How to test auto level?- 300TE

[rphdiego]

I have recently purchased my first MB. It is a 1988 300TE. How do I test the operation of the auto-leveling rear suspension? I could not find anything in the W124 bible.

[Allen]

Just pile a few in the back and watch. We had this on one of our cars a few years ago. A few joined us on the ride home from the restuarant and as we were about to drive off it came on and we all had a big laugh.

[Robert Goodwin]

Sections 32 and 40 of the Mercedes service manual have quite a lengthy procedure for checking and repairing the load leveling system. First, it assumes that there is a problem and provides procedures related to the problem. In the end, you put it on an alignment machine, check the dimensions and make adjustments or replace parts as required to bring everything back into alignment. If all you want to do is check the functionality of the system, then the prior post gives a good method. If you want something more, take your car and $150 to the dealer and he will give you more information.

[GeorgeMurphy]

DO THIS EVERY 30,000 miles!
HYDROPNEUMATIC SUSPENSION FLUSH

Application: 123 wagons, S-class sedans, 6.9s

Here's how its done: (Have 2 friends ready - one heavy friend at the rear
of the car and one in the driver's seat standing by to help...(can be any
weight)...

1 - Remove the fluid return line from the top of hydraulic fluid reservoir
and remove fill cap - use a piece of scrap hose to route return line oil to
a 1 gallon container placed under the car to catch old fluid as it comes out.

2 - The filter is located under the fill cap - part no 002-184-55-01 -
remove old one and leave cap off reservoir.

(Some Euro models require removal of the level control valve from the top of
reservoir)

3 - Have 3 liters of new fluid ready to pour into reservoir - take lid off
bottle (part no 000 989 91 03 - $7.50 per liter from me) and remove foil
seal because you have to be fast about this. Use a turkey baster to remove
all old fluid from the reservoir, then add about a liter of new fluid.

4 - Have one friend start the car; have other (heavier) friend bounce rear
of car to exercise rear suspension while you pour new hydraulic fluid into
reservoir as it is pumped through system and into catch bucket under car -
this is called feed and bleed...you have to keep feeding in new fluid as the
old fluid is pumped into catch bucket under the car.

5 - When new clean fluid emerges from return hose, shut off engine (and stop
bouncing rear of car). Fill reservoir to correct level as marked on side of
reservoir. Install new filter and re-connect return line to closure cap
assembly. Start car and check for leaks and top up fluid level if necessary...