HBerman

This seems to be the week for my 2011 E550 to need attention. I got an Airmatic "Malfunction" indicaton this afternoon which didn't clear. I was able to drive the car to the dealer who diagnosed it as a failed compressor. Parts on order now, but I'm driving a 2012 E350 loaner. The compressor may have to be shipped from Germany as there is no stock in the area for the part. In any event, the E350 is not a bad ride for the short term.

hyperion667

lame, sorry to read it H.....
I'm starting to get paranoid!!

enjoy the loaner

steelgrey

I don't know what you did to anger the MB Gods but....I wouldn't do it again. Sorry to hear about your problems. The rotors were bad enough but the Airmatic compressor is too much.

HBerman

I'm not certain. The malfunction first showed up last October, but was cleared without a cause determined. The part finally failed today. Time to think about my next ride. I'm going to order a 2013 BlueTec E350 for delivery in November.

HBerman

Repairs were completed today. The following items were replaced:

220-327-00-00 LINE
002-542-72-19 RELAY
000000-004215 FUSE LINK
212-320-04-04 COMPRESSOR
212-540-63-50 FUSE BOX

Stored code was C156C00 (COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY IS NOT LEAKTIGHT)

Raymond Lee

HBerman
2013 BlueTec? Wow, 2012 BlueTec is already excellent car. I wonder how 2013 is like.

hyperion667

wonder what the tab on that would have been.......

had some air baffles replaced once on an E63......
they said the job would have been a couple thousand.....lol.......
but it was under warrenty

HBerman

I didn't ask, but I bet that it would have been more than $700. The rotors that I got replaced would have been around $600 installed, the wood trim replacement was scoped at $3000. So, I received $4300+ warranty this week. The wood trim repair was flawless. I didn't realize how much the wood had lightened in the 20 months that I had the car. I understand that there were a substantial number of vehicles that had to be repaired (all with burl walnut trim) of 2010 through a portion of 2011.

vettdvr

Welcome to the world of W211 airmatic failures. Check the W211 for issues. Good luck.

K-A

What's the build date on your 2011?

HBerman

6/23/10. The Dealer has the VIN range of all affected vehicles for the fading wood.

K-A

Hmm, wonder if my 3/11 is affected. Keep hearing conflicting stuff.

toban

Well, here we go again with concerns with the airmatic system. My 2012 E550 will be arrive the first week of April. I want the new engine but have been watching very closely over the last few months re comments and problems with this system. I have rolled the dice and ordered one. Everyone loves the ride but I have my fingers crossed the 2012 will have the problems fixed.

Toban

HBerman

When the system works, it's great. However, the failure modes of this system leave a lot to be desired. If a fuse blows for the compressor, a power cable chafes to cause a short circuit, one of the air struts develops a leak, then you are a prime candidate for a flatbed haul into the shop. A much better approach is the one the Cadillac uses with a magentic fluid that can dynamically be modulated to change the ride and handling characteristics. My Volvo wagon years ago had a self leveling hydraulic shock system that would correct the ride height just by driving it. I'll never again get a vehicle with Airmatic suspension system.

Pntblnk

Affected for the fading wood, the airmatic or the rotors? Seems they are owning up to the issues if called on it but not proactively going out to the market for repairs.

HBerman

Fading wood. Not sure about the rotors. The dealer did the work as goodwill repair.

HBerman

LI68.10-P-050415 - 212 burl walnut trim that is fading or discoloring and VIN is between A000988 to A291888 cause inadequate UV protection dealer will replace all trim under warranty.