W124 wagon - self-levelling rear sagging - is it the spheres or the pump?

Started by kosta_kos_again, 06-05-2023 09:14 AM. 16 replies. 487 views.

06-05-2023 09:14 AM

kosta_kos_again Member

Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Campbelltown NSW
Posts: 1,684
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 280E Auto

Kosta_K here on another login (my main one locked itself out, IT problem for Lefteris). the W124 wagon ('88 230TE, the Mrs Steve car) sags 35mm at the rear within 4 hours of parking. Drives fine, the self-leveller catches up after 30 seconds of driving.

Question: spheres or hydraulic pump? Symptoms point both ways. Posting here properly so we have a public thread next time someone asks.

06-05-2023 11:42 AM

Vasilios_Billy

Lifetime Benzer

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Campbelltown NSW
Posts: 2,118
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 2020 AMG GT C

Kosta - classic diagnosis.. the W124 wagon self-levelling rear is a hydropneumatic system with 2 spheres (1 each side) and a single hydraulic pump driven off the camshaft..

The 4-hour static sag with quick recovery on driving means: spheres are leaking gas, pump is fine. If the pump was failed, the system would not recover at all. If the pump was weak, recovery would take 60+ seconds.

Sphere replacement is genuine MB 124 320 14 15 (left) and 124 320 13 15 (right), $280 each. Pelican Parts has the AC Delco-branded equivalents at $165 each (NOT the cheap Chinese eBay ones - those last 18 months). Performance Suspension Sydney (Roy, 02 8765 1100, Strathfield) will install both spheres + bleed the system for $420 labour.

Total for the fix: $610 (Pelican spheres) or $840 (genuine MB). Plus $420 install. 4 hours work.

06-05-2023 02:14 PM

kosta_kos_again Member

Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Campbelltown NSW
Posts: 1,923
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 280E Auto

Billy nailed it.. genuine MB it is. The Mrs Steve car gets the real ones. Pelican order for the spare set going in the boot..

06-05-2023 03:30 PM

#18

Con_K H.A.R.D.A.N.A.Legends Mod

Moderator

Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Marrickville NSW
Posts: 1,221
Club: H.A.R.D.A.N.A.Legends
Car: 1970 W114 250 CE Coupe

Kostakos. Jim has rebuilt about a dozen of these levelling pumps. Hes the man if you need it done properly. PM me for his details. He doesnt advertise.

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