Well, I have this posted on the Vintage forum also but not getting much of a response. I am having trouble with my air suspension on my old mercedes. Have replaced all air bags and values in car just a month ago. Last week took it back to the shop because of a slight drivers side sag, about an inch. Looked fixed when I picked it up. Started to sag soon after I parked, right side again, next morning all sides were down. What would you do and how would you trouble shoot this problem. I'm thinking the main value might be venting for some reason, I just do not know.

Do you drive the car a lot or let it sit?

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Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

I try to drive it a lot, but havent had it that long. I want to drive it more, expecially around town, short trips to San Antonia.

Go directly to www.300sel.com

Neil will help you plus there are on-line check-out procedures also. Star Motors is a strong supporter of the M-100 cars (600, 300SEL6.3, and 450SEL6.9), but your 4.5 air suspension is a twin to that used in the 6.3

I asked my friend, same car as you almost, but 3.5. He said, "there are three switches. One for the right, one for the left, one for the rear. Replace them."

Hope it helps.

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Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

I assume there is a typo in your original note where you said you replaced the air bags and values, you meant VALVES. If so Hanno, who I know is correct, contact STAR MOTORS. Did you use rebuilt valves? If so there is a certain failure rate.
Now on the number. One for the rear. One for each front, and the the main valve under the hood. Total of four. Inexperienced mechanics mess this up all the time. They blame everything or everybody but themselves. With experience this is a great suspension system. It should last 6 years or more. I'm at 9 years now of trouble free use with a 1969 6.3. Follow Hanno's advice. Dan Smith, Oregon

The air suspension in the 4.5 and the 6.3 is identical? That's good to know. (My Dad has a 4.5)

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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