W124 self levelling suspension fluid

[dstrong]

Hi all,

I checked the self levelling fluid level on my 300TE-24V and it was just touching the bottom of the dipstick, as I am going to tow fairly soon and load the car up I guess I should make sure it has enough fluid. My question is - is the only fluid to be used the Mercedes 'Hydraulik Oil' specified in the Haynes manual or is there a readily available substitute?

Cheers

Darryl

 

[andy_k]

the haynes manual says refer to your dealer

well, we referred to ours and he said it's LHM fluid - same as Citroen/Bentley and Jaguar use. it's a fully synthetic hydraulic fluid and it's bright green.

Most motor factors will sell it but if you have any trouble getting hold of some try a Total Service Station they were always the most reliable source when i used to drive Citroens. The last bottle of LHM fluid i bought came from Partco and cost just under a fiver a litre.

If it's low there may be a reason, keep an eye on the levels and check for leaks (says the man with 2 new self levelling shocks to fit this weekend)

Andy

 

[Richard.Wilson]

Darryl,
LHM sounds right.
However, I wasn't sure so bought the OEM gear, 000 989 91 03 10 Hydraulic Fluid ZH-M and it cost £7.19 + the Vodka & Tonic for a Litre....... I guess that's not too bad.

Having just got the car I was feeling a bit unsure whether to stick with genuine parts........Like the PAS fluid 000 989 88 03 which was ATF at £4.67 for 0.5L!!!!

But it looks like I used 0.5L to fill it up from very low, and the previous owner never needed to top it up in 4 years so I'll get a couple of years out of a litre.

PS This is clear / slightly yellow in colour
Regards
Richard

 

[dstrong]

Thanks guys, I suspected it was LHM which is great as my brother has 3 litres of the stuff being a Citroen Xantia owner. He drove our 300TE last night for the first time and I think he is realising what 'real' cars are like (he also owns a Renault 21 Savanna). We are comparing running costs between our two family estates an so far (touch wood) I am winning!

Thanks again

Darryl

 

[Richard.Wilson]

Just a post-script,
but I decided to check the bottle of LHM in my workshop.
It's Lockheed, and marked for use in Citroen cars.... though I used it for my surface grinder.
It does state that it is a mineral oil, and warns against mixing with non-mineral equivalents.
Just thought it was worthy of note,
Richard