[Gumpy]

On the parts diagram, it just has 14mm (2 nub) and 18mm (3 nub). Is the 4 nub no longer an option?
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Every W126 build had a specified spring (coil diameter and length) and spacer height (1 to 4 nubs) based on the calculated weight of the car and accessories included. If the ride height did not meet the factory specs when the car came off the assebly line, it was sent back to be reworked and the coil spring spacers were often changed to meet the ride height specs. As time and mileage build, springs change spring constant from metal fatigue and the ride height decreases. It is not important to replace the pads with the original thickness, but to measure the ride height and use springs and pads to bring the ride height back to original specs. Some people like to change the ride height for aesthetic reasons, but deviation form the correct ride height or tire size will affect (negatively) the superb ride these vehicles have. Before I get flamed, there are legitimate reasons (racing, mileage, clearance, etc.) that the ride height is sacrificed for ride quality.

 

[Gumpy]

Does it make sense that, since the ride height with the SLS system can be adjusted with the hydraulics, there would be no need for different thickness spring pads?

@John350 This is a German car engineered by German engineers with a German mentality. Changing the rear ride height by adjusting the position of the SLS lever will get the ride height into the correct ball park, BUT the range that the SLS will compensate will also change and that would be out of spec. Maybe OK for most of us, but definitely a "no-no" for a German engineer with a German mentality. 😁 When the W126 was produced, the engineers were still in control of Daimler-Benz.