pmb600

It's normal for the AIRMATIC to settle after locking the car a bit, but when it sinks that much then something is wrong. I think it is commong for dirt or particles to get into the valve and then it can't close so the bellows keep losing air.

ngerstman

They replaced the rear airshocks and after sitting over night at the dealership, they tell me it did not sink. I will report back after I get the car back and have it for a few days. Regards. Ned.

Arrie

Guess you can welcome me to the group. My car is now sinking in the rear. It did it once before after sittiong for 10 days. It looked like the right rear went down as the left side was staying higher.

Then earlier this week both sides in rear went down after two days of sitting in an airport garage. A day after that it did not sink but today both sides in rear went all the way down after sitting only for about 40 minutes. Now it has been ok for a few hours but it seems the left side is higher than righ. I'll take it to the dealer next week.

konigstiger

Reference bulletin LI32.22-P-048597 – vehicle drops at rear axle. Dealer should perform all leak tests for Airmatic using DAS “following instructions exactly”, and perform compressor test using DAS.

If tests produce no findings, measure vehicle level at the rear axle on left and right from the wheel center to the fender. Leave the vehicle standing overnight and next day check the vehicle level at both wheels. If the vehicle level has dropped by more than 20 mm, the corresponding air suspension element must be replaced. If the vehicle level on both sides has dropped by more than 20 mm, both air suspension elements on the rear axle must be replaced.

Arrie

Thanks königstiger !!

ngerstman

How many miles do you have on that 1971 Pinto? A classic!! Regards. Ned.

ngerstman

As Konigstiger said, my invoice says that my car failed the 20mm test on both sides after sitting over night. I picked it up yesterday and no sinking this morning. It was cold last night as well so that's a good sign. It seemed to sink more in the cold weather, I guess the seals that are leaking contract more. I don't yet have an opinion if the car drives any better. Regards. Ned.

ngerstman

The car definitely drives better with the new rear air shocks. I wasn't sure this was going to be the case, as the compressor seemed to keep the car at the right height. But the ride seems better, not as harsh over rough roads and just more comfortable. So any of you e550 owners out there should pay attention to this sinking issue and get it fixed. Don't assume that it is normal for the car to be lower after sitting over night even if the compressor then kicks in to raise it!!! It may become a TSB issue as opposed to a recall, which means they won't fix it until you ask them to. Regards. Ned.

toban

Okay, so after all this conversation about the airmatic, what's the bottom line here on this system?

I have a 2012 E550 4Matic on order. The service magr told me after a long conversation about this subject the following:

The airmatic system was problematic with the "s" series back in the early 2000's being 2000-2005-6. He told me he has not had any problems with the system at all to speak of and he felt comfortable in purchasing a car with this installed. Where I live gets very cold weather. he said in the last couple of years he has not had an cars in for problems at all.

So, what the parameter for this system. Does it work or not? If there has been all kinds of problems and big time warranty claims to MB, why would they not fix the concerns?

Is there a minimum standard of performance with this system I.E. in 1 week it is acceptable for the car to drop so many mm's?

I look forward to some responses with interest.

Toban

Mad Dawg 350

Having read about the problems the airmatic is having, and has had on previous W220 and W211 models, I personally would not get a MB with it. The headaches/expense associated with the repairs is just not worth it.

After all these years, why MB hasn't designed a reliable air suspension is beyond me.

emilner

For those who remember I had major issues with my 2010 E550 getting slammed when it sat for 2 days. In the end my car was lemoned:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...t-purpose.html

They really need to fix this!

Live Oak

What were the terms and conditions of the lemon deal? Refund with mileage adjustment? Full refund? Replacement with identical car? Or were there compromises?

Thanks,

ImInPA

The answer to your question is this:

Some folks, in fact quite probably the vast majority have no problems with airmatic. There are some that have bad parts, as this can happen with a bad run from a supplier. Keep in mind, forums tend to attract enthusiasts, folks looking for answers to problems, and folks looking for general information, perhaps to help make a purchasing decision. Of course there are other but those are the main groups. That said, in a forum you will likely see several users with a common complaint. When you think of the number of individuals on the forums complaining compared to the total number of vehicles out there, it is not a representative sample. It is a Mercedes. If your car sinks, they wil replace the suspension. If it sinks again, they will fix it again. It does not seem to be an issue that effects the drivability. after the second fix, it is likely you can request an extended warranty on just those failing parts from the regional office. I had an issue with an Acura. The parking brake would loosen over time and would not support the car on an incline. It was replaced half a dozen times. After talking with the regional manager, he arranged for the parts to be replaced at every service. Eventually, they finally figured it out and a permanent replacement was installed. These are weird issues and probably not as wide spread as the boards can make them seem. That said, there is smoke, so there could be fire. Be cautious, but not OCD about it. If the car make you smile just get it. It is after all only a car, and, I am pretty sure they are gonna make a lot more of them.

emilner

I received a refund of all interest paid and taxes, I put virtually nothing out of pocket so there was not much money to get back. There was no mileage adjustment. I think they made it quick and easy since I was getting another MB...

ngerstman

What do mean by slammed? Thanks. Ned.

emilner

Clicky the linky...

Arrie

Both rear air springs were replaced. New springs have a new design clamp or something so hopefully it will be better than the original.

Live Oak

That's what they told me when they kept my car for 10 days waiting for the parts from Germany. Something about attachment parts.

We'll see . . . .

Arrie

10 days? My parts came the next day. The fix was three days because when the new springs came they realized they need new clamps or what ever "attachment parts" and it took another day to get those in. Guess they have the parts now in the country now?

BM2BZ

i don't think my car has this issue but like some members mentioned the ride quality from this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...rly-stiff.html. like what ned said, it may become a TSB issue as opposed to a recall, which means they won't fix it until you ask them to. so is there a way to have them change the shocks under warranty even mine isn't sinking ?

oggie

My rear airmatics are being replaced. I have about 10,000km on the car. I am picking up the car tomorrow after they had it for three days.

Rodriqua

I seem to have that sinking issue too. I told my service advisor and I am bringing it in to him tomorrow. He also wants to change out all the wood trim in my car. He says there is also a TSB that they have been fading out and wants to replace it before it starts to fade. I hope he doesn't keep my car for too long.

K-A

Can you ask him what build dates that affects? I kept hearing that 2011's weren't supposed to be affected but now some 2011's are saying that their cars are possibly affected.

oggie

Got my car back from the dealer after the rear airmatics were replaced. It seemed to ride nicer now. I just can't explained it. Furthermore, my ECU software must have been updated because my car seemed to have better throttle response now. Hmmm. I have two improvements after service. However, crappy Continentials are still having vibration issues at high speed. Hopping my dealer will switch my brand of tires to something else. I just have to wait and see.

Rodriqua

I asked him, but he said he did not know. I am just anxious to get my car back for the weekend.