XEONZ

Hello... This is my first post, help very much appreciated!

I have no error messages.. however both my rear tires are very low every night. In the morning I get STOP - Too low message and it comes up automatically in a few seconds.

I took it to the dealer and they said no error message so don't worry about it until you get one.

My Questions:-

1. Is is better to fix it before I get the Airmatic Visit Workshop Message ?

2. Will it damage the from suspension too since the back it too low every night

3. Based on the symptom, do you guys think it is definitely the Struts ? That's my guess since it comes up automatically when I start the car in about 20 to 30 seconds.

4. If is it Struts - Do you recommend ARNOTT Shocks ?
https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...40_gid939.html

5. Is this Video Accurate on how to do Rear Air Shock Removal and Installation

6. Estimated Hours to Replace a Shocks ? - The dealer is Estimating $1500

7. Does anyone know a reasonable shop that will change a Mercedes Rear Shocks ? I really can't afford $1500 in labor charges.

Thank You - Very Much !

ttaylor993

I am relatively new to this forum myself. But, from what I have read, the struts are a know issue with these cars (W220). If the leaking continues it can damage the pump, a much more expensive proposition. Which leads me to say that the service tech you talked to is an idiot or greedy. He knows you will have to come back when the pump goes bad. My understanding is the Arnott struts are an excellent replacement for the OEM part. Mine haven't failed yet but if (when) they do, that is the direction I will be going. But before going to Arnott parts, I would see if the strut can be repaired. There is a relatively inexpensive kit (about $150 per strut) available that can repair some leaks, depending on the location. These struts a prone to leak at the top. Spray a soapy water mixture on the top of the strut and look for the bubbles. Also check for leaky hoses. Hope that helps.

tusabes

You need to confirm the reason for the leak down before you start wasting money changing struts

It could be an air line leak or a valve leak

XEONZ

I taught the struts ($500+) were the most expensive part... Thank You.. I am not a techie.. do you know if the service folks repair them ?

I checked with one of the MB Tech that works on the side.. he says he only does replacements no repair. But then again wont the labor charges be almost the same ? If so .. for $350 extra wont it make sense to replace them and stop worrying about it for years ?

XEONZ

Thank You... Is that both related to the struts ? Because the last thing I want to do is change the struts and still face the same issue.

starprint

SAME SYMPTOMS AS MINE! Mechanic said it is a £80-£100 part called the Suspension Air Valves. It is in tomorrow so will inform you of the news.

XEONZ

WOW! Good Luck - Fingers Crossed.

Is this the part ? Mercedes Part # 2203200258

starprint

I'll keep you informed.

XEONZ

How do you test this ? with MB computer ?

ttaylor993

A spray bottle filled with soapy water.

XEONZ

I now know valve leak is a whole new part -Suspension Air Valves (Mercedes Part # 2203200258) and it is not the Struts itself.

But what is an air line leak ? Is that on the Struts or a different part ?

XEONZ

Thank You.. Spray and Press the Raise (Airmatic) button ?

wallyp

Doing research can save you a lot of time, money and frustration. For example, this thread https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...lve-block.html is very close to yours, and includes info on how the Airmatic system works. Going to the sticky thread at the top that says "start here" and exploring the Airmatic info there will help. Using the search function in the blue line at the top will also help.


The more you know, the easier repairing and maintaining the car becomes...

XEONZ

Thank You.. This Document does give a good overview of the Airmatic System

tusabes

Do you see those 4 lines running to the 4 struts ? That's where the air flows from the compressor and those lines can develop a leak.

XEONZ

Yes, Thank You.. Troubleshoot it with soapy water right ?

tusabes

Yes, soapy water

you need to track down where the system is leaking air - its either from the struts , the lines , or the valve block . Or a combination . Don't start replacing things until you know what's leaking

mercy-me

See attached WIS instructions.

XEONZ

Found No Leaks, ran Mercedes Benz Star Diagnosis ... It showed Problem with Rear Level Sensor.

wallyp

While I realize that your experience and skill levels are low, it might still be worth taking a quick look at the rear level sensor before spending money on a new part. Some research (searching and reading) on the forum will show you some photos of the level sensors. The problem could be as simple as a loose or damaged wire harness, loose sensor or operating arm, etc. DIY maintenance can save you thousands of dollars a year...

2003s5004matic

I have 03 s500 4matic sinks in right rear in cold weather thinking of replacing main valve sprayed system down no leaks how can u be sure valve is bad ?
Also what is c and s stand for by shifter

wallyp

Most likely cause is a leaking strut.
Does the strut lift the corner when the engine is started?


C = Comfort. Car pulls away in second gear, changes up sooner and more softly.
S - Standard. Car pulls away in first gear, changes a little later and a little more firmly.

baldsparky

On mine it says

S- Standard for normal driving conditions.
W- Winter setting for snow. car pulls in 2nd gear from static.

They probably do exactly the same as your C and S setting though.

Now I wonder if anyone knows which setting is more economical ??

2003s5004matic

Only sinks in cold weather start car comes right up

wallyp

The leakage specs for the car allow more leakage in cold temps, so more leakage is pretty normal. If the car quickly pumps up when cranked, only you can decide whether you are willing to live with that, or whether you want to spend significant money to get it fixed.