The Mercedes S-Class (W220) sits low because of leaks in the AIRmatic air suspension

Engine / equipment

S-Class (W220) with AIRmatic air suspension

Period mentioned

1998–2005, mostly cars built before 2003

Symptoms

The car looks sunk, with one or more wheels lower than normal, sometimes almost touching the ground after a night parked; a suspension warning may appear or it may stay low after starting.

Possible cause described

AUTO BILD reports faults in the standard AIRmatic that left many cars “on their bellies”, mostly in the first years, because of leaks and level-control failures. PistonHeads specifies that on cars before 2003 it was mainly the top seals of the air struts and the high-pressure lines to the valve blocks that failed. W220s with ABC hydraulic suspension have their own pump and pipe faults.

Check for the garage

Read the suspension faults with Mercedes diagnostic equipment, check the air strut seals, lines and valve block with soapy water, and see whether the compressor manages to lift the car. Replace the part that leaks air; if the compressor has worked hard because of the leak, check it too.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database