Has the limousineindustry been disappointed with the very costly air suspension repairs of the following Mercedes Benz vehicle suspensions?
- CL Class: years 2000-2006 (W215 w/ ABC):years 2007-2012 (W216 w/ Airmatic)
- CLS Class: years 2005-2011 (W219 w/ Airmatic):years 2005-2011 CLS55AMG &CLS63AMG
- GL Class: years 2007-2012 (W164 w/ Airmatic)
- ML Class: years 2005-2011 (W164 w/ Airmatic): years 2005-2010 (ML63AMG)
- R Class: years 2006-2010 (W251)
- S Class: years 1999-2006 (W220 w/,w/o 4matic): years 2000-2006 (W220 w/ABC)years 2003-2006 (W220 w/ Airmatic & w/ 4matic),years 2007-2012 (W221 w/ Airmatic, w/o 4matic):years 2007-2012 (W221 w/ Airmatic, w/4matic)
No need to be shocked or disappointed about the very expensive repair, but rather let's examine the problems. There are 5 areas which can lead to air suspension not working appropriately The components making up the air suspensions are a leveling sensor, relay and air suspension pump, suspension air valve block, lines or the air struts/ air springs.
So when the dashboard on your light illuminates with the message �stop, car is too low�, then perhaps consider reading this article. I have had this problem, and it was frustrating as where I should start it because the modern cars are very complex.
I recommend that the first step is get a complete diagnostic from Mercedes Benz. This diagnostic may cost $250.00 and the dealer may use this credit towards repair so as long as it is a minor repair. If it is not a minor issue, the great thing is that you will accurately know what is your problem as opposed to a costly trial and error. Whether it is a minor or major repair, first step is to identify the identify the issue and costs involved. Get a written estimate from dealer, ask if diagnostic credit will apply towards repairs of the car. Next step is to think critically whether to keep the car for a longer period of time or consider selling it. Whatever the decision maybe, I want to discuss in this article how to diagnose and fix the problems 50% cheaper than the dealers rate. So beginning with minor to major, let me identify each.
The first minor problem with the Mercedes Benz air suspensions is a leveling sensor which is mounted on top of the rear axle, and signals air pump to inflate when needed. The leveling sensor only costs about $130.00 to $160.00 and labor for replacing this is really an hour or two of labor time. This minor problem may make one believe that it is time to replace struts when in fact it really is a leveling sensor. Now I will move onto intermediate and complex problems.
I would consider a bad suspension air valve block to be an intermediate level repair. Should the vehicle have a bad suspension valve block, the struts will not inflate. The genuine OEM factory air suspension valve block costs $288.50 from E bay. This type of repair depends on what the dealer will charge in labor hours, cost of the part from dealer, minus any credit from diagnostic. Should the dealers total cost be greater than if we purchased this part online at $288.50+20 (Shipping and handling) + cost of dealers diagnostic fee plus+ qualified non dealer Mercedes technician then we it is obvious who is going to repair the car. Another possible area of concern is the air suspension compressor pump.
The original air suspension pump tends to leaks air on the earlier 1999-2005 models because of pumps line had a t joint and would leak. These pumps were modified later for Mercedes Benz cars and for cars requiring upgraded pumps. The air suspension pumps found as aftermarket and OEM factory are really the same pump, made by the same manufacturer for Mercedes Benz.
If these pumps are not pumping adequate pressure, than they need to be replaced. The Mercedes Benz air suspension pumps are made by a company called WABCO. The aftermarket pumps found online are WABCO pumps which sell for about $285.00- $325.00. Mercedes Benz dealer sells the same exact pumps in a Mercedes Benz box for anywhere between retail $425-$600.00.
So it is best to compare the dealers total cost to replace pump minus any diagnostic fee waiver with a qualified non dealer technicians total repair estimate. Usually labor time ranges between 2-3 hours to replace change since they are underneath the right hand side of car. Lets move onto the more expensive parts of the air suspension of Mercedes Benz.
The Struts for Mercedes Benz are pretty expensive. The dealers sell each strut anywhere over $1100 a piece. So can purchasing 4 struts for S430, S500 or 550 be over $4400? Yes, that is correct. However, there is an inexpensive method which will lead to same results as replacing them with new ones. The alternative is getting U.S. Quality re-manufactured struts for Mercedes Benz and many other cars online. How are re-manufactured struts the same as new ones?
Basically struts go bad after their seals become dry over time period. Re-manufactured struts are are disassembled, inspected, replacing all new seals and pressure tested. Arnott Industries sell these struts for a fraction of cost compared to what the dealers charge. I fixed my Mercedes with the goal of ensuring every mechanism of suspension to be new. So I purchased 4 struts for a Mercedes Benz S430 for $458.85each strut. Arnott Industries charged me $1,968.05 (4 struts all inclusive of shipping and handling), which are obviously over 50% cheaper than Mercedes Benz dealers rate and deliver same results as new. In addition, I saved on parts by purchasing the the same exact genuine OEM air compressor pump from WABCO and purchased a genuine OEM valve block at wholesale rate. The charge to replace all components and reprogramming vehicle was $900.00. So the bottom line is that my entire job cost was $3,481.05. The dealers estimate was somewhere above $7,000 before taking care of Uncle Samuel. So anyone interested in redoing suspension work for these vehicles, consider Arnott Industries in your equation. Any limousineoperator in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut wanting to perform this repair work, please do not hesitate in dropping me an email at csltransportation@hotmail.com
RICK GOONDALL
347 Fifth Avenue, suite 1402-154
New York, NY 10016
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