rpm's S2

Looking at a nice, low mileage 2006 S with air suspension and PASM. From searching previous posts this seems like a great option. But I'm interested in feedback about long-term reliability.

What are owner's experiences?
Maintenance and Repair costs?

Dennis C

Mine has been great. I really like the option on the Cayenne. I did have my compressor rebuilt, but it wasn't expensive.

ArneeA

I've had air suspension in my E320, E55 AMG, 750i (rears only), X5 4.8is, CTT, and now the E63 AMG. It's a good option and as long as you understand its operation and common faults (not just Porsche), it wouldn't be hard to maintain or service.

XR4Tim

I will say that it's one of the more reliable systems out there. The systems in the BMW X5, Audi Allroad, and some others have very high failure rates, but the Cayenne's system is pretty robust.

Dennis C

As a former Allroad owner, I would agree with that...

ArneeA

As a former X5 owner, I'd agree as well.

I think if the cars from Stuttgart (MB, Porsche), the air suspension designs are somewhat more reliable (although the OES are the same!). If they come from Bavaria (BMW, Audi), watch out!

rpm's S2

Great feedback. But I know of several Mercedes Benz air suspensions that required very expensive rebuilds at ~150k miles. Anyone put over 100k on a Cayenne with air?

ArneeA

Define "very expensive."

Arnott has replacements at about half the cost of OEM. The things that Arnott can't supply is the ECU if it fails or the valve blocks.

Dennis C

I've got 110K on my 2004 CS with air suspension...

XR4Tim

I've seen a couple hit 100k with no air suspension problems at all.

bigbuzuki

Only issue I've had with the air suspension is the compressor fail recently @ 153,000 km.

Had it replaced as it was blowing the 40 amp fuse.

Covered under extended Porsche warranty.

ArneeA

Make sure the relay was replaced too.

bigbuzuki

Nothing wrong with the relay.

Jaan

Airmatics on MB's are not reliable and worse, in dependable. The question usually isn't how long you've had it but when it'll fail. It's also expensive to replace. If I can recall clearly, $1800 each for the front. I'm not really sure if it's the same for the rear in price. In some cases, you can spot an failing airmatic.

ArneeA

I'd have to disagree. Maybe the earlier versions of W220 are the worst. Nevertheless, they are definitely much easier to diagnose and service compared to BMW.

And like I said, if you know where to source parts, you can get rebuilt fronts with lifetime warranty at less than half of $1800.