We are offering professional renovation for core parts of the Mercedes air suspension system from 1963 to the early 70s (Mercedes 600 from 1963 to1981), mainly level control valves, valve unit, anti-freeze device and pressure regulator for the 600 , W112 and W109. Other products are under development*.
You are probably familiar with the Mercedes models W 109, W 112 or even the W 100 from this time.
These models were designed with a ‘legendary‘ air suspension system, legendary in a positive way - the ride in such a car is superior compared to a steel spring system- but also legendary for the complications the owner might experience and finally legendary for its price.
The air suspension system technically was potentially the best suspension system on the market at the time it was designed. It was for sure the best-engineered system of its time. However also this well designed system needs rebuilding. Oh yes, you will notice when it is time. If your car drops within one week or so the time has come.
No doubt, the air suspension requires a higher degree of maintenance. And most possibly your system will work perfectly fine if it was brought back to spec. This means the failing components need to be repaired/ rebuilt and the system maintained according Mercedes specs.
The bad news is: The repair can be overwhelming and rebuilding the valves units by a qualified specialist does not come cheap. Engaged and experienced DIY people can repair some of the air suspension components but the renovation of the core components like the 3 level control valves, main valve, anti-freeze device and pressure regulator should be in the hands of the specialist. Too much knowledge, experience, specialized tools and precise instruments, testing equipment and parts are needed for rebuilding.
From my personal experience I can tell that you will enjoy every bit of a ride with a proper working Mercedes air suspension.
We work with passion and our products are based on integrity and honesty. We share our knowledge with the community and we like collaborating. We use the best technology and craftsmanship available. Our CNC parts are ‘Made in Germany’ and we use high quality seal rings and materials. All repaired parts and units run through extensive testing. We are giving a 2-year warranty for air tightness and function within specification for units and parts. You are requested to sending your units for rebuilding before we start and we will rebuild the units within ca. 2-4 weeks of turn-around or upon request. Prices are based on the assumption that provided cores are repairable which typically is the case. We will keep our clients informed about the process and communicate if there is a problem.
We take a $200 core charge for LCV-VNC, Anti- Freeze Device and $250 for the Valve Unit , $500 for the Pressure Regulator in case we deliver up front.
Manipulated Units: Very rarely I am finding ‘manipulated’ units. These are units that were previously "repaired" by non- professionals leading to partial destruction of inner parts. These are very difficult and time consuming to repair due to broken or missing parts. These parts need to be machined and the effort is obvious. Please understand that working on manipulated units will possibly cost some extra effort and in case I will communicate and discuss with the client. Thanks for your understanding.
Pressure Test Adapter: This tool is for easy testing and monitoring air pressure in the support group (air tank) and filling the system with shop air.
This tool is for the professional Mercedes shop but also for Mercedes enthusiast.
This tool screws into the pressure switch port of the valve unit and allows for easy and safe pressure testing / monitoring with a standard AC gauge and 1/4" flare hose. With a long hose system pressure can be monitored during driving.
Prices for rebuilding Mercedes Air Suspension W109 1965-72, W112 8/65-67, W100 1963-84 and W112-8/65
Units to be sent for rebuilding
Level Control Valve for W112, W109 and W100, complete rebuilding.
LF/VNC 3/1 [0-500-003-004], LF/VNC 3/2 [0-500-003-005], LF/VNC 4/3 [0-500-003-006]. These are the 3 later style units for front- right, front- left and rear. |
$638 per unit |
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Level Control Valve for W112 , complete rebuilding.
LF/VNB 3B2 / 3A2, Front Left LF/VNB 1B1/ 1A1, Front Right LF/VNB 2B1 / 2A1, Rear These are the 3 earlier style units, before 1965 |
|
Main Valve for W112, W109 and W100, complete rebuilding, pressure switch excluded.
0-501-001-004, 0-501-001-005 |
$605 per unit |
Anti-freeze device, rebuilding inner valves and all rubber seals, paper air filter change included.
