What's this thing??
 

I'm in the process of restoring a '93 500SL and noticed this white plastic container, a two section piece sitting inside the right (passenger) side fender. You can see it through the slots in the fender. Most of the black paint was gone and needed removed and painted. This piece has a red plastic tube sticking in the front section and a black plastic tube in the back section.
I looked everywhere for information of what this piece is. There was no liquid in either section. Could someone tell me what is the purpose of this piece?? And where do these two plastic tubes end up? Your help will be appreciated...James

send photo may be a wind screen washer?

What's this thing?
 

Here's a couple photos of the plastic bottle (2 parts). Red hose in one section and black hose in the other section. No this is not a water dispenser for the windshield. Be a little hard to fill since it fits inside the fender.https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...b18cd66742.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...89b0ce930e.jpg

Picture= 1K words?? great photos. I have been in that area of both 500 and 600 and do not remember those type of containers ( I placed LED running lights into the bumper cover )
And you are correct that would be a difficult fill if it were water for the headlamps or wind screen>

Self leveling
 

I believe these are helium or hydrogen filled containers that are a part of a self leveling system. Did the car have a self leveling system?

Definitely not hydrogen. It's very explosive, so putting it in the front bumper would make no sense. Helium doesn't make sense to me either. How would you fill it if it ran low? I don't think M-B keeps a tank of it in their repair shops.

Nitrogen Gas
 

Take a look at this!

123 300TD Wagon Rear Suspension Accumulator Spheres x (2)

Store > W123 > Suspension Products
Most common failure item on self leveling suspension (SLS)
There are two gas filled accumulators under the rear of the 1979 to 1985 123 300TD wagons. The shock dampening quality of the actuators (hydraulic struts) is controlled by these accumulators. The accumulators are nitrogen gas filled spheres (balls) with a diaphragm in them that separates the gas and the hydraulic fluid from the actuators (struts). Accumulators are located above the rear axles and inboard of the springs. Since the gas inside the sphere is compressible (hydraulic fluid isnt), the accumulator "absorbs" and softens suspension “shocks” caused by undulations and bumps in the road. Hydraulic fluid moves into the accumulator and presses against one side of the diaphragm to compress the gas on the other side.

The nitrogen spheres are metal "balls" located near and attached to the shock absorbers. Solid tubes (2) connect to each sphere. The rear compartment ( trunk) has two near the spare tire and the front are covered by the wheel well liner.
Been there done that several times.
What is the airbag sensor system like in that age??

vacuum storage?

...Exactly.
But it belongs under the fender.

Cheers, Frank

I too have those strange spheres that almost appear to have been affixed under the fender "gills" of the car in a botched DIY job by a previous owner, but now seeing your picture of the exact same setup I can only conclude that those spheres must have served some factory installed purpose, back in the mists of time.

In short, I haven't the foggiest idea what those things are for, especially since my 1991 Merc 500SL did not come with the self-leveling feature that was stock in the 600SL/SL600, and optional in other cars. My suspension is bone stock, with no extra gizmos.