Hi, Got a problem with a 560 SEL 1986, the back of the car it down, Been told to replace the springs and shock absorbers to replace the self leveling ones, can any one tell me can this be done and if so what sort of job is it, it has electric rear seat, looks like a big job. Any help would be very greatful. Many thanks Tony.(UK)

that would be a 5 hr job for an experienced MB technician & new parts would run $400-500.

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Could you tel me whats involved, im sure its a back seat out job ? Thanks..

Woah! Before throwing parts at the job, let's see what is actually bad. This is an expensive system. Does the system respond to moving the valve lever under the car? (mark which hole the bolt was in if you unbolt he lever to test)Heck, is there any fluid in the bottle? Are both sides down the same? Do you have a manual for this car?

Thanks for that, my plan, I have bought a replacement set of non leveling shocks and springs. I was hoping to do away with the leveling system, could you please tell what needs to be removed and how, to get the old parts of. I think this sound like a job I should have left alone. Any help would be very greatfull.
Thanks Tony.

The back seat will need to come out(easy to do and the electric connectors will just unplug) so that you can unbolt the shocks...I am going to offer suggestions and maybe others can fine hone my suggestions. You will need to open and drain the fluid from the lines to the shocks...use a couple coffe cans to let the system drip into. Disconnect the top of the shocks, jack up the car using the differential and place a couple jack stands for safety under the car. Disconnect the sway bar on either side. Let the car down and jack up the body and let the suspension hang down as far as it will and then check and see if the old springs will just fall out..This is as far as I have been as on the earlier 126's the springs will fall out or I have pulled them out with very little effort....Good Luck Jim

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