Im really glad my S320 does not have the hydropnumatic system. Thats one of the reasons I went with an S320.... While the big V8 and V12 cars are nicer they dont get the fuel economy and are much more complicated.....

I very much like a stock car myself, however I would probably change the suspension to the non hydropnumatic system if I were faced with a similar repair. The hydropnumatic suspension while is a nice concept really does not deliver the performance for the amount of money you would have to spend to keep it going over the years..... If you plan on keeping the car for several years keep in mind that you will probably have to overhaul it a number of times.... At $130 a shock that you can change yourself for the standard suspension most people won't notice the difference..... Including the self proclaimed purists who claim they know everything about these cars and would not know the difference without putting the car on a lift and running the VIN. Most people don't do this before buying and would never be any the wiser until the first service schedule for the hydropnumatic system.....

In the future if the car becomes collectable or valuable in some way you can always go back to the original suspension setup..... Unless your going to be carrying massive passengers and gold bars in your trunk you should be ok.....

On a cargo note I recently went to pick up a large amount of leather books in my S320.... My trunk was completely full of books which are VERY heavy and I did not really detect any rear end sag or handling issues..... Of course I was not driving like a maniac either...