Accumulators- which brand?

[leejxxxxx]

I need to replace the accumulators in my SL since the back is riding pretty hard and is too low I'm going to replace all four but I'm listing the back ones for comparison's sake.

I searched on this topic but I can't find anything regarding a comparison between the two brands I see available on Fastlane.

Fastlane has two types of accumulators available:
1st is:
L7040-96308 Accumulator Lemforder
IN STOCK $127.00 $105.89

2nd is:
L7040-96308 Accumulator Corteco/Freudenberg
IN STOCK $127.00 $117.05

Previous threads have said that the Lemforder are close to OEM but no one has mentioned the Corteco/Freudenberg ones' quality.

Does anyone have a preference and why?

I've seen on other threads that I should also replace the shock top bushings? Is this correct?

Is there anything else I should replace besides what I've mentioned and the pump filter?

Finally, has anyone used ceramic brake pads? Other threads have said that there is a possible problem with rotor wear. Has anyone experienced this?

Thanks in advance.

[Justin_Luhrs]

Lemforder is an OEM supplier to Mercedes, and may even be an OEM supplier of this part. Mercedes does, I'm sure, have at least 2 or 3 different providers of this part.

My vehicle needs these accumulators, the main suspension valve, and one corner valve as well, so I'm just as interested as you to aquire any new info I can.

Justin

'93 600SL

[Stuart S]

Justin,
How did you know you needed accumulators and valves? What is the diagnosis procedure? I'm not sure if my rough ride is cause by my 18" wheels and Bridgestone SO-3 or the suspension.
Stuart

postscript 1/9/2006: Got my car back from the shop today where I had all 4 accumulators replaced and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! My 600SL went from riding like a brick to a much smoother ride, even with the 18" wheels and SO-3's. No wonder, because all 4 old accumulators were bad - filled with 0% nitrogen, 100% hydraulic fluid.

[kloudin]

I went with Lemforder all around on a 99 SL600 and have been very happy with them.