E-Class (W213) 2016 - 2023

Air suspension strut recall

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Old 09-16-2018, 04:01 PM
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Air suspension strut recall

I went to my 20k service and was informed that there is a recall on essentially all recent e class air struts. My dealer told me they would give me a call when mine arrive at the dealership. I haven't had any issues but I'm glad MB is being proactive.
Old 09-17-2018, 08:52 AM
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E92 M3, AMG E43
My right front strut failed the day before the scheduled replacement. Good thing I was parking my car..
Old 09-17-2018, 09:11 AM
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what exactly is the problem?
I have air suspension and recently started to notice a noise left/front, mainly when driving over dirt roads.
it sounds like something is loose. car handles fine though.
Old 09-17-2018, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Egonvdv
what exactly is the problem?
I have air suspension and recently started to notice a noise left/front, mainly when driving over dirt roads.
it sounds like something is loose. car handles fine though.
My SA didn't tell me much, but when it failed my vehicle's ride height rising function wouldn't work and my fender sat on my wheels so it is most likely bad seals causing air leak.
I wouldn't advise driving when this happens because your damper's air compressor could also overheat due to leaking system.
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Old 09-17-2018, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by kyrix1st
My SA didn't tell me much, but when it failed my vehicle's ride height rising function wouldn't work and my fender sat on my wheels so it is most likely bad seals causing air leak.
I wouldn't advise driving when this happens because your damper's air compressor could also overheat due to leaking system.
I was quoted a manufacturing defect, the seals issue sounds correct.
Old 09-17-2018, 11:30 AM
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I assume the 2019s already have the fix or redesigned struts?
Old 09-17-2018, 12:38 PM
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This may explain why near the end of MY18, MB no longer allowed the sale of air struts on the E class.
Old 09-17-2018, 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
This may explain why near the end of MY18, MB no longer allowed the sale of air struts on the E class.
I have air body control on my 2019 E450
Old 09-17-2018, 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by sackboydad

I have air body control on my 2019 E450

No doubt, but towards the end of MY18 E class sales, it was not possible to buy air suspension. How do I know this? I tried, and as a result of not being able to order it with air suspension, I backed away.
Old 09-17-2018, 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
No doubt, but towards the end of MY18 E class sales, it was not possible to buy air suspension. How do I know this? I tried, and as a result of not being able to order it with air suspension, I backed away.
this is purely my speculation.... if it had been a defect discovered, cars with air body would not have been allowed to leave the VPC. I also saw that a month or so ago, ABC became constrained on ordering. There are many reports of whole groups of cars sitting at the VPC for months because of a defect that MB was working to fix and they wouldn’t let them leave until it was
Old 09-18-2018, 06:23 AM
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I find it remarkable that apparently not all e-class drivers with air suspension have received notice for this recall. Here in Europe no participants from a big German MB-forum have heard of such a recall (yet).

@c4004matic and @kyrix1st: I notice that you both drive an E43 AMG. correct? Maybe this particular configuration has this problem?
Old 09-18-2018, 10:15 AM
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...21 GLE53 24 GLE53
My car is a E43 and is not part of the recall.
Old 09-18-2018, 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by petee1997
My car is a E43 and is not part of the recall.
service depot just inquired about my car. No recalls on 2019 air struts
Old 09-18-2018, 10:38 AM
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E43 air struts are not the same as those on the E300/400 AFAIK.
Old 09-18-2018, 10:43 AM
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2017-2018 213 (E) & 253 (GLC) front air suspension strut may not meet current production specifications, dealer will replace. Approximately 1,339 vehicles affected. Have dealer check VMI to see if your VIN is included. See attachment.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
2017120010.pdf (191.8 KB, 457 views)
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Old 09-18-2018, 11:01 AM
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WOW. 98% expected replacement rate.

FFS.

Based on this info, I guess the S class uses a different strut altogether.
Old 09-18-2018, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
WOW. 98% expected replacement rate.

FFS.

Based on this info, I guess the S class uses a different strut altogether.
"Approximately 1339 vehicles are affected. "

Old 09-18-2018, 10:04 PM
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Since the 2000’s I’ve seen people driving around with the front/back end sitting on ground due to air suspension problems. And when you go to get it replaced to get quoted 1k people get pissed and sell the car.

Idk what I would do if I had an out of warranty part like that fail

ive seen YouTube videos of people replacing older MB’s air suspension with steel springs. I would consider it if it happened
Old 09-20-2018, 02:06 PM
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The older air suspensions are known for their vulnerability and chance of high maintenance costs. But that is not always the case. I have driven a E 320 W211 with air suspension for 10 years and 160.000 km without any problems and zero maintenance costs for the suspension.
Old 09-20-2018, 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Haag
The older air suspensions are known for their vulnerability and chance of high maintenance costs. But that is not always the case. I have driven a E 320 W211 with air suspension for 10 years and 160.000 km without any problems and zero maintenance costs for the suspension.
My 2003 W211 (E500) air suspension broke its internal seals on 2 corners at 30k miles and 4+ years of age (no warranty). Repair was about $2,000 per strut including labor ($4,000 total).
Old 09-20-2018, 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by ua549
My 2003 W211 (E500) air suspension broke its internal seals on 2 corners at 30k miles and 4+ years of age (no warranty).
Wow, that's very soon. Did you not get any leniency from the dealer for part of the costs?
Old 09-20-2018, 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Haag
Wow, that's very soon. Did you not get any leniency from the dealer for part of the costs?
No, I had to pay the full amount. This was not from my regular dealer as I was traveling. I tried to get a reasonable trade-in, but couldn't so I sold the car and ordered a BMW 535i before flying home to Clearwater.
Old 09-23-2018, 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
No doubt, but towards the end of MY18 E class sales, it was not possible to buy air suspension. How do I know this? I tried, and as a result of not being able to order it with air suspension, I backed away.
This probably explains why MB asked me if i wanted my car built with steel (on spec lockoput day) or have a 6 week delay. Since I'd been waiting for 4 months for a widescreen display and in UK I couldn't have nappa Leather unless I had airsuspension (yes MB UK really are that restrictive for MY19) I have waited. Car built on 3 Sep 18 so on its way to me now.
Old 09-24-2018, 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Bfgslkman
This probably explains why MB asked me if i wanted my car built with steel (on spec lockoput day) or have a 6 week delay. Since I'd been waiting for 4 months for a widescreen display and in UK I couldn't have nappa Leather unless I had airsuspension (yes MB UK really are that restrictive for MY19) I have waited. Car built on 3 Sep 18 so on its way to me now.
both worth the wait😉
Old 09-25-2018, 05:27 AM
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Couldn't agree more..

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