W126s could also be ordered with a full hydroneumatic suspension. Different system and setup from the self-levelling rear axle (which was more similar to the system fitted to the T-series -wagons-).

The rear self-levelling rear suspension (code 480) was a relatively cheap option (D.M. 985.00 in 1985) and most owners ordered it to avoid a sagging rear end when the car was fully loaded and/or when they used a trailer.

An additional setup was also available: option code 485, which compromised self-leveling rear suspension and stiffer springs and shock absorbers. It retailed for D.M. 1,020.00 in 1985.

Both options, codes 480 and 485, were available for the whole lineup from the 280/260SE up to the 500SEL. It was standard fitting for the 560SE/L for all markets.

The full hydroneumatic system, code 487, was a very expensive option at D.M. 4,430.00 in 1985. At the time it was the second most expensive you could order, just under the D.M. 7,550.00 that the Four Place Seating Package (front and rear individual bucket seats) electrically adjusted costed.

This option provided automatic ride height adjustments on both axels: front and rear, and could also be manually overriden from inside the car by a buttom on the central dash panel that would raise the car about two inches (for transiting bad roads). This system also automatically lowered the car about two inches from its regular height when the speed exceeded about 110 Kms/h, hence providing a CW-Reduction at high speeds.

Code 487 was also available for the full line when the model range compromised 280SE-500SEL. Then, when the ranged varied from 260SE to 560SEL, the system was not available for the 260SE but was for the rest. Some particular markets (very few), had this system setup as standard on the 560SEL (upgrading the rear self-levelling system fitted as standard for all markets).

I hope this helps a little to clarify matters.

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