[W126 Coupe] Mercedes Self Leveling System

[Richard Helchowski]

My name is Rich and I'm a Merc-aholic. I own a 1987 560SEC for the last 4
years and have a problem with a sagging suspension at the rear driver's
side. The car sits almost 2 inches lower on that side. I have almost 145,000
miles on the odometer and have been told that it could be anything from a
worn spring or shock, to a bad hydraulic pump.  I know nothing about this
system except that each of the main components is very expensive.  I am also
aware that many owners opt to retrofit with standard shocks and abandon the
self leveling system.  I am somewhat of a purist and do want to keep the car
original. With that said, I should mention that it's a Straman Motors
convertible conversion. That and purist really don't belong in the same
sentence.  I do love the vehicle very much and really believe that it will
someday reach its full classic potential even as a modified car.  My
questions;  Does anyone know if instructions exist for troubleshooting the
self leveling system?  Are any special tools required? Should I just abandon
the system and replace the shocks? Will this affect resale value?  Lastly,
my convertible top is currently not functioning. I was told by the previous
owner that one of the hydraulic lift cylinders was leaking and the system
was disconnected. He also told me that Straman Motors had somehow
cross-connected the self leveling system hydraulics with the power top
hydraulics.  Is anyone out there familiar with this setup?  Possibly my
problem is related to the convertible hydraulics. Can anyone recommend a
good backyard retired or Mercedes trained mechanic in New England that
doesn't charge an arm and a leg?  Thanks. 

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