2011 E350 wagon rear end dropping after parking
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'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
2011 E350 wagon rear end dropping after parking
2011 E350 4matic wagon, yet another "common" problem... came out this morning and noticed rear end had dropped on the passenger side. Start the car up, compressor kicks in and raises the rear end. Did a quick search, found a bulletin (LI32.22-P-048597) regarding checking for leaks and priced out a set of Arnott air springs (just in case).
Long story short, I started power-washing the rear fender wells and was going to start identifying the various components and apply leak detector. After spraying both fender wells with water, I heard a hissing... however it sounded like it was coming from the driver's side. Turns out the nylon line running behind a heatshield on the driver's side must have a pinhole leak where it rubbed against the body.
So for the short term, I need to cut out the section of line, replace it and use two unions. I hoped I might be able to cut the line right at the pinhole and just apply a single union, however its right at a bend in the line (tight to body). Mercedes unions are ~ $70 each and I'd need two. The correct repair (longterm, down the road) will be to replace both lines from valve body to air springs (likely when the air springs finally go).
Any suitable alternatives to the Mercedes union... would a pushlock 4 mm union work? Operation pressure of system? Operating temp? I see a plastic union from Grainger that's a few bucks (14 psi, 23-140* F).
Long story short, I started power-washing the rear fender wells and was going to start identifying the various components and apply leak detector. After spraying both fender wells with water, I heard a hissing... however it sounded like it was coming from the driver's side. Turns out the nylon line running behind a heatshield on the driver's side must have a pinhole leak where it rubbed against the body.
So for the short term, I need to cut out the section of line, replace it and use two unions. I hoped I might be able to cut the line right at the pinhole and just apply a single union, however its right at a bend in the line (tight to body). Mercedes unions are ~ $70 each and I'd need two. The correct repair (longterm, down the road) will be to replace both lines from valve body to air springs (likely when the air springs finally go).
Any suitable alternatives to the Mercedes union... would a pushlock 4 mm union work? Operation pressure of system? Operating temp? I see a plastic union from Grainger that's a few bucks (14 psi, 23-140* F).
Last edited by bmwpowere36m3; Jul 5, 2020 at 09:04 PM. Reason: spelling
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
You should get a copy of the WIS/EPC so you can look up the part numbers. Once you have the part numbers you can see if it's cheaper to just get the right part. There's lots of MB dealers that will sell parts online for 25-30% off list price, all you have to do is google the part number you're looking for. You can pick up a knock off copy of EPC on eBay for around $10.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Latest-2019-Mercedes-WIS-ASRA-EPC-Service-Repair-Workshop-Manual-Full-version/123679649919
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Latest-2019-Mercedes-WIS-ASRA-EPC-Service-Repair-Workshop-Manual-Full-version/123679649919
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 1,012
'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
You should get a copy of the WIS/EPC so you can look up the part numbers. Once you have the part numbers you can see if it's cheaper to just get the right part. There's lots of MB dealers that will sell parts online for 25-30% off list price, all you have to do is google the part number you're looking for. You can pick up a knock off copy of EPC on eBay for around $10.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Latest-2019-Mercedes-WIS-ASRA-EPC-Service-Repair-Workshop-Manual-Full-version/123679649919
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Latest-2019-Mercedes-WIS-ASRA-EPC-Service-Repair-Workshop-Manual-Full-version/123679649919
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 1,012
'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
Searched in EPC, doesn't appear pre-terminated lines are offered for the air springs (from valve body). Only "repair" lines (1520mm in length), which need to be terminated are listed. Maybe the line from the compressor to the valve body is terminated because it lacks notes referring to repair and connectors.
Rethinking, I'm just going to replace the entire line and order the repair line (A 220 327 10 45) and connectors (A 000 327 00 69). The replacement connectors appear to be push-lok, so easier to install than the original compression/ferule connector.
Rethinking, I'm just going to replace the entire line and order the repair line (A 220 327 10 45) and connectors (A 000 327 00 69). The replacement connectors appear to be push-lok, so easier to install than the original compression/ferule connector.
