E550 Sinking
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 49
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From: NJ
'14 SL550 '12 e550, X5 5.0i
E550 Sinking
This morning I noticed that my car is sinking and almost touching the tires on all 4. I was away for 2 weeks, so the car had not been driven at all. Is it possible not driving the car for a long time caused this or should I have the service center take a look? Also, when I turned the car on this morning, it gave a sign that said something like "car is rising", but now again the car is back to sinking on the tires. Has anybody else ever have this happen? 
I will try to add pictures in the morning to show the problem.
I will try to add pictures in the morning to show the problem.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
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From: Placitas, NM
E550
I've had the same problem with my 2011 E550. Rear end sinking overnight, wheels all the way up in the wells, "Car rising" message on start up.
The car is currently in the dealer shop. Service writer says they are replacing the "air bag." Don't have parts so it will be there until Wednesday, at least.
Disappointing with a one year old car with 14,500 miles.
Mine is not a 4Matic.
The car is currently in the dealer shop. Service writer says they are replacing the "air bag." Don't have parts so it will be there until Wednesday, at least.
Disappointing with a one year old car with 14,500 miles.
Mine is not a 4Matic.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
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2011 E550, 2018 Land Cruiser, 1966 Vette
Search the forum for "Airmatic" and you will see it's not uncommon. I had my "airbags" replaced last month and no issues since. When I took it to the dealer, there were no codes so they had to keep it overnight to get that sinking feeling for themselves. My dealer did not have the parts in stock either so there was a bit of a delay there as well.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 422
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From: Lafayette, LA
2011 E550
i had the same issue, they fixed it twice. First time, didn't work, then 2nd it did. now it's doing it again...been meaning to bring it back...but gotta remove the aftermarket lowering links first..hehe
MBWorld God!
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...-warranty.html
I had a sinking issue too.......air baffles were the culprit.....supposedly
I had a sinking issue too.......air baffles were the culprit.....supposedly
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Wow, didn't know so many new-E owners were having this issue. M-B just can't get the Airmatic to be anything near glitch-free, even over a decade after its introduction.
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2011 E550, 2018 Land Cruiser, 1966 Vette
After mine were replaced ~6 weeks ago, it definitely makes a different sound when the air escapes. Before, when you'd exited the car, it would make several sort of soft whooshing sounds as the suspension adjusted. Now, with the replacement "airbags", the sound is more forceful and louder too, but of a shorter duration. Sounds more like an 18-wheeler now!
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Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Minnesota
S212 2011 Wagon and Wife's 2014 C350 sedan.
It appears the bug has hit my car.
I noticed it last week, measured the car when I got out and the next morning it was two inches lower. Took it to the dealer today and they confirmed the rear air suspension needed to be replaced. No codes or warning signs given.
None in stock and on back order. They are not sure when parts will be available.
Dealer said this was the first one he had seen. I doubt it!
Will see how long it takes.
Cheers
I noticed it last week, measured the car when I got out and the next morning it was two inches lower. Took it to the dealer today and they confirmed the rear air suspension needed to be replaced. No codes or warning signs given.
None in stock and on back order. They are not sure when parts will be available.
Dealer said this was the first one he had seen. I doubt it!
Will see how long it takes.
Cheers
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Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Florida
2019 CLS450 4 Matic 2011 E550
After mine were replaced ~6 weeks ago, it definitely makes a different sound when the air escapes. Before, when you'd exited the car, it would make several sort of soft whooshing sounds as the suspension adjusted. Now, with the replacement "airbags", the sound is more forceful and louder too, but of a shorter duration. Sounds more like an 18-wheeler now!
Mine makes the same sound when I exit the car. Sounds like a mac truck...lol Hopefully I won't have the airmatic issue in the future. Mine has a very late 11 build date. One of the last ones before the new motor was introduced, so it has some 12 features.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I've been having the same issue. Every now and then I get the "wait, car rising" message. It takes maybe 15 seconds to rise. Then all appears to be normal. I haven't gotten around to asking my dealer if there is a problem. For those who have had the issue addressed, does the suspension feel any better after repair? Or no difference. Thanks. Ned.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
MB has always had issues with their adjustable suspensions. My 300 would often sit on the wheels. The doorlocks didn't even work as they were hydraulic as well.
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From: New York
2011 E550 Sedan
I've been having the same issue. Every now and then I get the "wait, car rising" message. It takes maybe 15 seconds to rise. Then all appears to be normal. I haven't gotten around to asking my dealer if there is a problem. For those who have had the issue addressed, does the suspension feel any better after repair? Or no difference. Thanks. Ned.
Now I have to figure out how to make the damn transmission from defaulting back to E every morning. I want it to stay in S.
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From: Saskatchewan
1969 280S, 1991 300E
The problem will start with one of the "airbags", but if it goes unnoticed for too long, it will burn out the compressor too.
