Front Suspension Springs Problems of Mercedes Benz S500

This complaint is related to a 2002 mercedes-benz S500 with rear wheel drive and the "airmatic" suspension system. After parking the vehicle and shutting off the ignition, loud banging noises came from the airmatic suspension compressor at the front right of the vehicle. No warnings or faults were displayed on the vehicle's diagnostic system and the vehicle's ride height was normal. The banging noise stopped. While driving the vehicle later that night, the airmatic suspension released its remaining compressed air and dropped the entire suspension to a point so low that the front tires could not be turned without doing extensive damage to the wheel housing and fenders. Any undulation in the road caused rubbing and damage in the wheel housing. Finally, after this, a warning came on the dash saying "stop- car too low". Vehicle could not be turned or driven and was towed to a mercedes-benz dealer. Dealer states that despite the fact that "all" airmatic suspensions fail this way under 50000 miles (this car had 32000 at time of failure) it is not covered under any technical service bulletins or extensions of warranty. This is a safety defect and epidemic failure on all mercedes-benz "airmatic" air suspension vehicles. There is an upgraded part to replace the on that the manufacturer recognizes as faulty from the factory. The repair and towing bill came to almost $2000 and the manufacturer and dealer covered none of it. My inner wheel housings suffered damage that was not repaired.

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