kotton

I have to tag this thread for later. I have the airmatic sport suspension on my '11 e550, but 0 issues so far since I purchased it new. I do have the extended warranty so hopefully if it does happen it would be covered.

ddeliber

Holey chit! Not even one bolt to remove an air spring! Just one nut on the compression fitting for the air line otherwise you don't even need a wrench. Clip on springs, gotta love that. It appears to be harder to take off the wheel.

The big question I have is why does this cost north of $700 in labor to do at the dealer? Not mine mind you, 2nd hand info from a friend that had both rears replaced under warranty and that is what she told me from the it would have cost you invoice.

BMWtoAMG

The verdict is in....more difficult than Arnott's instructions, but worth it. Took me about two hours to do the first bag. Never having replaced any kind of air bag I took my time and was careful. Very important to not rip the dust cover. The second bag will go easier. Some tips:


1. Be patient removing and especially installing the new bag. Very fiddly job. It will seem like it can't possibly fit, but does. Be prepared to compress and bend the bag during removal and installation, no way around it without removing components! Arnott's pictures make it look way too easy.


2. I had to chisel away some plastic around the air line screw in order to get a 10 mm wrench on it. You don't need STAR to deflate the bag. Let the air out slowly.


3. The top of the old airbag pulled away easily. The bottom was a different story. If it won't come free, remove the plastic cover for the lower control arm and hammer the bottom of the air bag hard. That will do it

BMWtoAMG

Second bag is in. Took an hour. Have a picture for you all too--what you need to chisel away to get a wrench on the air inlet screw.


One more tip--spray a little PB Blaster around the bottom of the bag and carefully use a large flat head to pry the bag out while hammering the bottom.


Encourage you all to try this, it's a huge money saver. For giggles I got two estimates for labor to replace bags. Average was over $500, and one tried to get an alignment out of it. These were non MB or Euro repair shops too.

KEY08

Nice! Did you have to replace the little brass washer on the air line at the nut? Did you confirm your old bag really did have a leak?

BMWtoAMG

[QUOTE=KEY08;6676202]Nice! Did you have to replace the little brass washer on the air line at the nut? Did you confirm your old bag really did have a leak?[/QUOTE


The brass inlet screw is not used b/c Arnott bags use a locking system for the air line. Push it in until it stops. It will lock into place.


Hearing odd noises from both rear wheels when it suddenly got cold/seeing them on the bump stops the next morning was all I needed. In retrospect I missed some early warning signs like the compressor running more often and the ride height being inconsistent. One day last year I thought it odd on a cold morning to get 'vehicle rising please wait' on startup, but it never reoccurred until now.


It appears this has done the trick. Overnight will tell, but they have not moved in a few hours. No noises, and the compressor runs less. Despite having an extended warranty, in a few months I may proactively replace the fronts with Arnotts. I would imagine the compressor has some premature wear, so thinking about what I'll do when that gives as well.

jahquan3

Good job. This is gold material for any of us who have to do this down the line or even have an indy do it. It'll keep the BS to a minimum with your great feedback on the process. Thx

KEY08

You can buy the compressor from Arnott, but I don't believe they sell the front air strut for the W212. Nice work, once again.

BMWtoAMG

Last night I was searching and reading about older AIRMATIC vehicles having issues with the compressor relay sticking closed and burning out the compressor. Did not find anything specific to W212's.

I looked in EPC, and for the W212 it's right next to the air storage canister in the trunk. Attached is a picture of mine. The gray relay is a Tyco, so I've ordered a Hella.

It also looks like Arnott is developing a remanufactured solution for the fronts as they are buying used cores.

No saggy rear this morning, so thumbs up to the Arnott rear bags

Thanks fellas

The G Man

A saggy rear end is never a good thing

Peter Fan

Stupid question, but I have to ask it nonetheless: is E350 Wagon supposed to release the air pressure and dip a fraction of an inch when you shut it off? I took one today for extended test drive and it did that when I turned it off?

KEY08

It will try to level itself when you turn it off.

BMWtoAMG

I think the answer to your question is yes, but others here no doubt know more than me. Mine does it.

I've been trying to learn exactly how this works, in particular how often the compressor should turn on (algorithm). WIS may not be the right choice for a detailed theory of operation, more how to remove/install.

Peter Fan

Thank you.


So, if I understand you correctly - the system is always pressurized (or it should be if operating normally)?

KEY08

Yes, it is always under pressure. You could walk by the car an hour later and it could fart out a short burst of air or make some other silly noise. These cars are always working.

Peter Fan

Thanks for explaining it. I am not sure I want that on my car; this must kill the battery and whatever compressor is pressurizing the air. I wonder about the long term reliability of the system that is always on.

KEY08

I'm on my second MB with Airmatic and personally love the system. I have had minimal issues since 2004. Tesla also uses the MB Airmatic. A high end car deserves the best suspension, wouldn't you agree?There are other systems that run(headlight fans, HVAC dryers,etc) that run when the car is parked. As I said, these cars are always working when you are sleeping. And yes, like all modern luxury cars, you need a strong battery.

Peter Fan

I agree that they should have the best suspension, as long as it is reliable. Which, it looks like it's a mixed bag. But, I just bought a new 2015 Wagon, so my fingers are crossed now :-)

KEY08

Awesome! Congrats to you. You will love it. On the open highway, there are few cars that can compare to the products that MB builds. They just eat up the miles.

belarus27

Arnott or OEM or any other brands??
i found that Arnott is the best as far as quality and price , beats OEM which is x2 more and quality WE ALL KNOW.
there are some other ones on ebay , but im leaning towards arnott.

Cocca

Hello! Any clue when we can expect the Arnott fronts? Thx!

konigstiger

Doug@arnottinc.com
321-868-3016 X 128 - Direct
800-251-8993 - Toll Free
321-868-3073 – Fax

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