SWEETS500

I've read many posts here on Airmatic failure but it's mostly about the fronts and not much about rears. My fronts were done by PO under warranty. My rears just failed 9front is fine). Came out of a movie today and noticed the rear on the ground. Raised it and got home. Just as I was pulling in the garage the dreaded warning light comes on. Now raising the car doesn't hold and I hear a hissing leaking air sound from the rear.

So here's my questions.

1. What's some possible alternative failure points besides the rear shocks? Seems from searching here that maybe the lines can crack and be a cheaper repair. What are the odds and symptoms? I.e. The loud and obvious air hissing I'm hearing.

2. If the shocks are toast. I'm inclined to go with Arnotts, but want to make sure stock up front and Arnott's in rear is OK.

3. How many hours of labor am I looking at?

Thanks,
David

tusabes

It's very doubtful both rears sprung a leak, sounds line one if your lines or vallve blocks sprung a leak causing both to settle

Take it to an experienced mb mechanic. Do not drive or you will burn out the compressor as it tries to fill a leaking line

SWEETS500

Thanks. I hear the massive hissing when I tried to raise the car (once). It's getting towed this morning to a MB only INDY.

What should I expect to pay to repair the lines and or valve block? INDY gets 100 an hour.

klvaleri

please update us to what your MB dealer said about it, cost also. Thanks.

tusabes

There's really no telling at to the cost when the leak isn't known yet. If it's an easy to acess hose it might just be $200-300

If it's something more difficult to access or an expensive part which needs replacement the costs would go up accordingly

SWEETS500

Thanks. Tow came today and had to.raise it to get on flat bed. It was that low in rear. Upon raising I noticed that passenger side rear is lower than driver rear but whole rear is seriously low. Well report back here what INDY says. Not bringing it to dealer.

C280 Sport

If your interested there is a Airmatic delete that has been done by some forum members here and other forums. Did a quick search and a person pulled it off on a W211. http://www.mymbonline.com/forum/188-...ic-delete.html

Not sure if it does anything but hope it helps.

SWEETS500

Thank. I have seen that before but I like the airmatic. I'll use Arnots if needed.

SWEETS500

Spoke to the INDY today. He suspects pass rear shock is bad but he's still testing it. I mentioned Arnots if need a new shock and he said no problem. He's heard mixed reviews but will do whatever I want. As I only need one, I have to get the re manufactured one. Arnot's said it's a perfect fit and OK to mix and match with OEM because theirs is OEM. Anyone have a opinion on this? Really can't beat $359 vs $1100 for new OEM. Next thought is should I do both rears at once -- as both fronts have been done and seems rears are at the end of their life. 70k on the clock. 2001 s500.

Skylaw

I have not seen any posts from folks dissatisfied with an Arnott strut. I have no personal experience with them, but they are what I will put on my car when the time comes.

Arnee

I have Arnott Struts on my x5 with 4-corner air suspension and am happy with them.