bzliteyear

hi guys,
my car bounces a bit while driving...i think it could be my rear shocks.
do any of you guys know how much to replace (parts vs. labor)? i think on the wagons they're supposed to be self-leveling, and the car has about 95k miles.

lkchris

It's almost never the shocks unless your car is really old.

Accumulators.

MARK CUMMINS

The W210 Wagons have self level rear suspension and The rear struts have pods that are next to the rear strut...The Pods go bad and will cause the stiff ride..Unless the rear struts are leaking they are ok..Have a Shop test the rear suspension/pods

bzliteyear

we have 2 of the same yr wagons 2000 and i bounced the rear of both cars.

the regular wagon when pushed down bounces up and stops.

my lorinser lowered - when push down, bounces up and then up/dn 2-3 more times.

when i'm driving over bumps, i recently started noticing more bouncing...enough to almost get seasick at times.

lkchris

Accumulator (pod) is item next to 170 in this diagram. There is one for each side. It's a nitrogen cell.

bzliteyear

is it still the acumulator/pod for rear even if the ride is not stiff?
it's actually very comfy vs. our other wagon...just that it bounces quite a bit even after i go over a bump. so a series of bumps actually turns into a bit of a boat ride.

MARK CUMMINS

Yes a defective pod WILL cause the complaint that you are talking about

loubapache

Any update on this?

Big J

Accumulator wil be the first thing to check , it happens to me with my wagon the ride feels better after

loubapache

I have been reading about the self-leveling suspension on various forums. I wonder if the followings are true:

1) If the accumulators are bad, one will see foaming oil from the oil returning line to the reservior. So unscrewing the reservoir cap (with engine running) one should see foaming oil.

2) Even if the accumulators are good, the suspension will be bouncy if there is air in the control valve. I have heard two different methods to bleed the system
a) load about 400 lb of weight in the rear and start the engine. Increase the RPM to about 1500 for 5 - 10 minutes and wait the rear to raise.
b) Disconnect the control valve arm. Under load with engine running, move the level up and down a few times.

Thanks in advance,

Also if someone has the accumulator RR procedure for a W210 on a PDF and is willing to share, I appreciate. I assume it is similar to what is on W124. However, the W210 calls for a synthetic fluid.

Pastordan

Just bought a 1995 e320 wagon, the car is low to teh ground and bounces, I have heard it is the self levelizer but where do I star? where is the reasavoir for the Hydralic fluid....? can I get a picture some where

Pastordan

Say Can I take the Hydtralics out and just put in other shocks?

ccozic

Pastordan,

My recentlyl purchased '99 E320 wagon with now 130K miles bounces also. The central hydraulic reservoir on mine is in the front/driver-side corner of the compartment. This reservoir is for both my power steering and self-leveling. Your model's power steering may have a separate reservoir, I'm not sure, so check an owner's manual.

I just had my wagon inspected yesterday by MB/BMW specialists. They said my rear accumulators need replacing. They said my central hydraulic reservoir fluid was low, but not critically low. They told me adding fluid right now would not eliminate the bounce. They also said my struts may possibly need replacing also. Replacing the accumulators would be a few hundred. The struts would cost an arm/leg. I'll have to ride it out til I can afford the accumulators. Good luck.

ohlord

About 200 bucks for both total. Easy Diy if you have the gumption and the tools.