Airmatic situation
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
1988 535i 5 speed
Airmatic situation
Hey guys, I know this topic has been covered back to front here, but this situation seems slightly different. This is for a friend, he isn't on here but I should tell him to get on it because it might save him in the future. 
He has an 04(I think, it's a post-03 anyway) S430, bought it whole-sale (bad I know, when he told me that I cringed) and it has been fine until now. The other day, the airmatic sunk to its lowest setting, and will not raise at all. The warning light is also on. The wheels aren't hitting the fenders at all, but he is concerned that one of the struts is about to fail. Is this a common symptom for a strut thats about to go away? Just wondering as every other failure here seems to mean that the car sinks all the way, past the lowest setting. Thanks so much for any help, and also sorry again for bringing up this topic yet again. 
He has an 04(I think, it's a post-03 anyway) S430, bought it whole-sale (bad I know, when he told me that I cringed) and it has been fine until now. The other day, the airmatic sunk to its lowest setting, and will not raise at all. The warning light is also on. The wheels aren't hitting the fenders at all, but he is concerned that one of the struts is about to fail. Is this a common symptom for a strut thats about to go away? Just wondering as every other failure here seems to mean that the car sinks all the way, past the lowest setting. Thanks so much for any help, and also sorry again for bringing up this topic yet again.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
S430
it isnt the struts at all...it is the airmatic system...my car recently did the exact same thing...i had to replace the compressor pump, valve block, and relay. most often than not, you wont have to change all 3 but it is usually one of them which has gone wrong that causes the car to drop and the red warning will appear on the display
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
1988 535i 5 speed
Ok, that was what I was hoping it wouldn't be. It's not covered under warranty, I think the plan was to get rid of it if it was gonna be a major expense to repair, which this definitely is. Too bad Airmatic is such a weak point on these cars.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 985
Likes: 2
Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Turbo
It shouldn't be a "major" repair. Pump is about $350. Valve block, about the same price or maybe less. Relay is $7. Everything is DIY-able if you have some time.
If it's the struts, it would cost more, at $400 each from Arnott.
Even if he had to replace it all, you're looking at around $1500.
Is his budget that bad that a $1500 parts for repair, (that should take care of everything for awhile) would lead him to get rid of the car? If the answer is yes, then he shouldn't have bought a W220 without knowing or being able to pay for its maintenance and/or repairs.
If it's the struts, it would cost more, at $400 each from Arnott.
Even if he had to replace it all, you're looking at around $1500.
Is his budget that bad that a $1500 parts for repair, (that should take care of everything for awhile) would lead him to get rid of the car? If the answer is yes, then he shouldn't have bought a W220 without knowing or being able to pay for its maintenance and/or repairs.
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Brandon FL
2001 S500
I agree!!! $$1500 and you should be done with that issue for a few years. Unless you get a leak in the line...I would start with the relay first. I have an issue with my car being down in the morning one day and staying at rest level the next day. I just ordered two today...one to replace and the other for the fuse tray in the trunk. Start with the relay first my dealer wanted to $50 for one so I ordered it from Autohuasaz.com for $14.17
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
1988 535i 5 speed
Not too bad, he just mentioned that if it was gonna be too much to fix, he would just sell it and get something else. I'm sure he'll be able to manage that kind of budget to fix it, shouldn't be too bad. But a 220 is definitely something you don't want to own without a warranty or a lot of money in the bank.
