RD Sport

My car is 2000 Nov. S320 which I think will be called 2001 cars in the states.

My car has developed a problem with the airmatic suspension yesterday. It was like this:

when I drive it at the beginning, everything is fine. but suddenly there is a red background message on the cluster saying Airmatic Car too low something like that. (I usually use sport 1 mode on my airmatic which will have 1 red LED on). after I saw the message, I discovered that my left front suspension is extremely low. Then I tried the airmatic button and put it back to comfort mode (which will not have any red LED on) Then the left front raises back to normal.

Then today, same thing happens.

Is anyone know if there is a problem in my system and if so what may possibly went wrong? I know the airmatic is quite expensive to fix.

Any help is much appreicated.

koreanpers

do you have an extended warranty?

Skylaw

This sounds like a leak in the strut that is low. Approximately $1000 U.S. to fix if the whole strut needs replacement, but much less if it is just metal fatigue in the upper strut mount or cracks in the pressure fitting at the top of the strut. I replaced the upper mounts and fittings (both front struts) for about $500 U.S.

RD Sport

thanks skylaw.

Now, both front will drop after driven for around 2 miles when I use sport 1 mode. Then I press it back to comfort mode, it will raise again and back to normal. Very strange!

I will check the hose on top of the struts for leaks by using dish washing soap.

Thanks again for your help

RD Sport

I have found out something:

When I use sport mode 1 or 2, the airmatic will drop to very low after a couple of corners, then the cluster will have a message say STOP, CAR TOO LOW. Then, I stop the car and put it in park and exit the car and check the suspension, it will raise back to normal level and I can hear the airmatic compressor is make noise (I think it's the airmatic compressor which is behind the front bumper and on the right front side)

It's seems the compressor is working very hard to get air into the system.

Does anyone know if I got a compressor which is going to be bad or I have relay problems? How much does the compressor cost? Anyone has experience on this?

Thanks.

RD Sport

by the way, if I keep using comfort mode. The car will not drop and it's fine.

RD Sport

Anyone can help me on the issues? In comfort mode. I drove it all day without the airmatic dropping.

koreanpers

have u talked to a mechanic? i would just drive on comfort mode until u get it resolved.

RD Sport

I talked to my mechanic on the phone and discribed the problem. He said it would need to replace the air pump and the front 2 stocks. He quoted me around US$2000. I think it will keep driving it on comfort mode until it worsen

Skylaw

Get it fixed before the car goes entirely down on its suspension. That could happen while you are driving it and may cause wheel well and other damage. It could also burn out your airmatic pump (which is working and may not need replacement). You could be facing a $6000 (U.S.) or so repair bill if you let this go to full failure. And that won't take very long.

Plus, the mechanic probably cannot give you a good estimate just talking about this on the phone. He needs to see the car to determine where the leak is.

RD Sport

Yes, but my mechanic insist on having the both front shocks and air pump replaced. He said I may want to do it a cheaper way by not replacing the air pump but the shocks must be replace which I don't think it's nessessary after I read many airmatic discussions on the forum. Usually it's either the air pump, or the hose on top of the shocks that are leaking.

MBHustla858

no, you shouldn't need to replace the front shocks w/ the pump at the same time, sounds like your front strut maybe leaking, i would only replace the one side thats leaking. if i recall correctly they were on back order for a couple of weeks.... i had a customer's car here sitting at the shop for over a month waiting for new front struts,

you are saying the pump is working... so why would you replace it.... your strut is either leaking from below... behind the wheel or at the valve at the top of the strut. to test the top of the strut put some water on it and see if it bubbles.