msgdlat

I hear so many horror tells regarding the air suspension on this model car. How will I know when my air suspension is going bad. I keep it on normal. Should I trade this car and get one w/o air suspension? TY!!

Romanova

Seems like the preassembled conversion kits to go to a conventional spring/strut-shock combo are pretty affordable if you don't mind losing the features that come with the air suspension.

JffGRY706

I figure it is good for about 10-15 years or 150,000 miles. you are already 11 years old so it could go anytime or never. I would use it, enjoy it. you will know when it fails, one corner won't raise up, compressor runs all the time. dash will light up, you will know. until then use it. it is designed to be used.

Bocatrip

Yes, enjoy the car and as Jffgry706 says. it could go anytime or never. I'd say.... prepare if it goes. quite expensive even with the coil make over. Good luck and enjoy while it's still working..

FILTHEE

I would just buy a steel spring conversion and be done with it. In fact, that is what I did.

semar

For the price of one OEM air strut you can buy a complete set of coilovers. Labor for the changeover is 5 hrs

Bocatrip

It all depends on how much you enjoy your car and most of all how long you plan on keeping it. If you are losing interest and are looking around for another car I would suggest you selling in the near future. If you are going the long haul, you can wait for failure which ultimately will happen due to drying rubber and age. . I don't know what the difference is in ride since my car is conventional and stock, but your sophisticated suspension is not a forever system. Just be thankful you don't have an early Mercedes air or hydraulic system as in the 6.3 or 6.9. The early Citroens actually designed those systems and cost was over the top prohibitive. . If it were me and I love the car as I do mine.... I'd either convert now or do your research and get your ducks in a row for the time it might fail. Whatever you decide... good luck.

semar

hahaha
I had a Mercedes 6.3. My mechanic said if I intend to keep the car he will roll out the red carpet and champagner and lobster will be waiting in the lounge. He might even do only my car and no more any others. He then could retire early..
I sold the car - not because of that - . The next owner had unlimited funds, named the car Rosie and re-did the whole car. I paid 10 grand for it in ca 1977. The PO brought the car from Germany when he immigrated to Canada and was immediately hooked on Cadillac. Check what a 6.3 in mint condition is worth now

mafpolo

It's like betting on a horse race.....never know.....like it's been said, could be next week or a long time. Just convert when a problem occurs. The car will ride better without the air suspension.

Davidsofia

jayclapp

I think that people that don't have the UL air suspension don't really understand that suspension. It is a technical marvel for 2000 technology. Some of the features:

• Keeps the car level, regardless of number of occupants and weight onboard.
• Automatically drops the car approximately 1 inch in height at highway speeds. This decreases the drag coefficient over the base model and improves stability while also increasing gas mileage.
• One can choose a "high" position at the touch of a button. This is not for usage at high speeds, only for rough roads or obstacles (such as steep drive at a curb) where an increase in height is needed at low speeds.
• One can change from "normal" to "sport" suspension at the touch of a button, providing a firmer suspension for cornering or whatever. Your choice, and you don't have to change suspension parts!
• It spoils the driver and passengers, providing the best possible ride.
• Don't knock it if you haven't tried it or used it's many features.
• It's the ultimate luxury car, if you can't afford it don't get it.