It is my impression that the reason the chambers lose their gas is due to leaks in the diaphram. I wouldn't think that recharging would be practical if thats the case. I have not heard or anyone recharging a german type hydraulic pressure accumulator. I have bought reconditioned chambers for Rolls, but only the early cars as their late cars have cheaper accumulators than MBs and just as inaccessible to recharging.

Interesting thread and some interesting comments. I recently changed the accumulators and the struts on my 500E and it made all the difference in the world, like driving a new car and worth the expense. When disposing of the old acumulators it is important to drill a small hole in the cell to make sure it is completely deflated. Ifit is shot, you will get hydrauil oil all over your drill bit ! They are exactly the same as aircraft accumulators and I see no mileage in trying the recharge them as, as Steve rightly suggests, the diaphram is usuall shot. Good reading !

Sphere replacement
 

Just changed out the Spheres on my 500 SEL. Rides like a dream. Thanks Guys.

How much was it to replace the spheres? (My '95 S500 has a 'thud' noise in the back right when I go over bumps.)

$300 and up depending who does it, $90 or so for the spheres, labor and oil.

Sphere replacement
 

$120 ea for the Spheres...$15 ea for two quarts of Hyd oil. Labor...DIY or Approx $250 Mechanic labor

Has anyone ever come up a solution for that thumping noise that you hear in the back of a 140? I've been trying to track mine down, I've replaced both upper strut mounts and both lower control arm ball joints and it is still there. I can only hear it on the left hand side, sounds almost like a muffler is bouncing up and down against a mount over choppy bumps.

Its a 92 500SEL and the car rides other then the noise.

Thanks

http://v12uberalles.com/pressure_spheres.htm

http://v12uberalles.com/Rear_Struts.htm

http://v12uberalles.com/ADS.htm

Solution to your problem found.
 

Those are kind of lame, they cost as much as fixing it the right way.