I have an '84 500sel Euro with hydro-pneumatic suspension. How long does it typically take for the suspension to kick-in and raise the car after I first crank it up? Does outside temp play a factor? Also how long for the reverse to happen (when I shut off car and car lowers itself)? I know that there are a few of us out there (TommyMB, etc) that have had experience with this sytem.

Thank for all of your input.

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Per spec it would takes 60 sec at 2500RPM to fill the system. Colder temperature would cause the car to lower sooner after the engine has been turned off. Depending on how quickly the car is droping, it may be nothing or it may be leaky shocks and/or level controllers. Good luck.

I have just replaced the front sway bar to try to cure the lower left front - it didn't work. $1300 out the window for nothing. And to make it worse, the dealer damaged the level controller (a $700 part) and now I am in limbo because the dealer claims that they didn't damage it.

TommyMB, thanks for your reply. It seemed like when I first started driving it that it would happen immediately (1-3 seconds) after I cranked it up. Maybe I just wasn't paying that close attention to it. It seems to be working great still. Am looking forward to many many miles in this wonderful car.

My 500 is a grey market car I bought in Florida. Being a grey market can I expect to pay alot more for parts and maintenance?



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FrankieZ
'84 500sel (love it!)
87K (odo was broke, what can I say!)