Well, it keeps the car level all the time.

The W108/109 chassis had a mechanical system that is usually long gone by now -- and replaced by a simple spring. The W109 had air suspension, too, not steel springs.

The hydraulic rear suspension also rides MUCH nicer than springs and shocks, but is also mor expensive. Usually optional on most models, although not in the US. European taxis almost always have it, keeps the rear from squatting so badly when really loaded up.

The W116/W126 6.9 and other various luxury models had full hydraultic, and many top line sedans have rear SLS (and it's optional on all).

I really like the SLS in the TE, and I think it handles BETTER than the steel spring suspension in the 300D.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!