Help needed: Airmatic constantly on high, level error message.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2003 CLK430 Cabrio, 2009 BMW 535 iX Wagon
Help needed: Airmatic constantly on high, level error message.
My E500 Wagon sits in the high position constantly. The display shows the Increase Ride Height symbol and recommends visiting a workshop. The trouble started when the Airmatic was actually on high for tens of miles. The indicator LED in the ride height switch is off. The car seems to be level, and the suspension feels normal. 
Any ideas what could be wrong would be greatly appreciated. The forum search did not produce results that seem to describe my particular problem. I do not have access to Star Diagnostic, and the next workshop that may have one is far, far away.
Thanks a ton!
Any ideas what could be wrong would be greatly appreciated. The forum search did not produce results that seem to describe my particular problem. I do not have access to Star Diagnostic, and the next workshop that may have one is far, far away.
Thanks a ton!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2003 CLK430 Cabrio, 2009 BMW 535 iX Wagon
Well, I had my wife in the car when the error message first came up. Even though she loves putting stuff on the center console (and refuses to understand why I hate it), I do not believe she did anything that would have kept the button depressed -- if that is what you are asking. Could keeping the button pushed have triggered the issue?
[Embarrassed Look] How can I unambiguously determine whether or not the compressor is running? [/Embarrassed Look] If it wasn't running, shouldn't the car be in the low rather than the high setting?
[Embarrassed Look] How can I unambiguously determine whether or not the compressor is running? [/Embarrassed Look] If it wasn't running, shouldn't the car be in the low rather than the high setting?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2003 CLK430 Cabrio, 2009 BMW 535 iX Wagon
Here is the solution to the riddle: My local indy did a good job and found a broken wire under the front fender liner. Less than a hundred bucks for diagnostics and repair.
The best-case scenario that I wasn't really daring top hope for.
The best-case scenario that I wasn't really daring top hope for.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2003 CLK430 Cabrio, 2009 BMW 535 iX Wagon
Not sure if I understand what you are saying. I did push that button more than once, and for really long time. Man, did I push that button! The car did not do a thing along lowering the ride height or forgetting about the error. My confidence in the self-healing power of cars is somewhat limited. When it comes to Airmatic, it is virtually non-existent.
The indy found a broken wire, fixed it, cleared the codes and everything is back to normal. I am a happy camper and will not push that button unless I need more clearance -- which has come in quite handy a couple times in this crazy winter.
The indy found a broken wire, fixed it, cleared the codes and everything is back to normal. I am a happy camper and will not push that button unless I need more clearance -- which has come in quite handy a couple times in this crazy winter.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Carmel, Ca
E500 Wagon
I am having the same problem with my wagon staying at the full height position. Nothing happens after the lift button is pressed. I have no codes and the dealer is on it's second attempt.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2003 CLK430 Cabrio, 2009 BMW 535 iX Wagon
No codes as in no display message either? My indy did get error codes which pointed them to the left front, where they found the defective wire.
For the record: Now that the behavior is back to normal, I realize that the car was sitting much higher than at the regular High level setting. At least twice the normal difference between High and Low.
My earlier statement that the suspension feels normal may have been incorrect. After the streets were covered with snow less frequently last week, it appeared to me that the ride was stiffer than usual.
For the record: Now that the behavior is back to normal, I realize that the car was sitting much higher than at the regular High level setting. At least twice the normal difference between High and Low.
My earlier statement that the suspension feels normal may have been incorrect. After the streets were covered with snow less frequently last week, it appeared to me that the ride was stiffer than usual.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Carmel, Ca
E500 Wagon
My cars suspension is also stiffer mostly in the rear. The dealer says even hooked up to their factory computer no codes show up. The top of the rear tire to the fender is almost 5" gap. The front is a little lower. As of today found out the car is at an alinement shop. No sure why? My wife went by the dealer to get something out of the wagon. She was told is was not there right now.
Why would they send it to an alinement shop?
Why would they send it to an alinement shop?
