AIRMATIC Trouble
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Joined: Nov 2023
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w211 e550 Avantgarde
AIRMATIC Trouble
2009 E550 4matic was dropping in the rear when parked for a couple of days recently. Would usually go back up after the car was started, after that the rear springs wouldn't raise. Removing the negative terminal from the battery and leaving it for 30 or so minutes would fix the issue. The compressor would come back on and reinflate the rear bags and they'd stay normal and rise/drop with the airmatic as expected. This happened a few times and each time I never heard or saw any leaks from the air springs or visible damage/tears. I heard a clicking/knocking sound each time the bags would reinflate after dropping. Now the rear has dropped again but the compressor will not come on even after disconnecting the battery, replacing the fuses, and checking the airmatic relays. The rears are now very low even covering the rear wheels.
Wondering if this is a seized Air Compressor not being able to get the rears inflated, or if the rear bags will also need to be replaced. There would usually appear a malfunction on the dash with an arrow going up through the car when the rears drop and even before while the springs are at normal heights. Dont currently have access to a tool that can read airmatic faults so any help would be appreciated.
Wondering if this is a seized Air Compressor not being able to get the rears inflated, or if the rear bags will also need to be replaced. There would usually appear a malfunction on the dash with an arrow going up through the car when the rears drop and even before while the springs are at normal heights. Dont currently have access to a tool that can read airmatic faults so any help would be appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
You've cooked the compressor. They are not designed to continually inflate the airbags but rather to top up the system. The malfunction arrow on the dash is your compressor overheating. Youve got leaks. Find them first. Soapy water test with bags fully infkated and resting on the weight of the car. You'll need to change your compressor first to do that. Don't get under the car whilst doing it.
