Airmatic Error Code 5503
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 216
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From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
Airmatic Error Code 5503
I started getting a 5503 "Recovery time during filling of central reservoir is too long" code for the Airmatic. The message is the "Visit Workshop" with an arrow pointing up. I did the pressure test and in 40 seconds I was able to get more than 14bar (~14.5). The pressure holds as well. Detected no leaks on the compressor/distributor valve. I did some search and some people are saying that it could be some sensor but provide no part numbers or specific part names. I did not see any sensors in the EPC diagrams. I also checked the reservoir tank in the trunk and the air line on it.
Car does not raise up or lower itself once the message pops up after driving. Message goes away and suspension works fine once it's restarted.
Anyone here had this issue and was able to resolve it?
Car does not raise up or lower itself once the message pops up after driving. Message goes away and suspension works fine once it's restarted.
Anyone here had this issue and was able to resolve it?
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 105
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W211
I had this exact same issue with an Audi allroad. The suspension is ok, but at some point (specially on a long trip) the compressor would stop working. I would stop and restart the car, and all was ok. It sometimes also took a long time to get the car to level 4. After I switched out the compressor, it worked as it should.
You should spray soapy water on the bags (car set to lifted point) to see if there are any leaks in the bags and connections. If you don't find any, then it is the compressor. BTW, I changed mine to an Arnott.
My W211 also has Airmatic (knocking on wood), it is still working well.
You should spray soapy water on the bags (car set to lifted point) to see if there are any leaks in the bags and connections. If you don't find any, then it is the compressor. BTW, I changed mine to an Arnott.
My W211 also has Airmatic (knocking on wood), it is still working well.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
Ah good ol' Allroads... A friend of mine has one and his air suspension parts don't seem to last long. Thank God for the Arnott's lifetime warranty. Allroads do raise much higher than 211s though, so that could be the reason for shorter lifespan of the air springs.
I think that you are right about the compressor. I just noticed that it does take quite a bit to fully raise the car now and one occasion, the car was rising with compressor working, but then stopped like half way up. Almost as if the compressor decided to quit from working overtime.
I think that you are right about the compressor. I just noticed that it does take quite a bit to fully raise the car now and one occasion, the car was rising with compressor working, but then stopped like half way up. Almost as if the compressor decided to quit from working overtime.
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 105
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W211
I had pretty good luck with my allroad. The compressor does not decide to quit but a thermal sensor on the compressor cuts the power off to the compressor after a certain temp so as not to damage the compressor altogether when there is a leak in the system.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
Update:
Replaced the air pump and the "Visit Workshop" message no longer pops up. So, just as 2.7Tallroader said, if you don't have any leaks and are getting the 5503 code, then it's your pump.
Replaced the air pump and the "Visit Workshop" message no longer pops up. So, just as 2.7Tallroader said, if you don't have any leaks and are getting the 5503 code, then it's your pump.
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