Possibly bad shocks????
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
2002 Mercedes S55
Possibly bad shocks????
Hello everyone,
I've recently drove my mother's '99 S500 over the weekend and noticed that the car was terribly bouncy (like a lowrider on air ride). I suspect that the shocks are probably out on her car considering it has over 100K miles on it. Does anyone have any suggestions on how and where to get replacement shocks for this car? I believe the car does not have ADS and the rears are self-leveling. Prices for the rear shocks are extremely high (around $600ea). Is it possible to replace the rears with regular non-self leveling ones? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
I've recently drove my mother's '99 S500 over the weekend and noticed that the car was terribly bouncy (like a lowrider on air ride). I suspect that the shocks are probably out on her car considering it has over 100K miles on it. Does anyone have any suggestions on how and where to get replacement shocks for this car? I believe the car does not have ADS and the rears are self-leveling. Prices for the rear shocks are extremely high (around $600ea). Is it possible to replace the rears with regular non-self leveling ones? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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i put the bilstein shocks in my 93 300SE and WOW car not only rides as smooth as it used to (ok maybe slightly more firm) but handling performance improved big time. instead of just replacing, you might as well upgrade.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
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From: Fl
92 500sel/01 320e wag
Rear Shocks
These cars have self leveling suspension, as part of the system the rears are not true shocks, they are "hydraulic struts" the most common failure are the accumulators that are between the struts and the pressure line. Thgey are spheres filled with nitrogen and a diaphram. These do not have to be done at the dealer any good independent can do it for $300. The "socks/struts are $400 ea. but even my dealer says if the dont leak they are probably still good.
I heard repacing them for standars shocks leads to leveling issues since the system uses some residual pressure for level, and capping the plumbing is another issue.
I heard repacing them for standars shocks leads to leveling issues since the system uses some residual pressure for level, and capping the plumbing is another issue.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 38
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
2002 Mercedes S55
Thanks for all the replies...
I've read numerous posts concerning this issue and it seems like you guys know what you're talking about. I ordered Bilstein for my front shocks and also picked up a couple of accumulators for the rears. Hopefully, this will solve all my problems. Thanks again for the information everyone.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Fl
92 500sel/01 320e wag
Be prepared for a messy job, as the oil leaks out of the defective accumulators. The fittings are a little hard to get to, my mechanic unhooked the muffler hangers "donuts" to make it easier, dont forget the Mb fluid.
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Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 38
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
2002 Mercedes S55
Job Completed!!!
Hello everyone,
After 3 long hours, I've completed the job. I replaced the two acccumulators and two front shocks. I just wanted to thank you guys for all the help and the heads up. You were right, it was a messy job. Luckily I went for it prepared with all the neccessary tools and a bunch of towels. Good tools are a neccesity in this project. Some of the bolts were so hard to get to, especially the 10mm nuts that hold the accumulators to their brackets. Anyhow, car rides great! Bilsteins in the front make the car ride a little more stiff than factory however, much better handling. Thanks again everyone, I wouldn't have even attempted it without all the info. I got from these forums.
After 3 long hours, I've completed the job. I replaced the two acccumulators and two front shocks. I just wanted to thank you guys for all the help and the heads up. You were right, it was a messy job. Luckily I went for it prepared with all the neccessary tools and a bunch of towels. Good tools are a neccesity in this project. Some of the bolts were so hard to get to, especially the 10mm nuts that hold the accumulators to their brackets. Anyhow, car rides great! Bilsteins in the front make the car ride a little more stiff than factory however, much better handling. Thanks again everyone, I wouldn't have even attempted it without all the info. I got from these forums.
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