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If any of you are having problems with hydraulic cylinders leaking, I can rebuild any of the 12 hydraulic cylinders for an R129 SL for $30 each + $10 total shipping. I highly recommend that you have the cylinders repaired in pairs. I will warranty the seal I replace for 3 years. In most cases I will have your cylinders back in the mail the following business day after I receive them. You can find discussions about my work on benzworld.org and mercedesshop.com in the SL forums. I also repair the cylinders for the W124 convertible for the same charges.
You could probably use any high quality hydraulic fluid, but I recommend that you only use MB hydraulic fluid. You wouldn't want to risk damage to either the pump or the solenoid valves just to save a few bucks on the fluid.
Dennis,
Several have written that the 'alternate' hydraulic fluid is Febi/Bilstein P/N 02615. Since this stuff is around $10.00/ltr, it makes an interesting financial alternative, but until proven that this is the identical 'stuff', your advice is well founded on sticking with the MB branded...as much as that pains my wallet!
Bob
__________________
Bob Jones
'87 560SL-Sold
'99 SL500-For Now
Bradenton, FL
Interesting...searching onthat part # in a few of my favorite parts places on the net, brings up the Febi/Bilstien #02615 Hydraulic Fluid. At pricies ranging from $9-$10/ltr. Works for me-
Bob
__________________
Bob Jones
'87 560SL-Sold
'99 SL500-For Now
Bradenton, FL
Interesting...searching onthat part # in a few of my favorite parts places on the net, brings up the Febi/Bilstien #02615 Hydraulic Fluid. At pricies ranging from $9-$10/ltr. Works for me-
Bob
Bob,
Iseem to remember some other strings that you and I have been on that mentioned staying with M-B hydraulic fluids so as not to have any additional problems.
Do you know if they willsend fluids? I can't remember where I read that some Internet parts guys will not sendproducts like fluids due to safety guidelines.
Interesting...searching onthat part # in a few of my favorite parts places on the net, brings up the Febi/Bilstien #02615 Hydraulic Fluid. At pricies ranging from $9-$10/ltr. Works for me-
Bob
Bob,
Iseem to remember some other strings that you and I have been on that mentioned staying with M-B hydraulic fluids so as not to have any additional problems.
Do you know if they willsend fluids? I can't remember where I read that some Internet parts guys will not sendproducts like fluids due to safety guidelines.
Lynn, yes, a few posts back on this forum I said I would stick with the MB branded fluid.Subsequently doing a little research at the Febi/Bilstien site along withsearching on the MB part# convinced me that Febi is the OEM for this material, puts it in the same blue bottle, only difference seemsto be that pesky and expensive 3-pointed star. http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...2091%2003%2010
The bottom line for me, is that I'll use the Febi alternative; but that hardly means I endorse its use, or encourage anyone more risk averse to use it; simply a possible cost effective alternative to the high priced spread.
On shipping, sincethe MBparts suppliers on the net are listing this material on their sites, along with antifreeze, power steering fluid, etc. that they ship already, I'm surethis hydraulic fluid isavailable for shipping as well.
__________________
Bob Jones
'87 560SL-Sold
'99 SL500-For Now
Bradenton, FL
Lynn, yes, a few posts back on this forum I said I would stick with the MB branded fluid.Subsequently doing a little research at the Febi-Bilstien site along withsearching on the MB part# convinced me that Febi is the OEM for this material, puts it in the same blue bottle, only difference seemsto be that pesky and expensive 3-pointed star.
I woulddefer to Febi at http://www.importeccatalog.com .Actually the Febi p/n is whatthe STAR Classic Service Manual calls out for. The only problem I have is the additional shipping cost of $8.38.
Lynn,
The shipping charges are a bit stiff, unless purchases total $50, then shipping is free. This is not hard to do with a filter or two, extra drive belt, etc.
Bob
__________________
Bob Jones
'87 560SL-Sold
'99 SL500-For Now
Bradenton, FL
RE: Hydraulic fluid leak--SL500 1997
