e500 wagon - tailgate won't stay open after air suspension work
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 35
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2006 E500 Wagon
e500 wagon - tailgate won't stay open after air suspension work
Hi folks....a bit of background first. We just picked up our 2006 e500 4matic wagon from the dealer where it had the entire air suspension system replaced with OEM parts all around. Compressor and valve block were replaced as part of the job. The rear subframe had to be dropped to install the rear air bags.
Here's the weird issue we're having. When we returned home and opened the tailgate, it would not stay open. We do not have the power tailgate option. As far as I know, the lift is controlled by two gas struts. We've never had an issue and it was working perfectly before we took it in for the suspension work. I will be contacting the dealer tomorrow, but I was just reaching out here to see if anyone can think of a reason why this issue would occur during the work they did.....I find it very hard to believe it's just a coincidence.
Any insight would be appreciated. Hoping it's something simple. Thanks.
Here's the weird issue we're having. When we returned home and opened the tailgate, it would not stay open. We do not have the power tailgate option. As far as I know, the lift is controlled by two gas struts. We've never had an issue and it was working perfectly before we took it in for the suspension work. I will be contacting the dealer tomorrow, but I was just reaching out here to see if anyone can think of a reason why this issue would occur during the work they did.....I find it very hard to believe it's just a coincidence.
Any insight would be appreciated. Hoping it's something simple. Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 528
Likes: 157
2006 E280
Probably just a coincidence. Two gas struts, one of them fails and the gate won't stay up anymore.
But I'm curious, why did they drop the subframe? I replaced both rear bags on my S211 few months ago, took me about 2,5 hrs (includes chit-chat with a friend who drove by and couple unnecessary things I did) and I didn't need to take off any additional parts.
But I'm curious, why did they drop the subframe? I replaced both rear bags on my S211 few months ago, took me about 2,5 hrs (includes chit-chat with a friend who drove by and couple unnecessary things I did) and I didn't need to take off any additional parts.
Last edited by Heguli; Aug 28, 2025 at 03:59 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
2006 E500 Wagon
I'm assuming you disconnected the hose that goes to the air chamber in the center of the subframe? We replaced the bag and the air chamber. No way to do that without dropping the subframe.
Also, were your new airbags OEM (Bilstein)? I thought they came with the air chamber attached....mine did.
Also, were your new airbags OEM (Bilstein)? I thought they came with the air chamber attached....mine did.
Last edited by RCRoane; Aug 28, 2025 at 07:37 AM.
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
I'm assuming you disconnected the hose that goes to the air chamber in the center of the subframe? We replaced the bag and the air chamber. No way to do that without dropping the subframe.
Also, were your new airbags OEM (Bilstein)? I thought they came with the air chamber attached....mine did.
Also, were your new airbags OEM (Bilstein)? I thought they came with the air chamber attached....mine did.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 528
Likes: 157
2006 E280
I'm assuming you disconnected the hose that goes to the air chamber in the center of the subframe? We replaced the bag and the air chamber. No way to do that without dropping the subframe.
Also, were your new airbags OEM (Bilstein)? I thought they came with the air chamber attached....mine did.
Also, were your new airbags OEM (Bilstein)? I thought they came with the air chamber attached....mine did.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
2006 E500 Wagon
Update....picked up a pair of Stabilus tailgate struts from FCP Euro ($128 for the pair). Dealer has agreed to install them at no charge (no doubt because we spent a small fortune on the Airmatic suspension work!).
Last edited by RCRoane; Sep 2, 2025 at 08:53 PM.
