Very odd air suspension problem but no fault codes
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 69
Likes: 8
From: Westchester, New York
2004 SL55 AMG, 2019 Range Rover Sport SVR
Very odd air suspension problem but no fault codes
Hello,
yesterday I bought a new to me 2004 S500 4matic with 113k miles. This is my fifth s class so (fourth w220) so I’m very familiar with the suspension problems these cars can have, although I am completely stumped here. The right side of the car, with the front being much worse than the back, does not raise to normal height. I checked for leaks and assumed the valve block was bad so I did replace that with a brand new one I had laying around, but this did not solve anything. The system is not leaking and the front right strut is holding pressure. When I scan the car, it says that all three ride height sensors are giving good readings, and that the pressure readings are good. There are no fault codes, and when I press the button to raise the vehicle height, all four corners of the car raise equally but they do not sit at normal height. Can anyone provide any input as to what my issue may be?
Things worth noting in this case
-the front right strut appears to be a brand new arnott unit
-the central reservoir is reading low at 0.41 bar
-the upper control arm on the right side appears to be new as well, but the ball joint is broken.
Any and all advice is appreciated.
thanks.
yesterday I bought a new to me 2004 S500 4matic with 113k miles. This is my fifth s class so (fourth w220) so I’m very familiar with the suspension problems these cars can have, although I am completely stumped here. The right side of the car, with the front being much worse than the back, does not raise to normal height. I checked for leaks and assumed the valve block was bad so I did replace that with a brand new one I had laying around, but this did not solve anything. The system is not leaking and the front right strut is holding pressure. When I scan the car, it says that all three ride height sensors are giving good readings, and that the pressure readings are good. There are no fault codes, and when I press the button to raise the vehicle height, all four corners of the car raise equally but they do not sit at normal height. Can anyone provide any input as to what my issue may be?
Things worth noting in this case
-the front right strut appears to be a brand new arnott unit
-the central reservoir is reading low at 0.41 bar
-the upper control arm on the right side appears to be new as well, but the ball joint is broken.
Any and all advice is appreciated.
thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
My first guess is that the right level sensor mounting is not done properly, or the linkage is maladjusted. Make sure that it is an exact mirror image of the left sensor.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 69
Likes: 8
From: Westchester, New York
2004 SL55 AMG, 2019 Range Rover Sport SVR
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
Double and triple-check the small connector from the level sensor to the fender well. They are notoriously difficult to get plugged in correctly.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 69
Likes: 8
From: Westchester, New York
2004 SL55 AMG, 2019 Range Rover Sport SVR
SOLVED
Thank you very much Wally, your advice fixed my car. Got under and took a pic of the left sensor to compare against the right. It looks like whoever mounted the new shock didn’t do such a great job as the bracket for the height sensor was bent. Bent it back and it sits at almost perfect height with the left side now. Of course there’s a bit of a difference, but the car is 99%. Thank you again for your help!
