bzliteyear

hi all,
after 18 months of enjoying the S55 w/ the exception of a sagging rear end if i don't drive the car for 4 days+, today it appears the system is out.
it used to be that when it sagged, i just push the button to raise the car and it's fine.
today, while driving on the freeway the warning right came on the dash...i pulled off the freeway and the warning light turned red along w/ some funky noises under the hood.
the rear was lower and it wasn't touching, but the button to raise/lower no longer worked...and the funny sound under the hood was still evident.
i had the car towed to MB dealer, and i suspect it's the valve.
the prior owner had it done 2-4 yrs ago, but i noticed back then that the dealers did not FLUSH the liquid and i'm hearing that's why the valves go bad.
does anyone have ideas besides paying up to $4k to get this done?
btw, i have 7 months left on extended warranty, but i think they didn't cover the valve - any other ideas? i'd really appreciate everyone's input.
thx.(02 S55 w/ 106k miles)

mk4mike

throw a huge tantrem in the dealership infront of tons of customers.. and they will warrany it under good will

ekogutpl

correct me if im wrong but doesnt the s55 come with a hydraulic suspension and not the airmatic suspension?

bzliteyear

update -

MB dealer's diagnosis:
1) air suspension pump is out/leaking, estimate is $3k
2) rear seal is leaking - $1k+.
he's calling the extended warranty early tmrw am.
everyone please pray for me...after all, it's a 106k miles S55.
thank you.
Patrick

sprins

Welcome to the club. Membership is expensive, but inevitable when owning an ABC equipped vehicle.

It's hydraulic not air suspension BTW

bzliteyear

yes, it is hydraulics.
i stand corrected.
PL

bzliteyear

yippee - warranty company will pay most of this...both the hydraulics pump, and also the rear main seal.
the dealer is checking into whether the fluid will be replaced/flushed as well.
thx to all for input.
PL

bzliteyear

hi all,
can any of you advise what i should do w/ my pump decision?
the warranty company is paying for the pump/labor, but they're not willing to pay for the hydraulics fluid and flush(which is recommended by MB).
the dealer is quoting me $650, half of which is for the fluid cost.
i know this is a decent price since they're giving me discount on parts, and only charging 2 hrs labor ($160) vs. 3 hrs.
however, i really want to get everyone's input.
i'd really appreciate the feedback.
thx in advance.
Patrick

iceman4149

Sorry about your pump.

But this is a no brainer, you shoul go ahead and do it, that way is done properly.

Is my understanding that the ABC runs at very High pressure and any contaminants left in the fluid from the previous failure can cause your new pump to fail also.

Just my 0.02

bzliteyear

even if new pump has 1 yr warranty? or are you more worried about valves?
PL