CLS 2005 car sags at front but no faults on dash

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Jun 23, 2016 | 05:15 PM
  #1  
Hi all.

I'm hoping for a little helping advice. Apologies if this question has been raised.

My CLS2005 has had little use over the last 2 months as I've purchased another car. I recently parked the cls on my drive (as apposed to on road) which has a slop meaning the front of the car was tilted upwards.

The front of the car has now sagged on both sides however there is no faulty message appearing on the dash. Does this symptom feel normal and does anyone recommend a cure ?

The rear seems to have slightly raised too. The front left is slightly lower than the front right.
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Jun 28, 2016 | 12:41 PM
  #2  
I've had similar issues (https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...le-unused.html) ... this is assuming you have Airmatic.

Car was parked unused for a few months and I noticed some sagging. I was informed of a couple things that may contribute to the sloping:
1) suspension leak
2) faulty leveling sensors.

It's likely a leak but it is possible that since you're parking on an incline the leveling sensors may attempt to compensate and raise the rear. (i'm no tech, i'm only assuming since the suspension uses leveling sensors)

As for the uneven front (left lower than the right), i can only assume a leak in the air strut assembly.

For me it was a slow leak in the rear air springs, ever since I started driving the car more regularly it stopped being an issue for me (i suspect they will go eventually).

My front was also uneven, so the front left (driver-side) air strut was replaced. I should've replaced both as I suspect the other side will eventually need to be replaced.

Arnott is a cheaper alternative to the OEM parts (e.g. https://www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Ben...50&m=20&page=1).

There are some vids from Arnott on YouTube that shows how to replace it yourself if you are feeling bold to do it yourself

Reply 1
Jun 28, 2016 | 12:52 PM
  #3  
I forgot to mention, a more definitive diagnosis is to hook it up to an SDS to confirm you have suspension issues. Some non SDS scanners may be able to identify the issue as well and display fault codes for it.
Reply 0
Jun 29, 2016 | 09:05 AM
  #4  
Quote: Hi all.

I'm hoping for a little helping advice. Apologies if this question has been raised.

My CLS2005 has had little use over the last 2 months as I've purchased another car. I recently parked the cls on my drive (as apposed to on road) which has a slop meaning the front of the car was tilted upwards.

The front of the car has now sagged on both sides however there is no faulty message appearing on the dash. Does this symptom feel normal and does anyone recommend a cure ?

The rear seems to have slightly raised too. The front left is slightly lower than the front right.
This sounds normal or maybe I'm misunderstanding. Are you staying that it is still sagging after driving the car?
Reply 0
Jun 30, 2016 | 06:21 AM
  #5  
Quote: This sounds normal or maybe I'm misunderstanding. Are you staying that it is still sagging after driving the car?
Hi.

Yes. So I've been driving the car more regularly and have parked it now on a straight surface. So far the car height has not adjusted to the normal level.

There's also a little rattle sound that comes from the front left every time I drive over a hump or ditch in the road.
Reply 0
Jul 3, 2016 | 06:14 PM
  #6  
Problem fixed
Hi all

So the problem has been fixed.

I took it to my local Merc specialist and he confirmed that my left coil spring had gone. So he replaced both front and left.

My cls apparently only has air suspension on the rears.

Total cost was around £300 and the car is now back to the normal ride height.
Reply 0
Jul 6, 2016 | 10:02 AM
  #7  
I didn't know that some had rear only. I thought it was all or nothing. Glad you're back on the straight and level.
Reply 0
Jul 6, 2016 | 10:31 AM
  #8  
Quote: I didn't know that some had rear only. I thought it was all or nothing. Glad you're back on the straight and level.
In this country you could only get the CLS with 4 corner air and an 8 cylinder. Everywhere else in the world you got more engine and suspension options.
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