Gutted suspension

[Pagoda68]

Now that I've retired, I had the opportunity to have a mechanic put the car on a lift and assess the hole I'm in. I received the car [94 E500] as settlement of a debt, but the previous owner butchered the suspension. The missing reservoir was only the tip of the iceberg. All of the adjustment hardware at the rear end has been removed. Even the mounting bracket. The metal lines have been cut. Up front, one of the metal lines is cut and crimped. The rubber line from the reservoir is cut and open. The front of the car was damaged by an apparent run in with a post or pole. The radiator was replaced with a really nice Ron Davis aluminum unit, but the pusher fans are missing and the one puller is poorly installed. Although on the only time I've driven it, 9 miles in traffic to the shop, the temp stayed at 80. The engine runs perfectly and the car has a lovely rumble thanks to the hole in the muffler. The speedometer works but not the odometer which reads a bit over 140,000 miles.

Surprisingly, everything electrical works except the right outside rearview mirror. The inside rearview mirror is missing. The car was in a storage unit for 20 years so the interior is in good shape. The original paint has some small scratches. There is a small dent on the front of the hood, and the crossmember behind the bumper cover has a corresponding dent. I suspect that's what took out the fans.

What to do. I don't believe replacing the whole SLS is an option. The mechanic is investigating springs and shocks from an E400. I don't know how desirable the car would be with that. I suspect it wouldn't provide a ROI. I can tell the car was once a glorious machine and didn't deserve this abuse. I don't have the finances or facilities to resurrect it, so I'm looking for suggestions. Swap the suspension or just try to sell it as a basket case?

 

[gsxr]

What to do. I don't believe replacing the whole SLS is an option. The mechanic is investigating springs and shocks from an E400. I don't know how desirable the car would be with that. I suspect it wouldn't provide a ROI. I can tell the car was once a glorious machine and didn't deserve this abuse. I don't have the finances or facilities to resurrect it, so I'm looking for suggestions. Swap the suspension or just try to sell it as a basket case?

Kinda depends on the condition of the rest of the car. Miles? Colors? Location? Etc. And, if you want to keep the car and enjoy driving it, or just sell to recoup the settled debt funds.

Most of the SLS stuff can be resurrected without too much hassle, but the rear hydrolegs (shocks) will be expensive as they are NLA and the handful of NOS out there are silly priced. Installing standard non-SLS suspension would be the easiest solution, although obtaining the ideal rear spring will be a bit difficult as the Sportline E420 rear springs (most similar) are NLA.

 

[alexwh0]

If it can run coilovers fine and dandy like sour candy, and you decide to sell it I'd be interested. I love taking on projects, I'm recently twice divorced so this will be less of a pain I'm sure.

Alex

 

[Pagoda68]

Thanks to a trusted, very experienced, MB mechanic, I now have a complete parts list to restore the self-leveling suspension. It doesn't seem insurmountable; but it would require a lot of internet scouring, patience, and a lift. The most expedient solution is to give up on the SLS and go with H&K or other aftermarket springs and shocks. I have my Pagoda to look after and 3 other cars, so I'm not excited to take on this project. It seems a sale to someone who can appreciate the car and give it the attention it deserves is the best course. I can send photos to anyone interested.

 

[alexwh0]

...let's do this, lay 'em on me! Hah

alex.cauley@gmail.com

 

[gerryvz]

Don't devalue the car further by replacing the SLS. It can be done even without a lift. From my standpoint, the biggest issue would be sourcing the hydraulic hard-lines - probably best to actually have those custom-made.

The other components, such as the reservoir, are easily sourced either as NOS parts (via eBay, with patience) or directly from Germany, where they are reproduced with a quality part. I am sure members of the forum here with extra reservoirs would also sell one for a reasonable price. Our member @RPM Retro may also be able to help with a reservoir.

These cars really deserve to remain as they left the factory, with their factory systems. The tandem pump underhood also can be rebuilt (there's a HOW-TO here on the forum, step by step to do this).

SLS rear struts can be rebuilt (multiple forum threads on this) or perhaps sourced (with patiance) as NOS items, although likely not cheap. The accumulators should be available from MB as a new part at a decent price (the forum also has HOW-TOs on replacing both the rear SLS hydro-legs as well as the accumulators).

I'd sell the car as-is to someone who has the time, gumption and $$$ to re-install the SLS system. That way you also avoid the time, cost and hassle of installing a traditional spring system on the car.

 

[Pagoda68]

I understand the value of originality, I also understand the value of drivability. Which is of more value is a complicated calculation of emotion and resources.

 

[alexwh0]

Don't devalue the car further by replacing the SLS. It can be done even without a lift. From my standpoint, the biggest issue would be sourcing the hydraulic hard-lines - probably best to actually have those custom-made.

The other components, such as the reservoir, are easily sourced either as NOS parts (via eBay, with patience) or directly from Germany, where they are reproduced with a quality part. I am sure members of the forum here with extra reservoirs would also sell one for a reasonable price. Our member @RPM Retro may also be able to help with a reservoir.

These cars really deserve to remain as they left the factory, with their factory systems. The tandem pump underhood also can be rebuilt (there's a HOW-TO here on the forum, step by step to do this).

SLS rear struts can be rebuilt (multiple forum threads on this) or perhaps sourced (with patiance) as NOS items, although likely not cheap. The accumulators should be available from MB as a new part at a decent price (the forum also has HOW-TOs on replacing both the rear SLS hydro-legs as well as the accumulators).

I'd sell the car as-is to someone who has the time, gumption and $$$ to re-install the SLS system. That way you also avoid the time, cost and hassle of installing a traditional spring system on the car.

Orrrrrr... And idiot like me who has ideas..