[charlottefairfax]

I've got a 2010 S550 that's riding like a boat because the front air struts are leaking and the compressor runs every five minutes. The dealer quoted me a crazy amount for genuine replacements, but I've been reading about people converting to conventional coil springs and shocks to avoid the headache of air suspension. I found a place offering Mercedes Shock Absorber Service Dubai that claims they can do the conversion properly without error codes, but I'm torn because part of me wants to keep the car original and part of me is tired of expensive air suspension repairs. Has anyone here actually done the conversion on a W221 and lived with it for a year or more? Does the ride become harsh or does it still feel like a Mercedes? Also curious if the warning lights on the dash can really be coded out or if you just have to live with them. Any honest pros and cons from someone who's been down this road would really help me decide before I spend a fortune either way.

[yateshingston]

Compressor running every five minutes means the leak has been there a while, and if you ignore it much longer you'll cook the compressor too. Before going the conversion route, price aftermarket Arnott or similar air struts, because they cost a fraction of the dealer quote. Plenty of W221 owners go that way and are happy with it.

[zillahmadron]

Did the conversion on my W221 about two years ago and it rides firmer, no question. It's still quiet and composed on the highway, but you lose that floaty magic carpet feel over bad roads. For me the trade was worth it since I'm done with surprise repair bills.

[almericmylor]

Conversion kits are a gamble on this chassis. The ADS dampers and ride height sensors talk to the control module, so you need either resistors or proper coding to kill the fault lights, and cheap kits often skip that. Ask whoever does the work which module they're coding and how.

[blanchetrebilcock]

Honestly I'd think twice about the conversion, because resale on a converted S-Class takes a hit with most buyers. Replacing the two front air struts is a known, fixed cost, and the car stays original. Has anyone actually seen a conversion hold up over a few Dubai summers without the lights coming back?

[crispinusticke]

Been wondering about this too, since my 2009 is starting to sag overnight. How many miles are on yours, and are the rear air bags still holding pressure? If only the fronts are gone, I'd fix those before deciding anything bigger.