Airmatic
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Austin, TX
2012 CL550
Airmatic
I've noticed the airmatic system works inconsistently when the car is off. For example, when I park the car and get out sometimes it lowers itself and other times it doesn't. I usually keep it in Sport 1 mode, but can find no consistency regardless of the setting when I exit the car. On several occasions I have gone to the garage to get something from the car from 30 minutes to 2 hours after it is turned off. When I open the door (front or back) it decides to lower even when I don't get in or start it. Also inconsistent.
Another oddity; I have a steep driveway and I've parked it on the slope 3 times for loading/unloading before going into the garage. On all 3 occasions I applied the parking brake. All 3 times the right rear side was very low, and it didn't matter which direction the car pointed (up or down the slope). Also, when parked in the garage I've notice the right rear sits lower sometimes. I've measured this using a level to make sure I'm not crazy. The garage floor slopes very slightly to the left and the car sits unlevel to the right, when looking at it from the rear. I swear it's not an optical illusion.
Another oddity; I have a steep driveway and I've parked it on the slope 3 times for loading/unloading before going into the garage. On all 3 occasions I applied the parking brake. All 3 times the right rear side was very low, and it didn't matter which direction the car pointed (up or down the slope). Also, when parked in the garage I've notice the right rear sits lower sometimes. I've measured this using a level to make sure I'm not crazy. The garage floor slopes very slightly to the left and the car sits unlevel to the right, when looking at it from the rear. I swear it's not an optical illusion.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Paris
2003 E 500 - Full option
My E 500 also levels to try to remain horizontal when I park it on the sidewalk to open the garage door. You can ear the shocks purging air.
When I unload the trunck if heavily loaded, the rear lifts. It only adjust back to normal if I open a door afterward.
Conclusion: it looks that the airmatic sometimes adapt on the spot and sometimes with delay.
When I unload the trunck if heavily loaded, the rear lifts. It only adjust back to normal if I open a door afterward.
Conclusion: it looks that the airmatic sometimes adapt on the spot and sometimes with delay.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
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From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
You might want to read the entire set of pages in the e-learning section, but here's just a sample of what goes on with Airmatic (SAS as they call it):
Wake-up Function
— if level is >30mm lower than normal (0mm +/-10) it will raise to normal level
(if reservoir pressure >11 bar)
— if level is >65mm lower than normal, it will be raised even with a reservoir
pressure of <11 bar by the compressor (prerequisite battery voltage >12.5v)
to -63mm (critical level)
— if level is >10mm higher than normal, it will be lowered to normal
Normal Function (engine running)
— level will be corrected if level deviates >10mm after opening a door or trunk
— while driving, the vehicle level will adjust if deviation >20mm
— while driving, every 15 minutes the level is adjusted to within +/- 10mm of
normal ride height
Locking Function
— if wheels are unloaded when vehicle stationary, strut valves remain closed
The entire series starts at: http://www.mbusalearning.com/w211ele.../sas/index.htm
There are 34 pages of additional tech info in the drop down list.
Wake-up Function
— if level is >30mm lower than normal (0mm +/-10) it will raise to normal level
(if reservoir pressure >11 bar)
— if level is >65mm lower than normal, it will be raised even with a reservoir
pressure of <11 bar by the compressor (prerequisite battery voltage >12.5v)
to -63mm (critical level)
— if level is >10mm higher than normal, it will be lowered to normal
Normal Function (engine running)
— level will be corrected if level deviates >10mm after opening a door or trunk
— while driving, the vehicle level will adjust if deviation >20mm
— while driving, every 15 minutes the level is adjusted to within +/- 10mm of
normal ride height
Locking Function
— if wheels are unloaded when vehicle stationary, strut valves remain closed
The entire series starts at: http://www.mbusalearning.com/w211ele.../sas/index.htm
There are 34 pages of additional tech info in the drop down list.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 145
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mallard
On all 3 occasions I applied the parking brake. All 3 times the right rear side was very low, and it didn't matter which direction the car pointed (up or down the slope). Also, when parked in the garage I've notice the right rear sits lower sometimes. I've measured this using a level to make sure I'm not crazy. The garage floor slopes very slightly to the left and the car sits unlevel to the right, when looking at it from the rear. I swear it's not an optical illusion.
I guess I will have to add this bit of information to my list regarding Airmatic DC when I visit my dealer after the holidays. I still feel that the Airmatic DC system does not provide the same level of distinct difference from Comfort to Sport I or II that I found on my original E500. In fact I can feel no difference at all from one setting to the next. Perhaps their is some connection between that and what I saw this afternoon. I have no Malfunctions displayed.
Has anyone else noticed either of these issues in either a replacement E500 Sport or perhaos in a late 2003 or 2004 E500?
