evan8

Hi, I am wondering if anyone knows the new air suspension/strut used from 2013 through 2019 GL/GLS (part 166-320-50-66) is better and not as trouble some as the problematic air suspension used in 2012 and earlier(part 164-320-59-13-80). Any other common issues with the 2013 model that is used through 2019 GL/GLS? I own a 2012 GL450 and had SO much trouble with the air suspension, I am hesitant because of it to buy a 2019 GLS. Thank you for your help!

kombifan

What kind of trouble did you have?

lkchris

I think it’s misleading to use the word “problematic.”

The rear shock absorbers on both ‘07 GL I work with were leaking fluid at ~75k miles/10 years. This is pretty good to normal life for a hydraulic shock absorber.

The front struts on GL combine a hydraulic strut with a rubber air spring. Other vehicles with strut front suspensions combine the hydraulic strut with a metal coil spring. On the latter, when the shock is toast the coil spring is removed and reinstalled over a new hydraulic unit. On Airmatic struts, the entire spring/shock unit is replaced.

its my view many Airmatic strut units are finally replaced long after the combined hydraulic unit is useless. This does not equal unreliability, but rather deferred maintenance. To some extent, delay in replacement affects other parts ... compressor, for example. To conclude, I see no reason to expect Airmatic strut life to be any different than the normal life of a hydraulic shock absorber. Nor would I expect the air spring portion to continue unaffected by a shock that’s toast. The fact maybe you can drive on forever with toasted front shocks with steel spring struts does not make that a better or more reliable suspension system. The fact Airmatic parts are more expensive than conventional parts does not equal unreliability either.

kombifan

You have to remember this is an age think, occurring usually at 7-9 years.

The 2013 model is just a year from coming into that time frame, so time will just have to tell. The newer models are just too new to really know.

not2fast

I didn't want to start a new thread, but was struggling to find what I needed with search. So is it normal for a GL550 rears to sag when sitting for a day? It seems to be fine overnight, but if it sits more then a day it is noticeable, but both even.

Is it likely time to change the bags?

DennisG01

Surprised you couldn't find that info with a thread - it's probably one of the most commonly re-occurring topics. If it sags, the system is leaking somewhere. Most commonly, it's the bags. I'm sure you came across threads about ways to check the bags for leaks - do that - just to double check. It may only be one bag, but most replace them in pairs.

not2fast

Thank you! This was the closest I found, but it seemed to be very wide scope. So to check this you do the soapy water technique?

http://www.mercedesmedic.com/mercede...ling-problems/

DennisG01

Yup. Similar to checking for a leak in your bicycle tire's inner tube when you were a kid. Try with car raised, too. Try searching for threads/posts on this site, as well (search tool).

not2fast

I might have to take off the wheels. I didn't see anything spraying it down on the ground.

not2fast

I put new bags in the back yesterday. It seems like that fixed it. After 24 hours it is still not sagging.

kombifan

That's great! Glad it worked out.

DennisG01

Sounds like a winner!

not2fast

I never did find the leak. It was pretty slow leak either way. Amazing how easy it is to change these in back.

DennisG01

Don't worry, you did the right thing. Eventually, you would have found the leak VERY easily! And, of course you would have likely been sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck, as well!