Odd Suspension Airbag issue
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
gls550
Odd Suspension Airbag issue
Lots of posts on airbags failing etc, but I have yet to see someone with a similar issue.
2018 GLS550 with 40k miles. When I drive the car in Sport mode, which lowers the suspension, the rear end droops after it's parked. When I drive the car in Comfort mode, and the ride height is higher, there is no droop when parked. So if there was a hole in the airbags, wouldn't all driving modes be affected? Any thoughts?
2018 GLS550 with 40k miles. When I drive the car in Sport mode, which lowers the suspension, the rear end droops after it's parked. When I drive the car in Comfort mode, and the ride height is higher, there is no droop when parked. So if there was a hole in the airbags, wouldn't all driving modes be affected? Any thoughts?
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 38
From: Marietta, Ga
11 E350 Cab, 18 GLS450
Will offer my opinion but I do not have a 550 I have a 450. In my car the sport mode raises the rear slightly and lowers the front. They do reset after in park for a bit. I did however have the dreaded rear sagging already and replaced both bags myself and never had an issue again. Not sure this helps but not sure you even have an issue,
Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 191
Likes: 57
E320
Welcome to the madness of air suspension issues! What you’re experiencing with your 2018 GLS550 is definitely a head-scratcher, especially since it only happens in Sport mode. Typically, a hole in the airbags would cause sagging in all driving modes, so it’s possible that something else is going on. It could be a sensor or a valve issue that only kicks in when the system tries to adjust for Sport mode’s firmer ride.
I’d suggest checking the air suspension system for any leaks or faults, especially around the rear airbags. Sometimes, resetting the system can help clear up odd behaviors like this—just like turning it off and back on again fixes a computer! If you’re handy with a scanner, I use youcanic pro as it can pull any codes related to the suspension; it might give you a better idea of what’s going on. Keep us updated on your findings, and good luck!
I’d suggest checking the air suspension system for any leaks or faults, especially around the rear airbags. Sometimes, resetting the system can help clear up odd behaviors like this—just like turning it off and back on again fixes a computer! If you’re handy with a scanner, I use youcanic pro as it can pull any codes related to the suspension; it might give you a better idea of what’s going on. Keep us updated on your findings, and good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
As stated, typically, it's because the airbag has some small cracks and only leaks when it's at a certain height as the cracks get exposed when the car is lower than when it is at full height. The official recommendations to replace your rear airbags. They are not expensive and an easy DIY in the driveway.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
gls550
As stated, typically, it's because the airbag has some small cracks and only leaks when it's at a certain height as the cracks get exposed when the car is lower than when it is at full height. The official recommendations to replace your rear airbags. They are not expensive and an easy DIY in the driveway.
Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 36
2017 GLS 550
As stated, typically, it's because the airbag has some small cracks and only leaks when it's at a certain height as the cracks get exposed when the car is lower than when it is at full height. The official recommendations to replace your rear airbags. They are not expensive and an easy DIY in the driveway.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Rears go out first, but the fronts go out the second and third time. Once I replaced the first set of rear airbags, they lasted the life of the vehicle. Not so much for the fronts.
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 5
From: Chattanooga, TN
2015 ML350, 2012 GL450
2017 GLS450. Bought used, only has 60k miles. Rear sagged when buying, so did two new rear air bags, didnt really fix it. Recently put a compressor on it, helped by keeping the rear at a better ride height. But the front still looks like it sits higher. I am thinking now its the solenoid valve
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: NJ
18 GLS550
did you end up replacing rear bags? or did you diagnose and find another issue relating to height sensor?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 845
Likes: 45
From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
if you start to see sagging, in different modes it is because of dry rot, the bags are getting thin cracks in them that are mostly sealed at various levels but will expand as the bag deflates, like parking in sport mode. If you park the vehicle in Comfort for an extended period of time you will see them deflate eventually that way too. just replace them, they are relatively inexpensive (compared to the front) and very easy to replace, Even a Novice with a 10mm flare nut wrench a jack and jack stands should be able to replace in about an hour.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 1,345
From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
Meh - I have the same car. It does that. Both that and my E63's will vent, fart, poot and out gas when I park them. Then, when I open the doors it is not uncommon for them to do it again. This is since the day the car(s) were new. It happens a bit more often in S mode than in C mode. If I have the car lifted or in AWD-LOW (as I had it in the other day to two a shipping container a few feet)...it will sort of adjust itself up and down a bit with audible air sounds (venting).
