Robbie Seal

Hi There

Just bought a used 2012 W212 Station Wagon (E200 CGI).
The box I mentioned sitting next to the single exhaust on LH side is badly cracked. It has a hole in it, large enough to insert a finger and crack marks up the side. (My guess is that previous reversed onto a high kerb.)

What is this box? Does the crack or hole in it affect something important? Should it be patched up, replaced, or left alone?

Any advice much appreciated. Thanks!

konigstiger

May be cover to rear air suspension compressor if so, shop part # a2123280086 used or current a2123280486 used/new. There is also panel in that area 480 in diagram.

Robbie Seal

Thanks so much! What a great forum!
It is the air compressor cover, exactly as shown in your photo. There are narrow white plastic hoses coming from the box, which I now understand are airlines to the suspension.
Since the compressor itself is probably quite expensive, and not supposed to get wet, I'll replace the cover ASAP.
Cheers again.
RS

bhpplease

Yes definitely do that.. you also don't want any stones hitting the air fittings and causing a leak. An air leak would be a pain to narrow down.. and if you post about collapsing rear end, people will likely suggest replacing the air spring, which is expensive.

212swe

Good to change it before you got water inside. Mine was damage and as soon got water there i had problem with air the car dropped to the ground. Easy task to DIY

Sleeper Benz

These Air Control (Air-Matic) compressor systems require maintenance from time to time. This is probably not in the manual, but requires replacement of a small air filter on the air intake of the compressor. This self-contained paper element filter is really a gasoline filter repurposed as a compressor air filter by MB. Cheap... under $10 USD.

The compressor body itself has moisture absorbing desiccant pellet chamber. It needs to be disassembled to get at the pellets. These pellets stop absorbing moisture over time and can be removed and "recharged" in an oven or replaced with new. While your replacing the pellets, replace the plastic compressor piston. This comes in a kit form and is not expensive...Under $30 USD.

The rear Airmatic springs are not that expensive from ARNOTT. $200 USD a piece. Going to be replacing ours DIY at 80K miles due to a slow leak down on the right side. I've done them on our E500 4-Matic without issue. Will report how it goes on the W212 Estate later.