The 560SEL (also the 420SEL and the 500SEL) could be ordered with what M.B. called the "Hydro-pneumatic suspension with automatic lowering system".

The buyer had to specify code No. 215 on the Optional List and add a premium of DM 3,830.00 over the standard price in the case of the 560SEL (the option costed more for the 420 and the 500).

The system, revolutionary at the time, provided the following features:

> Automatic self-levelling at BOTH axles (front and rear)

> Better controlled handling through its hydro-pneumatic shocks.

> Automatic lowering of both axles at speeds exceeding 110 K.P.H. (to achieve a better wind resistance value). Once the car was lowered after exceeding 110 K.P.H., it would not raise back to its standard height until the speed dropped below 70 K.P.H. (this to mantain constant lowered height at autobahn speeds even if the driver had to lower its speed momentarily). Hence the "automatic lowering system" description at the option list.

Finally, what is the switch in the central panel for?

Well, for manual ride adjustment. But unlike the automatic ride adjustment done at high speeds, when the switch is pressed, it will RISE the car 40 m.m. (or 4 centimeters) on both axles (front and rear). This feature on the owner manual is explained as a convenience feature in case the driver had to pass a bad or unpaved road or a high angle garage entrance. That is why the switch has "arrows" on it, unlike the new airmatic systems which have a "strut" picture on their switches, which signifies that the system would turn into "sport mode" when the switch is pressed.

Be advised that when the switch is pressed on your 560SEL, you will hardly see the car raise or lower, since unlike the new airmatic suspension fitted to new models, the change in height is done very very very slowly. Also, the automatic lowering at high speeds is almost impossible to detect.

Hope the info helped.

__________________
A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]