500SL Height Control Valve Bushes

[Aus500SL]

Hello, I am new to the forum and was wondering if I could ask a question in regards to a 1990 500SL my father has just purchased. We had an issue with the ABC hydraulic suspension being 'stuck' up in the front however had found it to be the height control valve rod (number 65 in the image) had come off due to a perished bush on the end. The suspension came down once i refitted the rod to the other end. My question is, is it possible to buy new bushes for the end or do I need to purchase the entire rod kit(I believe it's part no. A1293200589)? Also any ideas the best place to purchase. We are in Australia. Thanks in advance.
P.S. I'm not sure who loves the car more, me or my dad!

 

[LostKiwi]

Hi and welcome.

Your car has ADS version 1 not ABC.
ABC is a very much more complex system fitted to the next version of SL (r230).

If it's the top bush then part 77 is all you need. If it's the bottom one you need part 65.
@Richard Moakes is our resident expert on these - he may be able to confirm.

R129s are superb cars - I love mine (though mine does not have ADS).
Please be aware we do love pics of new members cars if you want to avoid the wrath of @Wighty

 

[Aus500SL]

Hi Lost Kiwi,
Thanks for your response. I believe we'll need both as I noticed the bottom bush is looking perished. Photo's below to please the members!

 

[McDonald]

Welcome Aus500SL. A pretty car. Not surprised you love it.

 

[ajlsl600]

Very nice suspect easier to fix as well Sans all the yuppy electronics of later models, how did we ever manage... Happy motoring..

 

[LostKiwi]

Hi Lost Kiwi,
Thanks for your response. I believe we'll need both as I noticed the bottom bush is looking perished. Photo's below to please the members! View attachment 58779 View attachment 58780 View attachment 58781

Very nice - I see it's had the clear front indicator conversion (easily done as they're direct replacement). Makes them look much better in my view providing you aren't bothered by originality . Nice AMG alloys too.
They're fantastic cars but @ajlsl600 still got more electronic bits than you'd think.... Not as bad as an r230 though!

 

[ajlsl600]

OK. But suspect those that crop up are well documented and with reasonable cost fixes worked out... I remember looking at one at Swindon dealer many yr ago. And liking them then....

 

[LostKiwi]

OK. But suspect those that crop up are well documented and with reasonable cost fixes worked out... I remember looking at one at Swindon dealer many yr ago. And liking them then....

Some parts are a bit eyewatering.
MAF for mine - £1100.
Roof controller - £750+ (used!)
EZL ignition ECU - £750+ (used!)

Most of the rest is ok though until you need trim parts.

Fortunately you don't often need anything.

 

[ajlsl600]

Think faulty maf runs home to mummy and carries on a stored map in event of component failure?
These kind of costs are why I bought my ngtf. Simple motoring and maybe a little fun.

 

[LostKiwi]

Think faulty maf runs home to mummy and carries on a stored map in event of component failure?
These kind of costs are why I bought my ngtf. Simple motoring and maybe a little fun.

I quite fancy a Caterham or Westfield for the same reason but they're hellishly expensive to buy for what they are.

 

[ajlsl600]

I quite fancy a Caterham or Westfield for the same reason but they're hellishly expensive to buy for what they are.

Yup. Unless u want a lot of work. I paid just over 9k for my 09 finished ngtf. I have near 17 k of bills for the build, that's why I didn't buy a kit. I hope to get 2,3 yrs fun out of it and get out at cost, we see. I put new lightweight starter and batt 150 quid and about 300 miles. To date. France opened up now so we see how things are in july, Sept? I now need a deep u shaped swan neck to get around bumper not easy to find separate from bar kit.

 

[LostKiwi]

Yup. Unless u want a lot of work. I paid just over 9k for my 09 finished ngtf. I have near 17 k of bills for the build, that's why I didn't buy a kit. I hope to get 2,3 yrs fun out of it and get out at cost, we see. I put new lightweight starter and batt 150 quid and about 300 miles. To date. France opened up now so we see how things are in july, Sept? I now need a deep u shaped swan neck to get around bumper not easy to find separate from bar kit.

We're hoping to be over in August but won't be using ferries - we want to be isolated from folks as much as possible to that means tunnel and a horribly long drive.

 

[ajlsl600]

Remember all France closed in August for month don't expect change there and expect all to be moving around everywhere. Prob better July or September, unless you want to start invasion, then I think troops would reach Nice before any reaction, even French air force only fly on sunny days, must be a great job..

 

[LostKiwi]

Remember all France closed in August for month don't expect change there and expect all to be moving around everywhere. Prob better July or September, unless you want to start invasion, then I think troops would reach Nice before any reaction, even French air force only fly on sunny days, must be a great job..

All about timing. September too late for 129 MOT, July probably too early to avoid quarantines.

 

[ajlsl600]

Be ready for busy roads. Unless second spike French will be out everywhere. They are being state encouraged to holiday in France.
I am waiting for bf to open to go for eye treatment near 4 month od.

 

[Aus500SL]

Very nice - I see it's had the clear front indicator conversion (easily done as they're direct replacement). Makes them look much better in my view providing you aren't bothered by originality . Nice AMG alloys too.
They're fantastic cars but @ajlsl600 still got more electronic bits than you'd think.... Not as bad as an r230 though!

So around 380 pounds for part no. 65 isn't too dear?

 

[LostKiwi]

You may find it cheaper in the US:
https://www.buybenzparts.com/oem-parts/mercedes-benz-rod-1293200589

Looking at the part a little ingenuity should see that repaired with urethane bushes or rose joints?

 

[Aus500SL]

You may find it cheaper in the US:
https://www.buybenzparts.com/oem-parts/mercedes-benz-rod-1293200589

Looking at the part a little ingenuity should see that repaired with urethane bushes or rose joints?

Was thinking that also! Thank you.

 

[joe pellman]

I have a 2003 Sl500 and my rear suspension bounces like crazy whenever I hit something does anyone know what could be causing this to happen.???

 

[LostKiwi]

I have a 2003 Sl500 and my rear suspension bounces like crazy whenever I hit something does anyone know what could be causing this to happen.???

Different car entirely.
Please start your own thread.