000-431-14-15 |
$539 per unit |
600 Pressure Regulator (W100), complete rebuilding and pressure adjustments.
0-481-040-001, 0-481-040-002 |
$1180 per unit |
Drain Valve (bottom of air tank), complete renovation
LF/ VE [0-500-400-001, -002] |
$154 per unit |
Main Check Valve (engine side of air tank, complete renovation
LF/VB (0- 500- 100- 001, -002, -003) |
$132 per unit |
Air Filter Unit (part of anti freeze device) complete
renovation, paper air filter change included |
$143 per unit |
Air Compressor
additional parts/machining bronze bearing new piston pin |
$990 per unit
$130 $30 |
LF 600 Horn Valve | $570 |
LF Flex Air Hoses | $130 |
600 Air Brake Booster Bosch SV/DKV1/115/44/2 , 0 443 003 004 Mercedes Benz A0024300301 |
$2,595 |
Customer is covering shipping, duties and customs clearing (for shipping outside the US)
Core charges for up front services:
$200 for LCV-VNC and Anti-Freeze Device core
$250 for the Valve Unit core
$500 for the Pressure Regulator core
Core charge will be refunded after receipt of core
Martin Werminghausen
Engineer
Professional Experience: Maybach/MTU/Mercedes in Germany
Registered Architect
Location:
141 South Great Rd.
Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
Martin- I bought my 300 SEL 6.3 in late 2018- after watching Jay Leno's review- and got it sorted enough to drive the following summer through John Robison's excellent shop. However, it was losing air after only a day or so. The following winter I considered replacing the air suspension with springs, but decided to do it right. After your work rebuilding the air valves, it's as though I have a new car. I just had to spend a month away, and was delighted to see my Mercedes high and level when I returned. When I fired her up there was no extra air at all needed from the compressor. You're an extraordinary resource for these cars- thanks!
My name is Pierre Hedary and I operate a repair shop in Titusville, Florida, that services classic Mercedes exclusively.
A large number of 300SEL 6.3s and 4.5s have passed through our doors, all of which have need air suspension repairs.
Martin and his workshop are my single greatest asset. In fact, without the work he is performing, these cars would be impossible to sort and perfect, as the air suspension is their defining attribute.
While I frequently have to travel the country to do follow up service on these cars, I have never once had a major issue with any of his air valves, and that says it all.
4/6/2020
Hello MARTIN,
My name is Jay Leno and you recently did the valves for my 6.3 and I just wanted to let you know what an excellent job you did. It’s been a few months now and the car has not dropped an inch, I don’t think they were that good when they were new! I don’t know how long you have been around Massachusetts but I used to work at Foreign motors in Boston and used to dream of one day owning these cars. I also have a 600 that I will be sending you the valves for. It’s nice to see German workmanship still being done by a improper German! Talk to you soon, very satisfied customer, Jay Leno
I have a MB 300 SEL 4,5 that suffered from a leaking air suspension. The problem kept getting worse all the time and in the end the car was on her belly overnight. We managed to point the leak to the left front valve levelling bar hindge. Luckily I found Mr Werminghausen and his 600 Airsuspension on Youtube and contacted him via email. Since my car was already scheduled at the workshop Mr Werminghausen generously proposed to send me one of his already reconditioned valves and refund me as soon as he received my old leaking unit.
We followed the instructions found online at 600airsuspension.com and the fix was a perfect success. My car is in the Finnish national museum-car-registry, so it was imperative to use original parts to solve the problem. Nothing could be more original than the reconditioned original part. I am very happy with the workmanship and service of Mr Werminghausen.
All other old valves seem to be air tight so far, but when the eventual leaks appear I know who to call. I’m also considering a complete overhaul of the entire system in advance, but I’m having hard time convincing my engineer to change something that is not broken - yet.
These are valuable vintage parts. Cores received by the client for rebuilding are owned by the client, also for the duration of repairs. In case of a lost return box we cannot be made responsible for the loss of cores.
Please accept that we insure return shipment with an estimated core value plus rebuilding charges, in
agreement with the client.
The client may instruct us to ship with less insurance at client’s risk.
We are offering professional renovation for core parts of the Mercedes 600 (Mercedes 600 from 1963 to1981) comfort hydraulic or KH system (German: Komfort Hydraulik) with Bosch or Barmag pump, Teves (ATE) Piston Accumulator and Connectors, Switches and Valves as well as Pistons. Basically all parts of the system that may leak can be serviced, rebuilt and pressure tested.
You might think the Mercedes 600 hydraulics is a description of an aircraft system… but it is not. This is a support system in a car and probably the most unique, expensive and sophisticated system offered in a car.
The 600 models were designed with a hydraulic system that surpassed the luxury and elegance of other cars by far. The system is very reliable but with age the rubber and pressure connections, switch valves and piston seals start to leak which causes a lot of grieve for the 600 owners.
The comfort hydraulic system is probably the most unique feature of the legendary Mercedes 600 but also one of most feared ones. If any of the parts fail it will lead to problems that can be minor like a seat or a window moving slowly by itself or pump or accumulator failing which is leading to uncomfortable situation like potentially releasing the hydraulic door latches during driving. This will not lead to any great risk because the door will not open during driving but it might feel a little strange. The most common problems are oil leaks to the inside of the car, which is annoying and cannot be tolerated. There might be other internal leakage in a switch or piston, which results in a loss of pressure but no external leaks.