Generally, when one of them leaks, it's not something that stops you from driving it until the part comes in.
It's just like anything complicated...there's more to go wrong than astandard suspension. But i would take Airmatic every time if i have a choice over standard shocks/springs.
Generally, when one of them leaks, it's not something that stops you from driving it until the part comes in.
It's just like anything complicated...there's more to go wrong than astandard suspension. But i would take Airmatic every time if i have a choice over standard shocks/springs.
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From: Paradise
w212 E550
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From: New York
2011 E550 Sedan
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From: So. Cal.
Current: 2011 W212 Previous: 2008 W211 2006 550 2001 Rover 1997 W210
There are even other members of this forum that go out of their way to replace the airmatic w/ a coilover conversion that costs a decent chunk of change rather than replacing an airmatic.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Agreed with the above. ^^
As a long term buyer, I'd NEVER choose Airmatic, just not worth it to me. As a Leaser, sure, but it can be a headache still.
When they start going bad, it can be a continuous issue, and very costly indeed. Not to mention, I see lots of Airmatic cars with slightly tilted stances, i.e one side is lower than the other (side to side).
I had ABC on my S500, which is far superior suspension system than Airmatic, is far more complex, and far more (read: dangerously) expensive to maintain. I saw my car sagging on one side, and even though I got it checked out and everything was apparently okay, I got rid of it right away.
As a long term buyer, I'd NEVER choose Airmatic, just not worth it to me. As a Leaser, sure, but it can be a headache still.
When they start going bad, it can be a continuous issue, and very costly indeed. Not to mention, I see lots of Airmatic cars with slightly tilted stances, i.e one side is lower than the other (side to side).
I had ABC on my S500, which is far superior suspension system than Airmatic, is far more complex, and far more (read: dangerously) expensive to maintain. I saw my car sagging on one side, and even though I got it checked out and everything was apparently okay, I got rid of it right away.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 49
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From: NJ
'14 SL550 '12 e550, X5 5.0i
Sorry, I was busy lately and didn't get a chance to post here. The service center people made a big deal out of the situation and had my car immediately towed from my house. They confirmed there was a small leak in these "air bags" and ordered the part, so it should be fixed this week. I am quite disappointed that the car is having these problems after 2 months and 2300 miles…
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I think the average "oh sh**" situation for an Airmatic repair is around $1,500 to $3K. It can get much worse, but I doubt you can have a serious Airmatic issue that wouldn't cost around $1,500, or maybe around $600 if it's less serious
ABC on the other hand can get even more expensive, but is even more rewarding. This is a big reason as to why the resale value of the 00 generation CL's tanked to nothing, as nobody wants to touch them after Warranty (they come with ABC Suspension).
ABC on the other hand can get even more expensive, but is even more rewarding. This is a big reason as to why the resale value of the 00 generation CL's tanked to nothing, as nobody wants to touch them after Warranty (they come with ABC Suspension).
Junior Member
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2011 E550, 2018 Land Cruiser, 1966 Vette
I've been having the same issue. Every now and then I get the "wait, car rising" message. It takes maybe 15 seconds to rise. Then all appears to be normal. I haven't gotten around to asking my dealer if there is a problem. For those who have had the issue addressed, does the suspension feel any better after repair? Or no difference. Thanks. Ned.
The car feels more planted after the replacement of entire shock assembly. I no longer get the "car is rising" every morning and car is at the same level from how i left it at night to the following day.
Now I have to figure out how to make the damn transmission from defaulting back to E every morning. I want it to stay in S.
Now I have to figure out how to make the damn transmission from defaulting back to E every morning. I want it to stay in S.
I personally like the Airmatic. The ability to change from sport to comfort is a real advantage and I think it's effective too. I see people posting here mulling about whether to go with the sport or lux 350 and am glad I'm not locked in to one or the other.
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From: Placitas, NM
E550
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
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2011 E550, 2018 Land Cruiser, 1966 Vette
But both my wife and I, now in our mid-50s, are certainly enjoying the ride and leave it in comfort mode the majority of the time. Couldn't have told us that 30 years ago when we were bombing around in our RX-7!
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From: New York
2011 E550 Sedan
All types of roads and turns. From well paved roads, bumpy roads, speed bumps, to twisties. I feel more body roll in comfort than in sport.
I purchased the E as a long term car and even with my 5 year old SLK with normal springs it showed deterioration throughout. Hence with cars like these if you want to own it past 4 years or 50,000 miles then the MB ELW is a must or else find a great indy shop, which is NY is hard to find.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I finally got around to taking my e550 in to get the rear airshocks checked due to sinking over night. They observed the same issue after the car sat over night and will be replacing the rear airshocks. It appears that Mercedes is aware of this issue since there was a measurement protocall in place if car sank by a certain amount. Hope this fixes the problem. Regards. Ned.
