[mjg99]

I own a 1985 300D and want to replace my axles & shocks. in looking up parts (shocks in particular) they list ones for my vehicle and on some specify "not for self leveling systems" so my question is, how do I tell? I do know that when I put it into reverse, the back end either lowers or raises (can't remember). does this indicate that I have a self leveling system? Can I avoid ordering wrong parts by using my VIN?

any recomendations on brand of replacement shocks? Bilstein & Meyle seem to both get good reviews.

Many thanks

 

[Ghaniba]

Wagons have the Self Leveling Suspension. A normal w123 sedan or coupe does not have the SLS system.

Dave

 

[Rmac58]

Ghaniba is correct.

Look under the hood, is there a (oil supply tank, item #2 in the pic) reservoir on the passenger side of the engine close to the front?

If so, that's for the SLS.

 

[Stretch]

The rear end of your car going up or down when you select reverse or drive (automatic transmission / gearbox) is just normal behaviour when you have your foot on the brake. This motion therefore can not tell you if you've got SLS.

Check the picture posted above to see if your engine bay looks similar or not.

As said above most of the station wagons have SLS - but there's always an exception to the rule and here in Europe you can find wagons without SLS...

If you want shocks and you have SLS - well that's not going to work out for you on the back. The SLS system is incorporated into the shocks. You can of course replace the front shocks that aren't influenced by a SLS system.

Bilsteins and Sachs seem to be the most popular on this forum. On the Peach parts forum there's a hard core Bilstein HD group. I get the impression that stiff riding HDs on the front with SLS on the rear wouldn't work out too well. I guess you'd be better off going for the comforts with this set up.

Perhaps someone with a wagon and SLS can chime in and make a recommendation?

You are right about using your VIN - a reputable re-seller should ask for your VIN in my opinion. I think it is a good test to see who you are dealing with. If they don't ask for a VIN then the chances are (unless it is a really common part) that it will be wrong and a nightmare to get your money back. Well that's my experience anyway.