The Mercedes 600 hydraulic system failure requires attention and proper maintenance. The repair can be overwhelming and rebuilding the units by a qualified specialist does not come cheap. A hobbyist cannot do the repairs and Bosch did not foresee any DIY repair, not even the change of pressure port seals. Any repaired units must be pressure tested on a bench or tested on a test stand, like the pressure pumps.
We work with compassion, integrity and honesty. We share our knowledge with the community and we like collaborating. We use the best technology and craftsmanship available. CNC parts are ‘Made in Germany’ and we use high quality custom seal rings and other materials like Teflon or Delrin for custom seals or valves bodies. Depending on the situation custom designs might be required. In some cases for instance Teflon seals can be designed and machined. All repaired parts and units run through extensive testing. We are giving a 2-year warranty for tightness and function within specification for units and parts. You are requested to sending your units for rebuilding before we start and we will rebuild the units within ca. 2-4 weeks of turn-around or upon request. Please ask for turn-around. Prices are based on the assumption that provided cores are repairable which is typically the case. We will keep our clients informed about the process and communicate.
Bosch and Barmag pumps will be tested on a dynamic test stand to confirm functions and correct pressure settings (175 and 200 bar).
Dis-assembly, all parts cleaned, unit body cleaned, surfaces and threads check and recut/corrected, steel parts zinc plated/ chromate, seals exchanged, new ball bearings, new bronze bearings if needed, adjustments according MB specification, static pressure testing for pressure check valve and over pressure valve, dynamic pressure on test stand for pressure build up and output pressure adjustment 175/200bar. New touch-up paint. Steel parts/ports plated/chromate. Barmag pumps often require machining of new bridge seal and suction check valve.
Dis-assembly, all parts cleaned, unit body cleaned, steel parts will be zinc plated/ chromate, Piston replaced with new-machined part and modern accumulator seal, all seals exchanged, new high pressure Schrader valve. Nitrogen charge 100- 110 bar, pressure testing. Check valve dis-assembled, lapped and pressure tested. The diaphragm accumulator cannot be serviced.
Dis-assembly, all parts cleaned, unit body cleaned and repaired, bores reamed, surfaces corrected, inner valves inspected, new CNC-machined rings and seals, adjustments according MB spec., pressure testing. Damaged levers exchanged.
There are a variety of pistons used and there are a couple of different size sizes. We try to take car of all of them. Most of the time the piston seals are fine but leaking pressure ports need to be rebuilt. However in case the piston seals are damaged we take care of this problem and most of the time the piston seal can be rebuilt with a custom design in Teflon/ NBR. Disassembly, all parts cleaned, unit body cleaned, damaged parts exchanged, intensive pressure testing, new seals and seal rings for pressure ports
Dis-assembly, all parts cleaned, seal and seal rings exchanged, pressure tested.
Please do not hesitate and ask questions.
Prices for rebuilding Mercedes 600 comfort hydrailic units to be sent for rebuilding
Hydraulic Pump Bosch or Barmag, complete rebuilding | $1,312 |
Piston accumulator ATE/Teves | $1417 |
3- way connector | $294 |
2- way connector | $168 |
1- lever switch, level excluded | $514 |
1- lever switch w/ throttle, lever excluded | $567 |
2-lever switch . lever excluded, | $682 |
3- lever switch, lever excluded | $850 |
4- lever switch, lever excluded | $1008 |
Shut-off valve | $294 |
Single acting ram, inner piston seals excluded | $105 |
Double acting ram , inner piston seals excluded | $189 |
Hydraulic Oil Filter Kit , replacement for original filter | $50 |
KH Pressure Switch 130 bar | $462 |
KH Accumulator Check Valve | $126 |
KH DA 20mm Window Piston: inner seals $683 plus pressure ports $189 | $872 together |
KH DA 11mm Seat Piston and Sunroof Piston: inner seals $ 683 plus pressure ports $189 | $872 together |
KH SA 20mm Piston, : inner seals $504 plus pressure port $105 | $609 together |
KH SA 10mm Latch Piston: inner seals $399 plus pressure port $105 | $504 together |
KH SA 13.5mm Vent Piston: inner seals $399 plus pressure port $105 | $504 together |
Martin Werminghausen
Engineer
Professional Experience: Maybach/MTU/Mercedes in Germany
Registered Architect
Location:
141 South Great Rd.
Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
August 26, 2019
Dear Martin,
I would like to thank you for the efficient and professional service that I received from you. The parts have all been fitted now and what a pleasure to have a 600 with no hydraulic leaks. It is always a worry when parts go half way across the world to be repaired as to what the result will be, well, I can assure you that I am a really happy and satisfied customer. Thank you again. Wishing you well from sunny South Africa, kind regards Sean Mansfield.
