Stop Car too low in red
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7
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2002 S500
Stop Car too low in red
Morning Benz Family, My S500 2002 just started dropping low out of nowhere, The Stop, Car too low is constantly on and when I press the Airmatic button it does not come on, but the red light is on but the dash does not say Airmatic car rising anymore, what are the possibilities and How Much is it gonna cost me.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 59
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From: Philly, PA
2001 s 430 84Kmiles black on black
Morning Benz Family, My S500 2002 just started dropping low out of nowhere, The Stop, Car too low is constantly on and when I press the Airmatic button it does not come on, but the red light is on but the dash does not say Airmatic car rising anymore, what are the possibilities and How Much is it gonna cost me.
1. Check/search the forum and you will find A LOT of information about that issue. It's very common problem with all w220 with airmatic - they all fail sooner or later.
2. Your airpump has failed and/or your struts front/rear have failed as well. Airpump has to be replaced. Struts you might be able to seal with a special kit from MB or you may need to replace them as well.
3. You looking at about $2000-$3000 work at your local MB Stealership
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7
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2002 S500
Just the Front, it was fine until Wednesday Night when I cranked it , then I hit the Airmatic and it raise up to get Home, Now the AIrmatic does nothing, I checked the relay and the fuse both are good, the pump makes no sound at all when I push the button.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 11
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From: South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
S 500
hey Blaackone, sorry about the airmatic issue. just experianced almost the exact situation last fall in my 2000 S 500. w/o rehashing the scenario, ( look up my post) ended up costing about 3000. I replaced relay, pump, valve block, 4 rebuilt struts from Arnott. Don't discount local MB dealer, mine in Reno very help full in the service department. I bought most of my parts from Arnott and local dealer installed at reasonable rate. some of those parts might not have needed replacement, but decided to do so now. rides great now. Bob
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 11
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From: South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
S 500
How do you know the relay is good? Mine started with the relay, causing the pump to run after the car was shut down, burning out the pump. If you haven't replaced the relay, I would start with that. Bob
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
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S500
It's the front struts. I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now.... for the 2ND time 
These struts aren't cheap either. I'm thinking about doing a coil spring conversion, but don't know much about them. Hoping someone can help me out on that one...
These struts aren't cheap either. I'm thinking about doing a coil spring conversion, but don't know much about them. Hoping someone can help me out on that one...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
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From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Check Arnott Industries. They have low-cost Airmatic struts (new and rebuilt) and a new coil spring replacement.
I am a strong advocate of keeping a Mercedes original, so I favor replacing the struts. Arnott uses better seals and much stronger air bags; around $800 each for new, $400 for rebuilt.
Few people (as of this date) have replaced with coil springs, but a search may yield their results.
I am a strong advocate of keeping a Mercedes original, so I favor replacing the struts. Arnott uses better seals and much stronger air bags; around $800 each for new, $400 for rebuilt.
Few people (as of this date) have replaced with coil springs, but a search may yield their results.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
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2002 S500
Ok, went to 3 Euro specialist today and got 3 Different prices, Bottom line is my Pump gone, The Mechanic hooked up the Star diagnostics and poor pressure on the Air suspension pump. the Front Passenger Strut has a leak, Parts and Labor will be 500 plus tax, the Stealership wanted 2600 and wanted to replace struts, but I showed them the Stealership in Naples replaced the Struts but not the pump.So the Classic performance guy said he will replace the pump and seal the leak and 0 out the levels what ever that means.
