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Is your Mercedes-Benz GL450 having air ride problems? You've come to the right place. The air suspension in your Mercedes-Benz GL450 gives the German luxury vehicle a smooth, cloud-like ride. However, years of driving can cause wear and tear. Knowing how to get your vehicle in peak condition starts with learning about common GL450 suspension problems.
This guide will teach you how to diagnose and repair air suspension issues on your GL450. You'll also learn a cost-effective way to restore your vehicle without compromising quality.
Common Mercedes GL450 Air Suspension Problems
Typical Mercedes GL450 front and rear air suspension problems include the following.
1. Air Suspension Compressor Failure
The air suspension compressor in the Mercedes GL450 generates compressed air to keep the vehicle running smoothly. Over time, this component may malfunction due to a burned-out motor or cracked suspension lines, reducing pumping speed or causing complete stoppage. As a result, the air suspension may be unable to maintain its proper level. Your vehicle might sag in the front or rear, causing unevenness that makes the ride bouncier. In extreme cases, your Mercedes could become undriveable.
One Reddit user on a thread about Mercedes GL450 suspension problems mentioned the compressor pump as a point of failure, saying, “The pump will burn out, then this becomes twice as expensive.”
2. Faulty Relay
The suspension compressor relay may keep the air suspension compressor engaged longer than required or prevent it from engaging altogether. When kept engaged for too long, the compressor relay may get damaged. A common symptom is that the air suspension may fail to inflate and deflate properly or the system may make strange noises. Short circuits, electrical faults or broken wires may cause a faulty relay. You may need to replace the relay, clean the contacts or repair the wiring to fix this problem.
3. Blown Fuse
A blown fuse may cause your suspension to malfunction, affecting your vehicle's ability to adapt to different conditions. Common symptoms include bouncier rides, poor handling and uneven tire wear. If you check the fuse and find out it has blown, replace it with a new one with the same amperage. If the problem persists, you may have to check the air springs or suspension compressor. When you replace the fuse, but it keeps blowing, you might have a problem with the air compressor motor or pump.
4. Leaky Struts
The lines that supply compressed air to the strut may develop cracks and eventually cause the air to leak, which may result in your vehicle leaning over or tilting to one side. While fixing this problem is relatively simple and affordable, it is crucial to do so immediately.
5. Valve Block Leaking
The solenoid valve could leak air into the central air reservoir or the compressor, making it difficult for your Mercedes to maintain the required height. The suspension becomes softer and bouncier than usual, and the vehicle will sag on one side. A damaged seal or a faulty O-ring may cause a solenoid valve block leak. The best way to fix this problem is by first diagnosing your Mercedes GL450 air suspension. The mechanic may check the pressure in the system and look for signs of leakage. Once they identify the leak, they may replace the seal, faulty O-ring or all affected parts.
6. Faulty Level Sensor
The level sensors are near the front and rear suspension. The air suspension control unit may not calibrate the height when it malfunctions. A warning sign may show on the dashboard to alert you of the AirMatic failure.
Diagnosing Mercedes GL450 Suspension Problems
The Mercedes GL450 will display an “AIRMATIC MALFUNCTION” warning light on the dash panel when the diagnostic system detects an issue. However, there are signs of suspension failure that may appear before that happens.
One typical example is the car sagging low in the rear. You might also find your GL450 leaning to one side. Sometimes owners can hear the evidence. If the compressor runs too loudly or too long, it’s a sign that it’s working too hard, which indicates a suspension fault somewhere in the system. You might also feel that difference.
A car driving on bad struts will take much longer to stop. When it does, it often dips forward into a “nose dive,” with the back popping up, looking like it is crouching. Mercedes also included a suspension warning light that will illuminate when there is a problem. However, this might come later than some of the physical symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Mercedes-Benz GL450, it is time to have your suspension serviced.
Cost To Repair Mercedes-Benz GL450 Suspension
If your suspension problems took you to the dealership, they likely recommended replacing the broken air suspension components — probably accompanied by a repair quote that made you do a double-take. According to data from RepairPal, the average cost to replace one airmatic strut on a Mercedes GL450 is $1,910.Mercedes air suspensions rely on a web of interconnected parts working together to function correctly. Your Mercedes-Benz GL450 has ride height sensors at each wheel. These sensors signal the control module, letting it know how much to inflate or deflate the airbags. Then, the control module sends this information to the compressor.
The compressor pushes air into the airbags. These rubber sacks suspend your car off its wheels. Each of these components is highly specialized. Many are moving parts, electronic parts or parts made with flexible materials. These are all prone to failure.
These parts may be expensive to replace because they are labor-intensive and complicated to install.
Mercedes GL450 Air Suspension Repair Costs
Here is how much it might cost to repair your Mercedes GL450 air suspension.
OEM Mercedes GL450 Air Suspension Replacement Part Cost
OEM replacement costs are as follows, according to RepairPal.
Air compressor assembly: $420
Pressure accumulator with an active damping system: $300
Total cost without replacing electronic components such as height sensors: over $3,900
Aftermarket Replacement Cost
Aftermarket replacement costs are as follows.
Air compressor assembly: $490
Pressure accumulator: $230
Total cost without replacing electronic components such as height sensors: over $3,300
Fix Mercedes-Benz GL450 With a Suspension Conversion Kit
You have a much more affordable — and reliable — option for fixing your air suspension issues once and for all. The Strutmasters Mercedes-Benz GL450 suspension conversion kit allows you to replace your failing AIRMATIC suspension with a brand new coilover system for around the same cost as replacing just one OEM air spring.
Instead of a mess of electronics and tiny moving components, these traditional coilover suspensions use mechanical resistance to hold your car up. Our durable coilover struts are an excellent alternative to unreliable air suspensions. You can save thousands of dollars versus replacing your suspension with OEM or third-party air suspension parts.
Strutmasters' suspension conversion kits are so simple that the average DIYer can install one at home with standard tools. No computers, sensors or airbags — just stainless steel and a few high-grade rubber bump stops. Even if you don’t install your suspension conversion kit at home, the ease of installation translates directly to a lower shop bill at your mechanic. But the financial benefits don’t stop there. Each Strutmasters air-to-spring conversion kit for your Mercedes-Benz GL450 has a one year guarantee.
Strutmasters Mercedes GL450 Air Suspension Conversion Kit
If you've been hit with Mercedes-Benz GL450 suspension problems, converting to a coilover system is the logical choice. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also never have to deal with the constant repairs of an air suspension again. Browse our site for Mercedes GL450 coil spring conversion kits. Feel free to contact us with any product-related questions. Our Suspension Experts can even help you find a Strutmasters-approved installer in your area through our preferred shop partner network.
