Reconnecting SLS

[Matin]

Hi Guys,

As some of you may know, my car has had its SLS deleted when it was in Japan.

I’ve always thought about reconnecting the SLS and after buying some rear KONI shocks, and not being pleased with them, I started thinking about this again.

Has anyone ever reconnected their SLS? Is it worth it? What’s involved?

As far as I know, the wiring is still there for mine, it’s just been crimped off.

Would love to hear your guys suggestions.

Cheers,
Matin

 

[gsxr]

There is no wiring for the SLS system, it's 100% mechanical. If all the plumbing is still present, you'd just have to add any missing parts and re-connect everything. If buying new SLS shocks (hydrolegs) I'd also buy new accumulators (nitrogen spheres) at the same time. Hopefully they left the valve and hard lines all intact. If the tandem pump was replaced with a standard pump, you'll need to source a tandem pump. Otherwise it should be plug & play, just time consuming and a bit expensive to buy the missing parts. The SLS works very well, I generally would recommend having it functional on a street car, and only deleting it on a dedicated race/track car.

 

[r44raven]

Hi Matin,

I've been doing a bit of research on this. A PO of my 500E deleted the SLS, and replaced the rear shocks. Not knowing what sort had been fitted to the rear, I replaced both front and back shocks with Koni Sports, and have been very pleased with the result. Sorry you're not too happy with your set up.

My concern is that the SLS deletion will affect the resale value of the car, so am thinking of buying in all the bits needed to reinstate it, which I can either fit now, or sell with the car.
I've found that all the major parts, with the exception of the tandem pump, are still available from MB (at a cost!). No doubt some items can be sourced cheaper direct from an OE manufacturer.
You do not say if your car is still fitted with its tandem pump, but I'm led to believe that if this has been left on the car and run without fluid, the SLS side of the pump will be ruined. Maybe someone can confirm this? My tandem pump was replaced by a single power steering unit, so I will have to source one. Again, I understand these are still available from aftermarket suppliers. I'm not sure of the quality - again maybe someone else can chip in on this with a recommendation (?) - but they are considerably cheaper than MB prices.

Keep posting your progress?

Stephen

 

[sheward]

Does anyone know if the tandem pump is shared with the 124 wagon or S class?

drew

 

[samiam44]

Ping me after the holidays. My car went through this and I might have a receipt.

 

[gsxr]

Does anyone know if the tandem pump is shared with the 124 wagon or S class?

I believe the .036 tandem pump is very similar to the W140 S-class, and may be interchangeable despite different part numbers & ratings (not certain though!).

However I believe the S124 wagon is totally different?

 

[Matin]

Thanks for the info guys! Much appreciated.

Where is the tandem pump located? Is it under the power steering fluid box?

 

[gsxr]

Where is the tandem pump located? Is it under the power steering fluid box?

Yes. If you post a couple of photos we can tell what type is currently on your car (standard or tandem).

 

[samiam44]

The tandem pump simply has a second pump which is attached to the PS. It's longer and more hoses.. same location.

 

[SayHey]

E500 pump

 

[Matin]

Looks like my Tandem Pump has been removerd. See pic.

 

[JC220]

Looks like my Tandem Pump has been removerd. See pic.

The pump looks correct from that angle. Take a look at the other side of the pump - Lower down. Where the hoses connect. It will be important to see what has been done with those hoses.

Also- take a picture of the SLS fluid tank, fluid level inside (if any) and the hose connectors to it.

Ideally pictures are required underneath also. There is a levelling valve underneath and metal pipes / hoses connecting to the struts. These pipes are available new but £££ each. I know because I bought new ones for my 500E restoration.

Finally- please take pictures inside the boot of where the spare wheel is. There should still be black Spheres in there.

All of these pictures will help us to help you! It is not known just how much if your system was ‘deleted’. They might have pulled some parts or crimped / re-directed the hydraulic pipe work. The extent of this ‘deletion’ is a prime factor for costs to re-in state same.

 

[gsxr]

Need a photo from the opposite side, as JC220 mentioned above. Can't even see the pulley, let alone the pump...

 

[lowman]

Need a photo from the opposite side, as JC220 mentioned above. Can't even see the pulley, let alone the pump...

what do you mean you cant see the pulley?its right there.and the pump HAS to be there also.or else he would not have power steering

 

[gsxr]

Profuse apologies. Make that, "...can BARELY see the pulley, and not see the pump at all."

Seppuku commencing shortly.

 

[lowman]

 

[Maui]

Profuse apologies. Make that, "...can BARELY see the pulley, and not see the pump at all."

Seppuku commencing shortly.