2003-2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC Sedan 4-Wheel Air Suspension Conversion Kit (MT14F)

Replaced Components
The 2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) is built with the following suspension components:

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) Air Springs (x4) - commonly referred to as air bags, a plastic and rubber bag that is fitted on top of the strut that uses pressurized air as a cushion instead of a metal coil spring to hold a vehicle off of the ground and off of its wheels. These are the number one cause of all air suspension leaks. All air springs all go bad at about the same rate. If one is leaking, the others will not be far behind. For a proper repair, all of them need to be replaced at the same time

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) Struts (x4)- a type of shock absorber; has metal tubing filled with gas-charged hydraulic fluid that is connected to the wheel of a vehicle in order to reduce the effects of vertical travel on a rough surface which controls the bounciness, and therefore comfort, of a vehicle.; the air spring assembled on top of the strut is commonly referred to as an air strut.

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) Height Sensors (x4) - a linkage located near each wheel of a vehicle with any electronic suspension that, either mechanically or electronically, constantly measures the height of the vehicle, and reports this information back to the control module so that the computer can identify if changes in height need to be adjusted accordingly. The ride height sensor is a moving part, and like all moving parts, they will eventually wear out.

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) Compressor Assembly - creates/sends pressurized air to active suspension components. When the air suspension starts leaking, the compressor/pump starts working harder to try to keep the system inflated. By the time air suspension leaks down completely, sitting the vehicle on its tires, the compressor will either have failed or be well on its way to full failure. Buying replacement struts and taking the time to install them only to find out the compressor still needs to be replaced can be very frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive.

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) Air Lines- tubes that run from a compressor to the air which carry pressurized air to the air bags in order to adjust the height of the vehicle, respectively.

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) Solenoids (x4) - usually L-shaped, these plastic components connect the electrical connection and lines of suspension components to the suspension control module on vehicles with active suspension. The solenoid regulates the air pressure for each air bladder. Solenoids start to leak as they wear out causing the vehicle to sag or to lean. This will cause the ride height sensor to send a signal to activate the compressor in an attempt to inflate the air suspension and level out the vehicle. This excessive work load will eventually lead to total failure of the compressor.

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) Dryer- prevents moisture build-up inside of air suspension parts.

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) Suspension Control Module- a computer which is responsible for the operations of the air suspension system and maintaining the vehicles correct ride height.

2003-2006 Mercedes Benz S500 (4MATIC Sedan) O-rings- Although they are the least expensive parts of the air suspension, they are responsible for maintaining the seal where all of the air lines connect. Be sure to replace the O-rings when repairing any air suspension system.



Suspension Failure Signs
There are commonly seen signs that you need to look for on your 2003-2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC sedan when attempting to diagnose a bad or leaking air suspension system. You want to catch a failed suspension soon before it reaches the point of total failure and nothing can be done but complete replacement. The most noticeable sign is a sudden uneven height difference between different sides of the S500. Usually, there is sagging on the front or rear end, while the opposite end remains inflated. This looks like the sedan is squatting down too low to the ground. Sometimes there is simply a lean from one side to the other. If the S500 doesn’t seem to be reaching and maintaining its proper ride height, then a bad suspension is the most likely culprit. Confirm a failed suspension by checking the instrument panel for an illuminated suspension warning message or light. A bad suspension can also cause other components to wear out so check the air compressor. If it has stopped working or is running too often (will be very loud and noticeably noisy) then that’s a red flag.

OEM Replacement Cost
'+ Front Air strut Assemblies ($1,500/strut)
+ Rear Air strut Assemblies ($2,000/strut)
+ Compressor Assembly($380)
= Over $7,000 (but that doesnt include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).

Aftermarket Replacement Cost
'+ Front Air strut Assemblies ($400/strut) + Rear Air strut Assemblies ($460/strut) + Compressor Assembly($320) = Over $1,600 (but that doesn't include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).