fourday

I have been following this thread since I bought my 2000 S 500 in August. I paid 12 g for it, has 70000 miles on it, 1 owner, all service records, no major repairs. Serviced by MB of Beverly Hills since new. The car looks and drives as new. Last month when driving her I turned ignition off and the Airmatic pump would not shut off, I pulled the relay out and shut the pump down. I get the "car too low warning" I was able to drive home and park in the garage.The compressor ran for about an hour before shutting down. The car is sitting low, but the compressor runs, but is very loud. when I try to raise, does not go up. no apparent leak in the struts. tried soapy water and all. I bought a new pump from Arnott, and have been considering just buying new struts or shocks from them also and fixing the problem once and for all. I don't want to burn out a new pump.

A couple of questions I have, Arnott sells new and reconditioned, the reconditioned ones are not much different in price from the new Bilstens. about 500 for all four. Are the new bilstens better or the reconditioned will work as well. Is there a better place to purchase these parts? I live in the Lake Tahoe area and winter is here so I probably wont be driving her much until spring. Any thing else I might consider replacing in the system. Money is an issue also, I am a Fire fighter and my wife is kinda pissed, but I figure I paid 3 gs less than they wanted and I really love the car. Any help would be appreciated Thanks 4 day

socketman

If you cant find a leak dont just throw money at it. Its not uncommon for the relays to stick and burn up the pump.

xexpo

If they need to be replaced, I would go with the new Bilsteins. E-mail them and let them know that you're mbworld forum member, you may get an additional 10% off. Good luck.

ajkennedy

with all due respect to xepo, I'd go with new Arnott's. I have been buying them for both the S500 and Range Rover for about 6 years. Prob purchased over 10 sets to date. Lifetime warranty and ZERO hassle from Arnott if you have to return them for anything. Reason I prefer them, is that Arnott has an improved design (aluminum base) and inverted cone on the boot which seem to certainly work better than OEM in this case. BTW, the 10 sets include only two for my own cars. I have helped many club and friend buddys replace their struts too.

xexpo

Ajkennedy: I think the new Bilstein struts are from Arnott as well and with the lifetime warranty. Thats why I thought it would be a better choice.
This is something new Arnott is offering, here is the link below;
http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...18_pid126.html

fourday

Thanks for info, I will probably at least replace the fronts with the new Bilstens from Arnott. any thoughts on replacing the valve assembly? Fourday

xexpo

If budget allows, I would replace the valve block as well.

fourday

I probably will since I wont be driving it much until spring. fourday

i_am_amused

that's like saying "the sun came up"

give her a hug hopefully it will help her get over it. good luck