W124 Estate Self-Levelling Suspension Conversion

[SlowlyButSurely]

My 1994 E300D Estate is suffering from a very harsh ride and has been diagnosed as having worn out suspension accumulators. Not really surprising after 306,000 miles!

I'm not bothered about having self-levelling suspension so to save some money I would like to remove it.

Having read all previous posts on this subject I understand that the procedure is as follows:

1. Replace the self-levelling shock absorbers with standard (or uprated) ordinary ones.

2. Replace the springs with stiffer ones.

3. Blank off the hydraulic pipes.

What I would like to know is has anyone actually done this? Can anyone give me part numbers for the shockers and springs, are they the same parts as the saloon uses?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[ant500sl]

You should be able to get a pair of new accumulators for around a hundred pounds or so, and its a fairly straightforward job to fit them.

The main reason people seem to replace the self levelling suspension is the price of parts and the perception of unreliability. The accumulators act as a shock absorber and after 300k miles I would imagine that a car with regular suspension would have gone though a fair few replacements.

Afterall its a very nicely engineered setup as is everything on a mercedes.

Apologies for not providing any advice on the swap but I like to stand up for the much maligned self levelling suspension.

Good luck whichever route you choose.

 

[Keith]

replacing self levelling

agree with last post the self levelling is one of the best features of the 124 and sets it apart from other wagons. If I get to 300k on mine I will be celebrating and happy to replace it

K

 

[TimN]

Reconditioned the self levelling valve on my 123 series for £30. Only took and hour didn't even have to take the unit of the vehicle. Accumulators never been a problem.

If you are not bothered about new specialist Mercedes breakers will probably sell you all you need for £40 to £60. Might even do a deal with your surplus struts (which proably retail around the £200). I was quoted £40 for the 123 parts for conversion. What's on you're 124 was tested on the 123 first.