W210 Wagon Rear Shocks, Help Please.
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From: Santa Clarita, Calif. (SO. Calif.)
1999 Mercedes E320 Wagon & 1927 Bugatti Kit Car
W210 Wagon Rear Shocks, Help Please.
I have a 1999 W210 Wagon that is in need of rear shocks and when I look at replacements I am unsure of the requirements. I don't think I have a 4matic but how do I tell? And do I have Touring Suspension? Do I have self leveling? Do I have Sports Suspension? I know I will have to access the rear compartment to reach the upper shock bolts but I am unsure of what panels to remove. The Dealership Parts Dept. wants $400 each. Any and all help is welcome.
Last edited by Palermo Len; May 4, 2009 at 09:15 PM. Reason: Forgor something.
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
I believe all wagons came with self leveling dampeners (not shocks) in the rear. They are pricey and the 400 sounds pretty accurate. I have seen them at $384.00 each. Autohaus.com in Florida may have them cheaper. They are Sachs units. You can bypass them and replace with standard shocks (Bilstein Sport or HD, Sachs OEM or Koni) for half the price of one dampener for the pair of shocks but you would need to replace your PS pump as it is a dual pump for steering and the rear dampeners. They do last a good long time though so check to be sure you need to replace them. You will see a leveling arm on the right side attached to the rear sway bar that is adjustable for the ride height. It is tucked up there so you will have to raise the rear and look for it. It has a mounting hole marked N for normal height and another hole marked S for sport setting that lowers the ride height. The arm is also adjustable but not by alot. Sport mode is less than one inch of ride height lowering. What are you trying to accomplish first of all, lowering, stiffer suspension? Those Sachs units are pretty solid as they are designed to carry the extra load a wagon can haul and still remain level. Again the geometry is taken off the rear sway bar at a fixed point for reference when the vehicle is unloaded and sitting level. The design will always be to bring the ride height back to that reference point when vehicle is loaded. Give us more info as to your isssue or plans and we will try and help.
Last edited by ejsheltra; May 5, 2009 at 12:32 AM.
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Another thought, to check if it is a 4matic you would have another front differential and a drive shaft running to the front dif from the transmission to power the front wheels 40/60 f/r split. Also most all wagons I am aware of had standard suspension not touring or sport. I know sport was not available to the post face lift model (6/99 on) and therefore would assume it was not available pre either. Give your VIN to the local dealer and they can pull a complete list of all options built into your car from the factory.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 53
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From: Santa Clarita, Calif. (SO. Calif.)
1999 Mercedes E320 Wagon & 1927 Bugatti Kit Car
I believe all wagons came with self leveling dampeners (not shocks) in the rear. They are pricey and the 400 sounds pretty accurate. I have seen them at $384.00 each. Autohaus.com in Florida may have them cheaper. They are Sachs units. You can bypass them and replace with standard shocks (Bilstein Sport or HD, Sachs OEM or Koni) for half the price of one dampener for the pair of shocks but you would need to replace your PS pump as it is a dual pump for steering and the rear dampeners. They do last a good long time though so check to be sure you need to replace them. You will see a leveling arm on the right side attached to the rear sway bar that is adjustable for the ride height. It is tucked up there so you will have to raise the rear and look for it. It has a mounting hole marked N for normal height and another hole marked S for sport setting that lowers the ride height. The arm is also adjustable but not by alot. Sport mode is less than one inch of ride height lowering. What are you trying to accomplish first of all, lowering, stiffer suspension? Those Sachs units are pretty solid as they are designed to carry the extra load a wagon can haul and still remain level. Again the geometry is taken off the rear sway bar at a fixed point for reference when the vehicle is unloaded and sitting level. The design will always be to bring the ride height back to that reference point when vehicle is loaded. Give us more info as to your isssue or plans and we will try and help.
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
You have the self leveling rear dampeners not standard shocks by Sachs. If they are not leaking then they are still good. They will last the life of the car unlike shocks. There is a line attached to them to provide fluid from the front PS pump. Dead giveaway. Buy the Goodrich stainless steel brake lines for $110 (for all 4) from Tire Rack and DIY. They have no fade and do not deform. It will help to firm up peddle feel. It is easy. Buy a bleed kit for $6.00 online and bleed your own brakes. It is also very easy. Check your front sway bar endlinks and main bushings for wear. You can DIY that too with about 30 minutes time and parts from your local dealer. Endlinks are about $13 each and main bushings less. Endlinks slip off with effort and lube the new ones with silicone and pop them on. You will notice a big difference in handling. Other than that jack the front body and support properly. Then trying shaking tire in and out for ball joint play. You might hear it like a front rattle over bumps if they are bad.
Last edited by ejsheltra; May 5, 2009 at 10:44 AM.
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e300d
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From: Santa Clarita, Calif. (SO. Calif.)
1999 Mercedes E320 Wagon & 1927 Bugatti Kit Car
Hey guys, many thanks for your help, I just learned a ton of great info and I am glad that I don't have to replace the expensive rear load levelers. I now know what a 4matic is and glad I don't have one. Now I have get to the necessary repairs, thanks a bunch.
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From: Norway
2001 E220T CDI Avantgarde, 2002 E55T AMG
if you later post your chassis number I can find all the exact details for your car when you are unsure 
by the way, $400 for the sachs pressure tubes is cheap! my dealer asks 7500NOK, and with the current exchange rate of 7, the price is $1070, EACH
by the way, $400 for the sachs pressure tubes is cheap! my dealer asks 7500NOK, and with the current exchange rate of 7, the price is $1070, EACH
Last edited by Semikolon; May 5, 2009 at 05:09 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
If Norway weren't such a beautiful country to visit I would say get outa there you are paying too much. So I go to Canada and say holy cow man the prices and the pot holes, get me outa here.......................where is that deserted island with the one monkey and the single coconut tree and the one banana tree????????????????????????????????????
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 382
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From: Norway
2001 E220T CDI Avantgarde, 2002 E55T AMG
I'm not crazy, I didn't buy them... I'll import them myself from abroad when I'm getting new ones.. the bushings are worn out and I get an annoying "clunk" on bumps and holes...
