Have checked my fluid, so there is not a leak. Have been reading about
the self levelling but upon ringing for prices am confused. Somebody called the part a pressure reservoir,another an aircell and another an accumulator.Im in Australia so does anyone know whether they are all talking about the same part.? Could the air be coming from the damper
shocks? The back goes up when I start the car, but loses height and the
ride is as hard as concrete.Cant work out where the noise is exactly coming from but seems to be from the shocks? Love this car so need fixed asap!!!!

jensbenz,

The USA version of the '88 300 SEL never came with the rear hydraulic self leveling option. But on the USA 560SEL it was standard system. See this link for a picture of the accumulator/air cell.



http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1988-Mb-560sel-Suspension&yearid=1988%40%401988&makeid=MB%40%40MB%40%40X&modelid=560%2DSEL%2D001%40%40560SEL&catid=L%40%40Suspension&subcatid=L7040@@Accumulator&mode=PA




And yes if these go bad you will loose rear ride height and get a harsh ride.

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BENZSTER

W123, '81 240D, Pastel Grey/Blue Tex
W126, '88 300 SEL, Artic White/Grey Leather

I thought his car was just pissed! Oh well!

sounds like it could be a small exhaust leak .just jack the back of your car up and start it then crawl under it and run your hand along the exhaust pipe and around the muffler to see if you feel any air comming out from it .or you take it to a mechanic you trust and have him check it for you .

???????????????? I'm going with BENZSTER's reply... I've never heard of an exhaust leak causing suspension issues.

__________________
1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K

As an owner of a USA 300SEL, all I can say is, "thank God".