[W126 Coupe] Was the Self Levelling Suspension on the 380SEC aGimmick?

[Vance Rowley]

The SLS system a Gimmick? I can say with absolute confidence and experience, absolutely not. In fact I can attest to what a superb and practical system it actually is. Especially after driving from Greece to the UK in my 1991 Euro 560 SEC a few years back. The car was loaded up to the hilt. The trunk completely full to the brim and the back passenger well and seats loaded up with just enough room for view through the rear screen. In fact even the front passenger well and seat was loaded up as well with just enough room for me behind the steering wheel. Not only did the system allow to drive at 160MPH on the German autobahns with the car being completely level, but it was as smooth as silk with great handling. 

However I can understand what you are experiencing if you are getting a rough ride from the rear at the moment, as I had exactly the same symptoms about 3 months before my long journey.It was worse than driving on a cobbled road and as hard as a rock (from the rear only). It turned out that all it was, was the "bombs" as they are nicknamed needed replacing.From your description, it sounds to me like you have the same problem. It was a cheap and quick job and after these were replaced it was like riding on air again. So as to your comment on the SLS system giving a harder ride is concerned, I would say absolutely not and would strongly advise not to remove the SLS or modify the rear suspension system in any way. Just have the "bombs" replaced. You will find the difference is like chalk and cheese. I had mine done at a MB agent in Greece, but if you are a DIYer, I think there is a write up somewhere in the archives.

I hope this sways you to make the right decision.

Good luck,

Vance.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kivendren Moodliyar 
  To: 'Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists' 
  Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 1:25 PM
  Subject: [W126 Coupe] Was the Self Levelling Suspension on the 380SEC aGimmick?


  This system is a lot more expensive to maintain for now I need two new shocks in the rear. This is amounting to R3000 ($500) each. I have a proposal to completely remove the SLS from this SEC & put a normal conventional suspension system.

   

  Apparently the SLS as opposed to Air Shocks gives a much harder drive, please correct me if I am wrong but the SLS served for only balancing the car at all times regardless of the Load. 

   

  Do you think I should modify my SEC with Normal Suspension and Tighten the Springs 

  Cost of this is estimated at R6000 ($1000) 

   

  Kindest Regards : Kivendren Moodliyar '83 380SEC 

   



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