1982 500 SEL suspension
 

This car comes stock with hydropnumatic suspension. I know that the system is pretty complex. I also know that the system can be pretty hard and or expensive the fix. The car seems to leen toward the driver's side. When the key is turned to the II position, the suspension warning light comes on. The car sat for about 3 months or more before i bought it, and i think that it might have something to do with the suspension leaning toward the one side. The more i drive the car, the better it seems to ride. I ahve been driving it for two days now. I dont think that the height of the car can be adjusted anymore, but when i pull the knob on the dash to raise the hight (usually while the car is driving or with the engine idling) i can hear the hydraulic pump engage. The car had a bad alternator which i just replaced. I dont know weather a new alternator would affect the suspension.

Is anyone here familiar with the suspension on these cars? Does anyone have any ideas as to what the problem could be? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I think the height adjustment is for additional ground clearance for bad roads. I don't think it is for normal driving. I think the light comes on when the height adjustment is used. I could be wrong. If the car has a rough ride you might need new nitrogen spheres. There is one for every wheel. Acts like a shock absorber for the hyd. fluid. You should only use the correct Mercedes fluid. I would check for leaks first. Change the filter and fluid second and then attack the rest. Very similar to the system used on the rear of mid '80s 300D station wagons.

Unfortunately there is no side to side adjustment, one valve front and one valve rear and the pump runs all the time. Pulling the height knob changes the regulator valve adding pressure to both sides of the system.

Usually the reason for height irregularities have to do with worn components and alignment since both struts see the same pressure.