vladc77

I’d like to educate myself on AIRMATIC normal behavior. I am wondering if it is normal that the height level of the suspension can be lowered after the car was not driven for couple of days. I normally drive the car each day but once I left it for couple of days. I noticed that the front suspension height level become way too low after those few days. I started the engine and the level was raised back immediately as it should be. Now, the car runs great with no issues. However, the change of the level happened only on the front. The rear suspension never changed the level. This inconsistence bothers me. Can anyone tell me if the AIRMATIC behavior I described is normal? Thank you in advance.

xxGenericSNxx

I'm pretty sure it's normal. I experience this with my R, but it starts lowering almost immediately after I turn off the car.

BlownV8

Strut is starting to go bad. It shouldn't leak down.

alx

Mine can stay for weeks without any noticeable drop.

Brocktoon

Can also depend on previous loading of the car. If you have a bunch of stuff in the back, and take it out without opening any of the passenger doors, you can wind up with a front squat, for example. I'd keep an eye on it, though...

vladc77

Thank you all. I've got some feeds to think about. Perhaps, the strut is starting to go bad. It looks like a common issue on GLs. I'll wait for couple of days again to check it.

hubert

I got a 2011 GL350 with 14k miles and this happened to me twice already, I told the dealer and all airmatic was checked and no leaks but they haven't explained why this has happend.

vladc77

Thank you! It is interesting to know.

a2j

This sounds like an air leak. Once you start it, it pumps it up. How far does it go down?

vladc77

It went really low. I am not sure if it is the lowest point but can be. Now, it is stable even after few days not driving.

ksdprasad

Happens with me if i keep the GL in garage for more than a week... and it comes back up to normal once you start up. Dont know if that is normal behavior or not. but happens only in front.

May be she was driving 120+ MPH in dreams and lowered itself.

vladc77

I tend to believe that we deal with an air leak. It is not critical at this point but I suspect it is going to be worse.

a2j

Sounds like Easy Entry Function is ON.

OP, do you have a picture of how low it is? This could be it! Check this setting.

aeggroup

What is that? Is there an option like that on GL ?

dgiturbo

Something tells me you will be visiting Arnott's website very soon to replace your leaking air springs.
They are also a sponsor, and I believe may be running a sale.

BlownV8

No.

a2j

You can find it in the same place as folding mirrors, light delay, and other convenience settings.. Look in your owner's manual.

aeggroup

This option has nothing to do with air suspension. It moves steering wheel up when you shut down your car and open the door.

a2j

Mine started going little lower (but not too low) once I've enabled it.
So did the back when I open the rear to get things in and out. I might have some airmatic problems. Just don't see any real signs of issues.

ArvsainiNYC

Don't know if you still have this problem but it's a strut leak like others said. My front driver side was really low after the car was off for a hour or two, replaced at the dealer after diagnosis confirmed a leak. And then about 3 months later happened to the right side. Saved $2400 in repairs ($1,200 each side) with an extended warranty it did look kind of cool though.

vladc77

Thank you for sharing your experience.

lorreno_17404

got my 07 450 left front strut replaced.same as your problem.however i decided to replace both front as to save money on labor and tax.im sure it will breakdown down the road someday{right front strut} save me some headache.
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barnett_ma

My wife's GL320 CDI had a deflating front end too. I figures if I didn't replace the shocks and airbags that I would damage the compressor. So I bought a pair for the front from Arnot. They were pretty straight forward to install and worked perfectly. Delivered they only cost about $800 for the pair after the core deposit was returned. They have a great video for how to install them on YouTube.

Howly1

We just spent over $1800 replacing the front air strut suspension on the vehicle as it was doing the same sinking and raising, and now the right rear is sinking low. Is the rear suspension also air struts also and is this going to require another huge investment to repair?

vladc77

Yes, these are air bags. $1800 is kind of on a high side. I did it on my own. It spend around $700 or 750 for both from www.arnottindustries.com. The rear air strut is cheaper and I think easier to replace. Dealer = Stealer.