Audi S8 Air Suspension Fails, Complete System Collapse

I had a similar air suspension issue with my 2013 A8, which shares many components with the S8. I have some experience working on these systems. The symptoms match exactly what I encountered, uneven ride height, warning lights, and complete malfunction of the level control. After scanning, I noticed the air suspension pump wasnt responding properly. Took it to my regular workshop and they found the culprit pretty quickly, it was just a damaged wire harness connector going to the level control module. The fix was straightforward, they repaired the cable connection and properly sealed the connector to prevent future issues. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostic time. Much better than replacing the entire air suspension components. They did also perform a full system check to ensure there were no air leaks in the struts or lines while they had it up on the lift. The whole repair took about 2 hours. Could you share: Which error codes you got specifically? Does the malfunction happen gradually or suddenly? Can you hear the suspension pump running at all? Have you noticed any moisture around the air struts? This would help determine if your issue is similar or if you might be dealing with a different problem in the system.

Thanks for the suggestions. After taking it to a shop, they diagnosed a failed air compressor which explained the erratic suspension behavior. Total repair cost was 850 Euro including new seals and labor. The suspension pump had to be replaced completely as it showed signs of internal damage. The mechanic also found minor air leaks at two strut connections but those were resolved by replacing the seals. The system now maintains proper ride height and the warning lights are gone. Took about 6 hours total for the full repair. For reference, my car was last serviced at 175000 KM, just a few months ago. Good to have proper suspension components working again, the ride quality is back to normal and the car sits perfectly level now. The new compressor seems much quieter than the old one too.

Thanks for the update on your S8 repair. The 850 Euro total seems reasonable considering the full compressor replacement and seal work needed. My repair costs were initially lower since I only had the wiring issue, but I actually ended up having to replace my air suspension compressor about 6 months later. The suspension pump began making unusual noises and eventually failed completely, leading to similar symptoms as yours, uneven ride height and constant malfunction warnings. My repair bill came to around 900 Euro with the new compressor, seals, and labor. The technicians mentioned that air suspension compressor failure is quite common on these models once they pass 150000km. The internal components wear down over time, especially if there are any small air leaks putting extra load on the system. Good call getting those strut connection seals replaced while they were working on it. Small air leaks can accelerate wear on suspension components and lead to premature compressor failure. Since the repair, has the system been maintaining consistent pressure? The new compressor should cycle much less frequently if all the seals are properly sealed now.

The system is maintaining perfect pressure now, no more erratic height changes or warning lights. The new suspension pump only cycles occasionally when needed, usually after the car sits for a while. Much better than before when it was constantly trying to compensate for the air leaks. Interesting to hear about the common compressor failures past 150000km. Mine was still on the original unit so I guess I was due for a replacement anyway. The mechanic mentioned the internal bearings were quite worn when they took the old compressor apart. The air suspension works flawlessly now, ride height stays consistent and the self-leveling responds quickly when loading cargo. The repair cost was worth it to restore proper functionality. Having experienced the symptoms firsthand, I can definitely say anyone noticing uneven ride height or hearing the pump running frequently should get it checked early before more damage occurs. Appreciate the insights about your similar experience. Good to know the repair costs were in the same range. Will make sure to watch for any air leaks during future services to prevent premature wear on the new compressor.