W123 estates low at rear end

[SamCritch]

Hi,

I'm currently looking to buy a W123 diesel estate here in the Netherlands. I've only seen one car so far, but am doing background research before I get out there really.

A few of the cars I've seen on website adds look like their rear end has dropped slightly. Here are a couple of examples:

http://www.stuurmanclassiccars.nl/index.php?id=2&lang=&uid_voorraad_details=554&sorteer_op=&merk=1
and
http://www.marktplaats.nl/index.php..._goederen/landbouw_en_tractoren/29403631.html

Does this mean there's something wrong with the self-levelling suspension or is this normal? Anything I should look for when I go to inspect these cars?

Many thanks in advance,


Sam

 

[Pontoneer]

It could indicate a problem with the suspension - at best it may need a small adjustment : there is a link from the control valve to the roll bar under the back of the car , adjusting this will change the hieght of the car .

It is also possible that there could be a serious fault with the car's suspension system . Check the fluid level in the reservoir under the bonnet - it should not be empty but the level can vary according to the load being carried : fluid is pumped from the reservoir to the accumulators in the rear to compensate for heavy loads .

It is very common for the hydraulic pipes under the car to rot at the back and eventually leak . The pipes themselves do not cost much but it is a horrible job changing them as they are routed above the suspension componenets and very difficult to do with the suspension fitted to the car - the 'official' way is to remove the rear suspension . I have had to do this on both my W123 280TE and my W124 300TE ; I expect sooner or later to do it to my current 300TE-24 as every 123 and 124 estate I have seen has suffered from this to some extent . It is likely that any M-B model fitted with self levelling suspension will be similarly afflicted. I have seen cars scrapped for this reason alone as owners cannot justify the price garages quote to repair this - all down to the labour costs ! There is a scrapyard not far from where I live in Ayrshire with no fewer than 5 W124 estates sitting in a row and none accident damaged , one has the rear suspension completely collapsed !

I have heard of pumps , valves , accumulators and struts failing but have never experienced these myself - only the pipes .

If you can get to look under the car definitely check the condition of fuel pipes , brake pipes and hydraulic pipes where they curve up and over the rear suspension at both sides . This is as important as checking that the bodywork is sound .

 

[SamCritch]

Many thanks Derek, that's a great help - I will definitely have a good old look when I check the cars out.

Just one thing - the control valve you talked about, is it located in the engine compartment?

Many thanks,

Sam

 

[Pontoneer]

No , the control valve is at the back . You really need to get right under the car to see it . It is located centrally , above the anti roll bar which it is connected to by a short link : as the vehicle is loaded or unloaded this twists the bar and moves the link which in turn opens or closes the valve either forcing hydraulic fluid into the spheres under pressure from the pump or allowing it to return to the reservoir .

You will recognise the valve as it has four hydraulic pipes running to it : two from the front of the car and one going to each side into the spheres . It is located rearwards of the diff and well up into the bodywork.

Good luck !