Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Airmatic air suspension failures - compressor, strut leaks and relay (W220)
Airmatic air suspension failures - compressor, strut leaks and relay (W220) is a very common suspension fault on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class on the 2000–2006 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $900 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 20 documented faults on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
- Vehicle
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Years
- 2000–2006
- System
- Suspension
What you are looking at
No photograph available
What goes wrong
The W220's Airmatic system is its best-known money pit at this age: air leaks develop at the strut tops and pump pipework, compressors wear out (often killed by a stuck relay running them continuously), and level sensors fail. A failed side sags overnight or the car sits on its bump stops with an 'AIRMATIC - visit workshop' warning. Facelift cars got a more robust system but every W220 is now 20+ years old, so assume struts and compressor are consumables. Quality aftermarket struts have made per-corner repair far cheaper than the old dealer pricing.
What you would notice
- Car sagging at one corner or overall overnight
- Compressor running long or loudly after start-up
- 'AIRMATIC visit workshop' message
- Floaty or crashy ride
How to check it
Where to look. Air struts at each corner; compressor and relay under the bonnet/front guard area
View the car cold, before the seller starts it: a W220 that has sat overnight should be sitting level.
Start it and time how long the compressor runs; cycle the ride-height button and confirm the car rises and falls evenly on all corners.
Ask for invoices for struts, compressor or relay replacement.
What it costs to put right
$900 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.
Ask the seller
- “Which Airmatic components (struts, compressor, relay) have been replaced, and when?”
- “Does it sit level after being parked for a week?”
Now check the Mercedes-Benz S-Class you are actually looking at
Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.
Where this comes from
- Mercedes Enthusiasts 'Common Problems W220 S Class'
- Fast Car W220 S600 buying guide
- Adelaide AutoPro 'Common Problems of Mercedes S-Class W220 S430'
Mercedes-Benz S-Class buyer questions
Is airmatic air suspension failures - compressor, strut leaks and relay (w220) serious on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
We rate it major and very common on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The W220's Airmatic system is its best-known money pit at this age: air leaks develop at the strut tops and pump pipework, compressors wear out (often killed by a stuck relay running them continuously), and level sensors fail. A failed side sags overnight or the car sits on its bump stops with an 'AIRMATIC - visit workshop' warning. Facelift cars got a more robust system but every W220 is now 20+ years old, so assume struts and compressor are consumables. Quality aftermarket struts have made per-corner repair far cheaper than the old dealer pricing.
How much does it cost to fix on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
$900 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years are affected?
Our research records this fault on the 2000–2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.
How do I check for it before I buy?
View the car cold, before the seller starts it: a W220 that has sat overnight should be sitting level. Start it and time how long the compressor runs; cycle the ride-height button and confirm the car rises and falls evenly on all corners. Ask for invoices for struts, compressor or relay replacement. Look here: Air struts at each corner; compressor and relay under the bonnet/front guard area