator Found
 

Thanks to input by A. Dalton of Benztechs, I was able to locate a used steel spring and mount on eBay. Now comes ordering new rubber shims; I'm eager to help the car take all that strain off her backside!

Thank you again,

-James