'88 560 SEL - pleasant experience - rear suspension!!
 

I had posted a thread earlier on some nagging issues I am struggling with, they continue, but one down ..... may be two ....

After reading the threads and very very helpful feedback - I was armed with info - I looked under the hood, found the reservoir for the suspension and voila - it was empty! Proceeded straight to the dealer got a liter of the oil ($18), filled it, got home the car was riding higher - normal - reservoir empty!! Went back, got another liter and put that in - 24 hours and about 50 miles later - it is still there (about half full) and the car is still raised! FANTASTIC huh?

The idle fixed itself - I smoke (white) profusely now - from under the hood, exhaust - everywhere - I think it is the valve cover gasket - that is next week.

Thought I'd share this happy experience and that jeez, the pump was dry and dunno for how long - but, kicked right in.

K

Congrats on the good news! Do keep an eye out for leaks, however, since being 2 quarts low makes me wonder why it got so low ...

Before you start looking for the oil leaks - get your engine washed down first - then look - makes it easier to find the leaks. If the white smoke comes from the passenger side and the valve cover gasket doesn't cure it - you are in my boat - am getting my valve cover machined this week - it definately is warped when placed on a straight flat surface. Hope this helps

congrats

I had the same problem on my 1990 560 Sel, the load leveler reservoir was dry when I bought the car: I filled it, it worked fine, but kept losing fluid, and the car was smoking under the hood - just like a bad right valve cover gasket. Turns out it was the High-pressure (rubber) hydraulic line from the pump. On the 5.6 L engine, it runs behind the crank pulley, under the right exhaust manifold, and then up over the exhaust union at the right rear of the engine. Replacing this is a lot of work; if you don't have a lift, don't try this at home. -rha

BTW, also check the lo-pressure hose from the reservoir to the pump; it's probably shot too.