w212 2010 550 4matic Airmatic Malfunction Issue
 

First time on here. I recent purchased a 2010 e550 4matic with 70k on it and love the car. That being said I know I was going to have issues and would work on what repairs I can myself. The issue that recent occurred was the dreaded Malfunction Error for the airmatic suspension. When I purchased the car they told me the front suspension was replaced with new bags and looking at the car it seems to be level and not sagging. The air compressor is not turning on as it used to, so I assume it may be the compressor or the the relay. I checked the fuses in the front and in the trunk and they appear to be ok. Would my next course of action be to just replace the relay before purchasing a new compressor? or would it be prudent just to replace the compressor as well?

I dont feel there is a leak in the suspension due to the lack of sagging. I did notice when I purchased the car that the compressor would go on when I started the car and was not constantly running. Any thoughts to help this novice diagnose the issue?

First thing to do, if you're getting an error is to get an error code scan on it. Either buy your own scanner or get the car to a reputable mechanic to run it.

Does it have to be a specific scanner with certain features or does a generic OBDII scanner work for MB? Sorry if its a ridiculous question. For example I can get a cheap one such as

Some good reading:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ner-again.html

The short answer is different scanners will provider you with different functionality and different info. Two of the more recommended scanners seem to be Konnwei KW850 and iCarsoft.

Thank you for the resource. After reviewing I decided to go with the BAFX Bluetooth reader and will download most likely TorquePro. I should get it tomorrow and report back with results.

Airmatic Malfunction warning is usually regarding the compressor, most likely it cannot reach the 14bar within the 30 second windows, either because it's worn out or the pressure release valve cannot hold 14 bar. These newer style compressors with the soft membrane piston rings last a lot longer than the old style with the plastic rings, so I would say it's probably the pressure release valve not holding. You can get a pressure release valve for around 40-50 bux off Aliexpress, but do your due diligence and test for it before you start ordering parts.

an OBD2 reader is not going to tell you jack-shizz about airmatic fault codes... Get at least an Autel or Launch basic model.

Hi, I jacked my car today to check rear sway bar link and when I put car back down it lowered and will not raise, getting a malfunction code and compressor shuts down, code that shows is compressor reservoir not leak tight and watching the pressure it goes to 7bar then shuts down and pressure drops to zero within 5 seconds. It’s a 2010 e550 and bubble test shows some bubbles leaking from compressor body but just seems weird that it was after jacking car, previously was fine... although been getting periodic malfunction on dash for few months. Anything else it could be besides compressor leak? Level sensors are working. Thanks for any insight.