Product Feature: W123 Self-Leveling Suspension
Posted by Z on Apr 3rd 2023
Product Feature: Self Leveling Suspension Parts
The rear Self Leveling Suspension, or SLS system, on the S123 Estate models is a thing of beauty when it works properly. However, I haven't met a single W123 wagon owner who hasn't at least considered swapping out the original system for conventional shocks and springs. This is mostly due to the challenges of finding suitable parts for this system and not a disdain for the system itself!
Here at MBZ Parts we have a special fondness for the 300TD, several of us having owned one at some point, and we have almost everything you could need to service the SLS system in your W123 wagon. Click here to browse all W123 SLS parts.
Many of the parts I will list below are also applicable to W116 and W126 1st generation models with SLS, but some are not! Always read the vehicle interchange tab on our listings to make sure your year and model is present. If not, please contact us with your VIN before purchase. We will be more than happy to help determine what you need for your car!
Let's start under the hood, where the magic begins:
First off, 300TD has a different cylinder head than its sedan and coupe cousins. Unfortunately we haven't had a good one in stock for quite some time. These are getting more and more rare!
Attached to the cylinder head is the SLS pump:
We sell rebuilt units here, or if you're handy, you can rebuild your own by purchasing this rebuild kit.
We offer the hydraulic fluid reservoir in new condition or used condition.
Did you know there is a little filter for the hydraulic fluid inside the reservoir? It might be time to change yours out!
We sell genuine Mercedes-Benz hydraulic fluid as well.
Moving back to the rear axle, where the magic happens:
We have new aftermarket accumulators by Corteco. (If you prefer genuine Mercedes, we have them listed here)
New genuine Mercedes-Benz SLS valve. (The rebuild kit is tragically no longer available.)
And finally, we partner with a specialty W123 mechanic so that we can offer a hydraulic strut rebuilding service to our customers! The rear shocks for these cars have been discontinued by Mercedes and all other new parts manufacturers. The rebuilder we work with has a special stock of discontinued seals and ball joints that allow him to rebuild these struts.
If you need any other parts for the SLS system on your S123, or any other classic Mercedes with a hydraulic suspension system, please contact us with your VIN and we'll do our best to help!
