S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

2000 S500 rear sank while driving

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Old 12-07-2018 | 09:41 PM
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Crankin's Avatar
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From: FL
2000 S500 Brilliant Silver, 1990 BMW 735iL, 1971 Pontiac Trans Am 455 HO, 1976 Pontiac Formula 400
2000 S500 rear sank while driving

The rear end of the car dropped totally the other day while driving. The car has Airmatic only.

I don't think it is a rear air strut, as when one of those goes, just that side drops down. I have replaced both rear struts with the Arnott's , which have worked very well.

I tried using the Airmatic rise button and the Airmatic Rising message shows in the dash, but nothing rises, front or back and the message stays on. I am not hearing a pump, or any noises.

Is there a fuse that could cause this, or a rear height sensor?

I have the back of the car up on stands, and can't see anything that looks off or broken.

Any input is appreciated.



Old 12-07-2018 | 09:48 PM
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
You can check the Airmatic relay and fuse. The rear level sensor is between the center of the anti-sway bar and the chassis.
Old 12-07-2018 | 09:56 PM
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2000 S500 Brilliant Silver, 1990 BMW 735iL, 1971 Pontiac Trans Am 455 HO, 1976 Pontiac Formula 400
Thanks. Would a relay or fuse just drop the rear?
Is there a fuse diagram available to locate the relay and fuse?
Old 12-08-2018 | 09:17 AM
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
My first suspicion would be the rear leveling sensor or its wiring.
Old 12-19-2018 | 07:35 AM
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2000 S500 Brilliant Silver, 1990 BMW 735iL, 1971 Pontiac Trans Am 455 HO, 1976 Pontiac Formula 400
Thanks for the help.
It turns out that the ride height sensor rod from the sway bar to the chassis became disconnected at the pivot ball.
I got it back in and zip tied it in place for now.

It seems like there was rubber or plastic casing that held the rod, encasing the pivot ball.
Would I have to replace the entire rod to get this casing part?
I hear the rod is a pita to replace

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