Hi. My 2000 S500 is squatting on my garage floor now. Over the last couple of months the compressor would occasionally "run on" after turning the car on or off. Finally, last night the red airmatic light ("STOP, CAR TOO LOW") on the dash stayed on all the way home and it won't go up any more. I checked the relay and it is OK but the 40 A fuse is blown. I'm thinking new pump. It must have shorted to blow that fuse. Question is: Where is the best place to buy the pump. Can you get it rebuilt? Does anyone sell re-furbs? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

The early pump was insufficient and was replaced. A junk yard pump from a 2001 or later would be an alternative if it exists. The other problem with the 2000 model was the struts. If the pump got to the state you suspect the struts were undoubtably requiring more pump than the pump could handle. There is a repair technique in a service bulletin for leaks at the vale at the top of the struts.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks for your help. I took the pump is out and the coil is toast. The relay tests fine so I'll check the connections at the struts for leaks. The car was never uneven and you'd think that if one was leaking that it would be noticable. I guess time just did it in. It has a late 99 build date with 68,000 miles. By the way, do you have any recommendations on where to get a used pump?

Thanks,
Steve

Also. About how much for the pump new if I go to the dealer tomorrow? I'd like to have some time to let the shock wear off before I go.

I replaced one today. The list price at the dealer was $212 but I would also replace the relay and after you get it pumping again check for leaks at the top of the shock mount.

I found that after replacing the AirMatic pump, it's not unusual to have the rear struts very firm. Why I can't remember but on a number of occasions after replacing the pump, the rear struts would blowout during the test drive!!
And don't they go bang when they do!!
In fact, we tended to just replace struts too if the job was warranty.

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Andrew
300e 294,000mi
380sel 185,998mi
380se 309,980mi