E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

What is the cause of intemittent sagging at wheel (AIRMATIC)?

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Old 01-16-2014, 04:53 AM
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2005 E500
What is the cause of intemittent sagging at wheel (AIRMATIC)?

Many thanks for your attention.

I have a 2005 W211 Benz E500.

For the past month, I notice the red warning display
"Car too low, do not drive".

If I press the Up button to increase the rise height, the warning goes
away.

When I inspect the car,
Twice, I felt the fender to tyre distance is decreased. Or..
the car sags. Once at the right rear, once at the left rear.

I took it to the individual, non benz workshop to check.
The workshop said they checked it. ?With computer.
And it was fine.
To replace all four struts causes HK$40,000, (US$5128).

Many thanks for your input.
Old 01-16-2014, 04:57 AM
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Questions:
1. Is this a suspension problem (AIRMATIC)?
2. If so, do most AIRMATIC suspension problems classify into
a sensor problem
b tubing air leak
c Strut problem? (which I think means the large cylinder thing needs
replacing)
3. Are 2a, 2b, 2c expensive?
4. My car looks perfectly fine most of the time. Usually no sagging.
I have only seen it sag twice, at the rear wheel.
Does this intermittency suggest?
5. If it were strut problem, should I have expected that wheel to sag all the time?

6. Are there dangers to drive now?
The workshop says, the strut can suddenly fail
when the tyres are to be changed. Normal driving, usually ok.
Do you agree?

7. What would you have done?


Many thanks again.
Old 01-16-2014, 04:59 AM
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8 And what problems do computer exclude?
9 Some forum thread talks about having soapy water to look for air leak at tubing.
Does computer checking exclude that?
Old 01-16-2014, 07:10 AM
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The bags can leak in the fold and very hard to see. Which ever corner is going down will probably have to be replaced
Old 01-17-2014, 10:35 AM
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I had the same issue last month and I replaced the 2 front struts with Arnott Struts. I got the parts for 1150 and returned the cores for a $450 core refund.
So altogether $700 for the front struts.
I did the work myself so I had no shop fees but I'd say 2 hours is enough time top complete the front.

As for the rears..there's NO EASY way to replace these and If I have a failure I am not looking forward to shelling out the cash for the labor. The entire rear crossmember assembly has to be dropped to get to the struts.
Old 01-18-2014, 12:32 AM
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Many thanks.
So good that you have the skills.

So, if in the sensor, tubing, struts equation.
It would look like a strut problem to you then.

Thanks again
Old 01-18-2014, 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by kompression
I had the same issue last month and I replaced the 2 front struts with Arnott Struts. I got the parts for 1150 and returned the cores for a $450 core refund.
So altogether $700 for the front struts.
I did the work myself so I had no shop fees but I'd say 2 hours is enough time top complete the front.

As for the rears..there's NO EASY way to replace these and If I have a failure I am not looking forward to shelling out the cash for the labor. The entire rear crossmember assembly has to be dropped to get to the struts.
Arnott now has easier rear replacement without removing the rear sub-frame. https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...27_gid927.html

Last edited by homeofstone; 01-18-2014 at 07:54 AM.

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Old 01-18-2014, 11:30 AM
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Arnott Rear Shocks

Um yes you DO have to remove the lower subframe from the car ( Lower crossmembers, driveshaft, shields, calipers, )I'd say that's ALOT to get to the strut.

Check out the video on your link https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...27_gid927.html
Old 01-18-2014, 01:55 PM
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Originally Posted by kompression
Um yes you DO have to remove the lower subframe from the car ( Lower crossmembers, driveshaft, shields, calipers, )I'd say that's ALOT to get to the strut.

Check out the video on your link https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...27_gid927.html


Complete disassembly of rear sub-ram is not necessary unless you want to save the old air bags and reservoirs. Those can be cut-up and pulled out then install new bags as in the video.

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