Rear air suspension failure mode
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
W211 E63
Rear air suspension failure mode
I plan on taking my car on long road trips and need it to be reliable, but I am worried about failures in the rear air suspension. Both my front struts were replaces last year so I am not worried about them, but my rear suspension is original. I have a 2007 model with 178k miles.
How do these usually fail? Is it catastrophic and needs a tow? Should I just go ahead and replace them now.
How do these usually fail? Is it catastrophic and needs a tow? Should I just go ahead and replace them now.
Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 75
Likes: 22
2002 S430 and 2005 E55 AMG
They fail in different ways. Usually starts as a slow leak. In the morning after sitting all night you’ll see one corner or both corners sitting low. But, they could fail all at once and leave you stranded. At that mileage I would just go ahead and replace them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
If the front air springs fail, one needs the rubber blocks and a tow. If the rear air springs fail, you just look like some funky low-rider driving down the road...the car can be driven with a failed rear air spring. Your ego may hurt and car will drive strangely, but you can make it to a shop.
With the mileage and years on your car, I'd replace them now at your convenience.
With the mileage and years on your car, I'd replace them now at your convenience.