These are valuable vintage parts. Cores received by the client for rebuilding are owned by the client, also for the duration of repairs. In case of a lost return box we cannot be made responsible for the loss of cores.
Please accept that we insure return shipment with an estimated core value plus rebuilding charges, in
agreement with the client.
The client may instruct us to ship with less insurance at client’s risk.
We are offering professional renovation for core parts of the Mercedes W116 6.9 HPF (German: Hydro-Pneumatische Federung) which include Bosch pump, pressure regulator, switch unit, axle valves, and struts. All parts or the system can be serviced and pressure tested.
Mercedes invented a variation of the air suspension involving hydraulics. The HPF is the successor of the original Air Suspension of the W112, W109 and the 600 cars if you wish.
The new system used smaller sized units for the pressure pump, regulator, lines etc. This was possible due to (10 times) higher-pressure levels of the hydraulics. Pressures are up to 200bar in the HPF system relative to 20 bar air pressure used for the air suspension system. The hydraulic system has also the advantage that hydraulic rubber seals last longer and the metal valve seats are no longer depending on rubber inside the axle valve. Another advantage was a seamless integration of the strut into the hydraulic system. This made the HPF system as good as the air suspension from its suspension qualities but also relatively tolerant and reliable.
However as the HPF comes to age the rubber is failing and metal seats can wear out leading to complaints, similar to the original air suspension. Nitrogen accumulators were used as air springs (working with 80-100 bar spring pressure) and with age the diaphragm of the accumulator starts leaking and fails. Accumulators should be tested every other year and changed if they lost pressure.
The hydraulic repairs are quite different from the former air suspension repairs and the system has a similar complexity. Oil however cannot escape unseen as does air. Oil leaks on the ground are witnesses of a leaking system begging for repair.
The 6.9 HPF hydraulic system failures require attention and proper maintenance. The repair can be overwhelming and rebuilding the units by a qualified specialist does not come cheap. A hobbyist cannot do the repairs and Bosch did not foresee any DIY repair except for testing pressures probably. Repaired units must be pressure tested or be tested in a test stand.
We work with compassion and our products are based on integrity and honesty. We share our knowledge with the community and we like collaborating. We use the best technology and craftsmanship available. CNC parts are ‘Made in Germany’ and we use high quality seal rings and materials like Teflon. Often custom designs are needed. In these case Teflon seals are designed and machined especially for this purpose. All repaired parts and units run through intensive testing. We are giving a 2-year warranty for tightness and function within specification for units and parts. You are requested to sending your units for rebuilding before we start and we will rebuild the units within ca. 2-4 weeks of turn-around or upon request. Please ask for turn-around. Prices are based on the assumption that provided cores are repairable which typically is the case. We will keep our clients informed about the process and communicate if there is a problem.
Dis-assembly, all parts cleaned, unit body cleaned, surfaces and threads check and recut/corrected, steel parts zinc plated/ chromate, seals exchanged, new ball bearing and shaft seal, assembly with special tools in order to guarantee tightness, static pressure testing and dynamic testing on test stand.
This unit can be tested but cannot be serviced. Replacement required in case Mercedes specs are not met.
Dis-assembly, all parts cleaned, unit body cleaned and repaired, bores reamed, surfaces corrected, inner valves inspected and lapped, new valve bodies for check valve. Regulator adjustments according MB specs, pressure testing. Steel parts plated / chromate.
The Switch Unit is attached to the Regulator. Inner valves repaired. Valve seats lapped, new valve bodies and seals Cam disk tested. Unit pressure tested. Steel parts plated/ chromate.
Dis-assembly, all parts cleaned, Rubber and Teflon seals exchanged, Valves restored, new valve bodies, valve pressure tested. New original rubber boot installed.
Dis-assembly, all parts cleaned, Rubber and custom Teflon seals exchanged. Per request new pressure hose and return tube installed. Steel parts plated/chromate.
Please do not hesitate and ask questions.
