2004 Mercedes S430 Rear Wheel Drive Airmatic Issues

[ron59b]

Good evening all

I have a 2004 S430 rear-wheel-drive with 185,000 miles, and I’m seeing two issues.

• In cold weather, the rear end sits low until I start the car. It returns to normal height, and I can speed it up with the dash button.
• When I accelerate over bumps, I hear a quick burst of air or pressure. I hear the same sound when I stop. The passenger side sits slightly lower front and rear when parked.

I forgot to mention that the sounds of a quick burst of air pressure come from the front right corner in the location of the compressor. This sound started 2 weeks ago. The low rear end in cold weather has been happening for 2 cold seasons.

My local shop suggested taking it to a specialty Mercedes shop and said the compressor must be replaced with Mercedes parts.

Questions:
• Is it true you must use OEM Mercedes parts for the compressor? Any trusted aftermarket brands?
• After replacing the compressor, does the car need coding?
• When replacing struts, which brands perform best?
• Is strut replacement realistic as a DIY project?

Thanks for any guidance.

Ron

[engatwork]

So far it sounds like compressor is ok. You do need to get it to someone familiar with it. Sounds like you may need to replace the rear air bags to start.

At that year/mileage I'd put a spring/shock kit on it and not look back. Search strutmasters.com website to see the kits available.

[ron59b]

Interestingly, you mention replacing it with a spring shock kit. That is the same thing the guy at the shop mentioned he would do if it were his car. Thanks for the feedback.

I forgot to mention that the sounds of a quick burst of air pressure come from the front right corner in the location of the compressor. This sound started 2 weeks ago. The low rear end in cold weather has been happening for 2 cold seasons.

[engatwork]

I've put the spring kit on every car I've owned with air ride after they have reached about 180k miles.

[ron59b]

I take it you've been please with the ride comfort?

[engatwork]

Yes, rides fine in my opinion.

[ron59b]

Thanks