V Class Suspension

[turnbulltj]

Good evening. I have just purchased a V280 1998 S Reg and I must say I am quite happy with it. (At the moment) I have just joined the Members forum and I am wondering whether that is going to quickly change after reading some other members experiences. Anyway if anyone out there has got some experiences that are positive with their V class I would be grateful of seeing them, just to lift my spirits.
On a technical note, as is typical when you have just purchased a privately owned second hand car, my Air Suspension light is coming on for 3 seconds after the ignition is switched off. (It did not do it all the way home from Bristol TYPICAL !!) The suspension is still operating because I can hear the compressor working when people get in and out of the back. (Incidentally is an audible compressor type buzzing noise normal on the V Class?) Anyway I have checked the manual which suggests that it may be a fault, although it is very non specific. The light is not constant or flashing, it just comes on for 3 seconds after ignition is switched off. Upon starting the system check seems fine and the light comes on and goes out after 2 seconds along with all the other dashboard system check lights.
As a Virgin V Class owner and Junior Forum member, I would be really grateful of some experienced comments.
Thanks Very Much for listening.
Trevor Turnbull
turnbulltj@hotmail.com

 

[Blobcat]

Hi & Welcome,

Very few people join forums because everything is perfect, they usually join because they are having some issues. So you need to bear that in mind when reading the forum.
There are a few threads on the V class and the issues with the air suspension pls have a search. Quite a few owners convert the rear suspension to the Vito setup.

 

[ambiente]

Hi there i own 220cdi ambiente and have done for 3 years. My light stays on for 3 seconds after turning ign off , it indicates their has been a suspension malfunction .I had it checked at merc dealer who found no problems and reset it ,at a cost of £78.This has happened twice now so i dont bother to have it reset anymore and it has been fine with light still staying on for 3 seconds .

ambiente

 

[turnbulltj]

Thanks Ambiente. I can still hear the Compressor working. Is it normal to make a noise? Also are you happy with your V class, because I have become very unhappy since yesterday after reading peoples experiences. Would appreciate your comments.
Kind regards,

Trevor

 

[ambiente]

The compresser pumps up in the morning after starting for maybe 10-15 seconds to l evel it because i park on a slight lean ,and then if the wife gets in it might go again to level it . If you park slightly up a kerb it will go again generally round the town shopping etc itwill adjust a couple more times it depends on who gets in or out or what you put in or take out .If you go anywhere and park on a lean it will adjust again.Once you are all in and on the move ie down the motorway or on clear roads it iis usually fine.MIne is a w reg with only 50,000 on clock BUT

 

[ambiente]

I see you bought it from bristol so what part of the country are you in .

 

[turnbulltj]

Hi Ambiente, I purchased mine from a guy in Minehead, Somerset and Bristol was a convenient halfway point because I live in Tamworth, Staffordshire. How you have described your air suspension is exactly how mine is operating, so that seems fine. I am presuming that whilst it is operational, this light after ignition is switched off is just a quirk. I suppose the real time to worry is if the compressor packs up or the light comes on whilst travelling to indicate suspension is too high or too low. Incidentally is the compressor noise quite audible, because my buzzes not over loud but enough to hear it especially so if you are outside the car?
I am having a local garage give it a good service and going over on Thursday as I always like to do with my cars, so this may show any potential problems. I will probably get them to take a look at the suspension system and get them to give it a general bit of preventative maintenance. I must say that as a vehicle I feel I have got quite a lot of practicality for my money. I suppose with anything you always get the good and the bad. It seems to be a vehicle that requires looking after, perhaps more than most, but if you are preapred to so this you will reap the benefits of its advantages above other MPVs. Would you agree? I am quite interested talking to other owners, because I like to share thoughts and experiences and I think the forum is a great way to do this.
Best regards,
Trevor

 

[ambiente]

Yes you are right there is nothing to worry about that light unless it stays on or whilst driving.And yes the compressor is very loud inside and out.When i get a few minutes i will send you an email outllining my experience over the last 3 years . thats nothing to panic about.

ambiente

 

[turnbulltj]

That's very good of you and would be very much appreciated.
Cheers

Trevor

 

[BLONDIE]

If the worst comes to the worst and the suspension does pack up completely, it is possible to fit steel suspension from a vito van.

 

[PeteCambridge]

suspension

Good evening. I have just purchased a V280 1998 S Reg and I must say I am quite happy with it. (At the moment) I have just joined the Members forum and I am wondering whether that is going to quickly change after reading some other members experiences. Anyway if anyone out there has got some experiences that are positive with their V class I would be grateful of seeing them, just to lift my spirits.
On a technical note, as is typical when you have just purchased a privately owned second hand car, my Air Suspension light is coming on for 3 seconds after the ignition is switched off. (It did not do it all the way home from Bristol TYPICAL !!) The suspension is still operating because I can hear the compressor working when people get in and out of the back. (Incidentally is an audible compressor type buzzing noise normal on the V Class?) Anyway I have checked the manual which suggests that it may be a fault, although it is very non specific. The light is not constant or flashing, it just comes on for 3 seconds after ignition is switched off. Upon starting the system check seems fine and the light comes on and goes out after 2 seconds along with all the other dashboard system check lights.
As a Virgin V Class owner and Junior Forum member, I would be really grateful of some experienced comments.
Thanks Very Much for listening.
Trevor Turnbull
turnbulltj@hotmail.com

Hi Trevor

Compressors are a complete waste of time, nothing but trouble, I switch over by installing new suspension springs, it took me about three hours to fit them, have never looked back in 8 months of having them on. When yours is worn out which it will because they all do, dont get ripped off with the new compressor price tag £750 plus new springs cost £175.

 

[PeteCambridge]

Hi Trevor

Compressors are a complete waste of time, nothing but trouble, I switch over by installing new suspension springs, it took me about three hours to fit them, have never looked back in 8 months of having them on. When yours is worn out which it will because they all do, dont get ripped off with the new compressor price tag £750 plus. new springs cost £175.

 

[PeteCambridge]

Hi

I have a v280 ambiente v reg
Has anyone got any knowledge regarding a bad oil leak located on the top of the oil filter housing where two electric switches are located above my oil filter.

The oil is pooring out, any knowledge with regards to doing the job myself and possible cost of parts would be much appreciated.

Many thanks