S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

When to replace airmatic struts

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Old Oct 3, 2025 | 08:26 PM
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SnowCub's Avatar
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2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
When to replace airmatic struts

I was wondering if there is any consensus on when we should be replacing the airmatic struts?

My car has been drooping over night for the past 2 years. Drops farther on cold nights-and more in the Winter than during the Summer. It has always leveled itself out once started. I replaced the airmatic pump’s air filter this Summer and it seems better. But this morning was 42 degrees F, here near Boston, MA and it was very low. So I’m wondering if it’s time to investigate what is leaking.

2013 S350 Bluetec 4Matic with 100k miles
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Old Oct 3, 2025 | 09:01 PM
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Originally Posted by SnowCub
I was wondering if there is any consensus on when we should be replacing the airmatic struts?

My car has been drooping over night for the past 2 years. Drops farther on cold nights-and more in the Winter than during the Summer. It has always leveled itself out once started. I replaced the airmatic pump’s air filter this Summer and it seems better. But this morning was 42 degrees F, here near Boston, MA and it was very low. So I’m wondering if it’s time to investigate what is leaking.

2013 S350 Bluetec 4Matic with 100k miles
It was time two years ago...get er done
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Old Oct 4, 2025 | 02:50 AM
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W212 FL
Airmatic system requires a major overhaul in 10 years regardless of mileage . I have read that somewhere on the forums
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Old Oct 4, 2025 | 03:14 PM
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2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
OP, I replaced both of mine at 125k and 130k after hard failure on passenger side (car low don’t drive) and a slow leak on drivers side. Probably should have done both at the same time.
Strongly suggest using OEM parts (usually using rebuilt ). Stay away from Chinese stuff and Arnott, as these forums will attest.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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Old Oct 17, 2025 | 09:02 AM
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When the air strut pops, you’ll be towing it back home.

if they are original, you can change them now or after a tow . Your call.
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