Prices for rebuilding Mercedes W116, 6.9 Units to be sent for rebuilding
HPF pump, Bosch | $462 |
HPF pressure regulator | $892 |
HPF switch unit (attached to pressure regulator) | $367 |
HPF axle valve *machining of housing in case of excessive internal wear |
$682 *$94 |
HPF1 strut , ball joints, cups and and rods excluded HPF2 struts |
$892 $962 |
HPF Strut Pressure Hose DN10 | $147 |
HPF Strut Return Hose 6mm | $52 |
Martin Werminghausen
Engineer
Professional Experience: Maybach/MTU/Mercedes in Germany
Registered Architect
Location:
141 South Great Rd.
Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
Before I contacted Martin, my 6.9’s suspension wasn’t quite right. Despite new struts and spheres, the front still sagged when I parked the car and the suspension pressure light came on occasionally. The front leveling valve had been rebuilt by another specialist, but my mechanic complained that it didn’t seem to be working correctly. I reached out to Martin, who tested all of the hydro suspension parts and rebuilt them beautifully to spec. My hydraulics are now perfect, and I understand just what people mean when they talk about a “magic carpet” ride. It’s smooth, controlled, and trouble-free.
There are other hydraulic rebuilders out there who claim to understand the 6.9 hydro suspension. I believe that Martin is the only rebuilder in America who actually does. You will not go wrong trusting your 6.9 hydraulic parts to him.
Hello Martin,
Just wanted to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your excellent work on the 6.9 regulator valve. I wish you could have seen the smile on my client's face, when his beached whale, a 1977 6.9, raised its belly for the first time in about eleven years of storage! I'm so glad I was referred to you by the Classic Center, and look forward to many years of doing business with you.
Greetings from California,
So, if you want your 6.9 hydro-pneumatic suspension to work properly there is really only one person to do it and that is Martin Werminghausen. I say that with zero reservation. You just could not put yourself in any better hands and that goes for 600 and 6.3 air suspensions as well. He is truly the epitome of a great German engineer and to think he is an international architect that solves car problems in his spare time for fun. Thanks, Martin!!
These are valuable vintage parts. Cores received by the client for rebuilding are owned by the client, also for the duration of repairs. In case of a lost return box we cannot be made responsible for the loss of cores.
Please accept that we insure return shipment with an estimated core value plus rebuilding charges, in
agreement with the client.
The client may instruct us to ship with less insurance at client’s risk.
We are happy to offer more services in our repair shop for the Classic Mercedes Benz cars from early 60s to mid 80s and other cars.
Rebuilding Fuel Pumps for mechanical fuel injection and D-Jet electronic fuel injection from the 60s and 70s era with new brushes, seals, terminal repair, steel body plated, pressure tested.
Early Style Long Fuel Pump for mechanical fuel injection - M100, M127, M129, M130, M189: W111, W112, W113, W114, W107, W108 and W109 Bosch 0 442 200 002 0 442 200 008, 0 442 200 007, 0 442 200 006 Bosch FP/ESB 5 RC/12/1 Bosch FP/ESB 5 RC/12/1A1
Mercedes Benz A 001 091 1301 Mercedes Benz A 001 091 4341
100 Chassis 600 Grosser Mercedes - up to chassis ending in 001377 108 Chassis 250SE, 280SE, 300SEB - up to chassis ending in 028985 109 Chassis 300SEL,300SEL 6,3 - up to chassis ending in 001937 111 Chassis 220SEB 112 Chassis 300SE. 300SE/C - early models 113 Chassis 230SL, 250SL & 280SL - up to chassis ending in 010242
Late Style Short Fuel Pump for mechanical fuel injection replacing Long Fuel Pump Bosch 0 442 201 002 , 0 442 201 001 , Mercedes Benz A 001 091 52 01, A 001 091 71 01
for W108 and W109 and other cars (3-Port) Bosch 0 580 970 002 early style D-Jet Bosch 0 580 970 002 und 0 580 970 004 Mercedes Benz A 001 091 74 01
for W108 and W109 and other cars (2 –Port) Bosch 0 580 464 006 late style D-Jet Mercedes Benz A 001 091 71 01
for mechanical fuel injected engines M189 and M100 Rebuilding of Cold Start Valve Bosch EP/EV 2/1 - EP/EV 2/5 Mercedes Benz A 000 071 21 37
Hydraulic Pump for Citroen DS/SM and Maserati Merak Citroen 9S5409647L
Late Style Fuel Pump for mechanical injection, Short Pump | $690 |
Early Style Fuel Pump for mechanical injection, Long Pump | $790 |
Early Fuel pump for D-Jet electronic injection, early 3-Port design | $690 |
Late Fuel pump for D-Jet electronic injection, late 2–Port design | $690 |
Cold Start Valve, without magnet | $390 |
Citroen SM, Maserati Merak Pump | $790 |
Martin Werminghausen
Engineer
Professional Experience: Maybach/MTU/Mercedes in Germany
Registered Architect
Location:
141 South Great Rd.
Lincoln, MA 01773, USA