1988 420SEL with self leveling on rear

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Apr 14, 2025 | 11:32 PM
  #1  
This car has self leveling on the rear. Sachs 102057 Hydopneumatic shock absorbers are no longer made or available, my question is, has anybody found an alternative or know of a standard shock that will fit and keep the car at the correct level on the rear. Need help badly.
Reply 0
Apr 15, 2025 | 02:03 AM
  #2  
Shock wont hold it up as springs hold it up.

Those special shocks when OEM are special in that they have small portion which traps ol as shock moves up and down under piston to raise car and act as a spring.
My Truck has them think they call them NIVOMAT or similar

Lots of companies make them today maybe one has replacement or worth asking?
Sachs, KYB, Monroe, Bilstein, AC DELCO, etc.

e may be kits out there where you get new springs and shocks to replace Original stuff.

Another option is air shocks you can adjust pressure.

Worse case.

Take them out and find special shop to rebuild.

Or maybe the MB heritage parts place in LA has them or can help?

I think a deep internet dive may find ya something.

Reply 1
Apr 15, 2025 | 02:29 AM
  #3  
Quote: Shock wont hold it up as springs hold it up.

Those special shocks when OEM are special in that they have small portion which traps ol as shock moves up and down under piston to raise car and act as a spring.
My Truck has them think they call them NIVOMAT or similar

Lots of companies make them today maybe one has replacement or worth asking?
Sachs, KYB, Monroe, Bilstein, AC DELCO, etc.

e may be kits out there where you get new springs and shocks to replace Original stuff.

Another option is air shocks you can adjust pressure.

Worse case.

Take them out and find special shop to rebuild.

Or maybe the MB heritage parts place in LA has them or can help?

I think a deep internet dive may find ya something.
Thanks for the reply, I have scoured the internet and nobody does a spring and shock combination, which would be great, there is a company in the U.S. that rebuilds and charges U.S. $1,195.00 per shock, that's insane. I can buy new from China at U.S. $852.00 each, which looks like my option.Would be good if I could get rid of the self leveling, Cheers
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