Looking @ buying 2003 s500, told to replace air shocks
08-09-2015, 01:18 AM
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Looking @ buying 2003 s500, told to replace air shocks
I'm thinking about buying a 2003 s500 from a guy tomorrow. He said its time to replace the air shocks. What are signs that the job has to be done now.
I looked at the forum and saw that the seal kits are pretty cheap and there is ample information on how to do it but if i get the car I will not be able to afford to do the job for a few months. Is there any way to tell? Thanks
also are there in other things that I should check. This is my first time dealing with Mercedes
I looked at the forum and saw that the seal kits are pretty cheap and there is ample information on how to do it but if i get the car I will not be able to afford to do the job for a few months. Is there any way to tell? Thanks
also are there in other things that I should check. This is my first time dealing with Mercedes
Last edited by rogerlw; 08-09-2015 at 01:23 AM.
08-09-2015, 01:39 AM
#2
Keep on looking . He knows the air suspension system is bad and it's likely much more of an expensive repair then the seal kit . If you have no money to fix it keep on looking as the car likely needs $2500 of suspension work
08-09-2015, 11:32 AM
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I agree with Tusabes. How many miles are there on the car. In addition to the known suspension problems there might be other problems that he isn't discussing with you.
08-10-2015, 10:10 AM
#5
It all depends if you are diy kind of guy. You can buy re manufactured struts for $250 a piece. You may as well replace anything with bushing up front. I just replaced all frond-end parts for 1200$
08-10-2015, 10:32 AM
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2004 S600 Biturbo
Typically the car will start dropping overnight and raising back up when you start it. At some point, the car will stop raising all together, or you will hit a bump hard and it will drop down. With a bad strut, or two, there is no waiting for a few months. The car will sit too low and trigger an error code on the dashboard. When this happens, turning the wheel or hitting bumps will destroy yours tires and fender. It is not possible to drive. If you can't afford $2000 in repairs, walk away. It could certainly cost less to replace, but if the pump is bad, that is $300. The struts are $500 each for good ones or $300 each for cheap rebuilds. Be prepared for four struts, compressor, and possibly a valve block. It would just stink to buy the car and then have it sit for three months while you saved the money to repair it.
