Bcr69s

I am new to mbenz and considering the purchase of a 94 s500 . The seller tells me that there is a noise in the rear that his mechanic tells him is a shock. The car has the auto leveling system but he wants to seal off lines and install standard shocks. Without debating the merits of this is it even possible to bolt up the standard shocks without doing modification to mounting bracketry??

​​​​​​​Thanks

oldsinner111

expensive to repair,I'd switch to springs and shocks.Be sure to check wiring on the engine,as the original wire is biodegradable. Be sure to change out plastic camshaft oilers,they have some that are aluminum

Mlthoma

Yes, you can replace the shocks with standard shocks which are much cheaper, but note also that the springs used with the self leveling system are softer than regular because the SLS provides some spring, so you must replace the springs too. The mounting eyes of the SLS shocks will sometimes degrade and develop play which causes a clunk, even though the shock itself may still be working. Some people have pressed new mounts in and fixed this problem.

If your car has full ADS (the adaptive damping system) which can be seen as a switch on the console to switch between sport mode and comfort mode I would try my best to retain that system and fix it. Having had one w140 with ADS and one with regular shocks I maintain the ADS is worlds better. It makes the car feel nimble and quick handling despite its weight. I understand there are many SLS cars that do not have ADS. I've not owned one of these so I dont have any impressions to share about those. My sone did have a SLS car that was converted to regular shocks, but not springs. It was way too soft and would bottom easily, but worked OK when you weren't going over bumps.

Mike in ABQ