There are three 126 models that I am interested in. The 300SEL, 420SEL, and 560SEL. I would like to get one and then lower it. From the research I have done it seems like the 560SELs have the self-leveling hydraulic suspension. I don't want that because it complicates and increases the expense of the lowering process. Do the 300 and 420SELs have the self-leveling suspension? Thanks!

No, only the 560 does

but i would suspect that with a little fiddling you could lower the 560 with the leveling suspension. i believe it is a simple adjustment.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

No, it would require a major retrofit on you part to lower a self-levelling rear axle suspension on any M.B. The system is carefully set to act on weight and ride parameters and they are not resetable.

Also, in the U.S. there are a lot of "Gray Market" W126s imported directly from Europe in the late 70's and early 80's. Be careful about them, because in Europe and most world markets you could order ANY W126 fitted with a self-levelling rear axle (it was an extra cost option, but could be fitted to the 260SE, 300SE/L, 300SD/L, 380SEL, 420SE/L and 500SE/L - the 560SE/L was the only one who had the system fitted as standard).

Hence, some of this "Grey Market" models maybe fitted with self-levelling rear axles even if they are the lower models.

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

Didn't some of the Euro models have an all hydromatic suspension like the 6.9, most notably the 500SE/SEL?

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Correct, and I believe they could make adjustments in-car.

suspension is the same as on the wagons, and i believe it is, i still say that it is probable that a modification to linkages can be done to change ride height.

i have seen too many wagons runnig around at the wrong ride height to believe it is impossible to modify ride height on one of these.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

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.

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

Their is a guy over at MBworld or Benzworld that knows a lot about lowering these cars. He knows his stuff a simple search of their W126 forums should turn him up.

He seems to think it is a bad idea for a daily driver. Suspension parts wear much faster so you will need to replace everything when you lower it. Also depending on how low you go the inside's of the tires will be eaten. So you will eat tires.

H&R makes probably the best lowering kit for these cars.

However after doing a bit of research I decided not to lower my car.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Im getting the impression that there is an adjustment for the 560SEL's rear hydraulic suspenion? Mine is riding a bit lower than usual but the ride is still perfectly soft like it should be. Am I right that the rear can be adjusted back up to factory specs? Correct me plz if I am wrong

thats benzworld... the best forum when it comes to w126.

who probably is giving you that impression. i dont really know. i believe though that it can be modified to produce different ride heights. again, i dont have personal experience with attempting this.

i have owned a coulple of wagons and i believe that it may be possible to make a relatively simple modification and change the intended ride height.

i also agree that i personally prob would not lower a sdl. def not at the rear as the rear is pretty long. the front could be lowered a little and not cause as much trouble imho. you would have to look out for parking stops. stock works best for me. i am usually just trying to get the car to work as designed and not worrying about reengineering it.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.