E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

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Old May 9, 2020 | 01:03 PM
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Volkl158's Avatar
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From: SF Bay Area
2008 S550, 2004 E500 4MATIC Sportswagon, 2007 CL600
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Hi everyone.

I've had my 2004 E500 4matic wagon for 11 years. The left rear strut has leaked for all 11 years I've owned it. Recently the right side started leaking down so the car rear end is bottomed out in the back every morning. It still pumps up and clears the warning but obviously the pump is working hard (it was replaced years ago as preventative not due to failure).

BUT! if I leave the car in raised mode it does not leak down and no error code. I'm ok with this until something else breaks. Does anyone have explantation for why it does this and what is the risk?

Can I just replace the original rear struts because they pump up now and the new arnott struts are designed to not leak back out the solenoid valve so that should fix the problem? Mecahinc thinks so..

Note: Before I replaced the air pump in cold weather I'd get a warning message that car was too low but it would clear when the pump turned on. Why that stopped after replacement I'll never know.

Thanks. Love this car. Fantastic ride.
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Old May 9, 2020 | 03:01 PM
  #2  
konigstiger's Avatar
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Leak test line to rear @ valve, rear axle distributor, and struts; check connecting hose (q) to each strut. Probable cause internal failure i.e.: air bellow, valve(s).


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Leaks.pdf (168.5 KB, 132 views)
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rear seat cushion.pdf (124.5 KB, 102 views)
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Old May 9, 2020 | 05:45 PM
  #3  
Volkl158's Avatar
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From: SF Bay Area
2008 S550, 2004 E500 4MATIC Sportswagon, 2007 CL600
Thanks. So if the car does not sag with suspension raised the Y2 valve might be ok?
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Old May 10, 2020 | 12:01 PM
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Matteo Sukic's Avatar
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w211 04 e220
why dont you just simply replace the struts?
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Old May 10, 2020 | 12:58 PM
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Volkl158's Avatar
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From: SF Bay Area
2008 S550, 2004 E500 4MATIC Sportswagon, 2007 CL600
Because it's an old car with lots of little problems that could turn into bigger problems. My question still is, If the car does not leak down when it is in raised mode is it because the Y2 valve in konistiger's diagram is not leaking? Also, is there a problem driving it all the time in raised mode and just letting the auto cancellation work when driving freeway?
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Old May 10, 2020 | 04:34 PM
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Matteo Sukic's Avatar
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w211 04 e220
Originally Posted by Volkl158
Because it's an old car with lots of little problems that could turn into bigger problems. My question still is, If the car does not leak down when it is in raised mode is it because the Y2 valve in konistiger's diagram is not leaking? Also, is there a problem driving it all the time in raised mode and just letting the auto cancellation work when driving freeway?
ofcourse that its a problem the car is not meant to be driven always in raised mode ur wearing out quicker pump front shocks the rear ones are already for replacement maybe the car has now little problems but when this suspension is not fixed in time it will go in very big problems once it goes you will have to fix it for double the money not trying to be smart your car

Last edited by Matteo Sukic; May 10, 2020 at 04:36 PM.
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