Need Help with Airmatic
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
Need Help with Airmatic
Hello all,
I have searched the forums and cant find anything replicating my problem with the Airmatic.
Shortly after I bought my GL, the airmatic started acting funny. The front rises to a normal high level but the rear seems that it only rises half way the level it should.
Also, when raised, the vehicle is bouncy like those low riders and theres sounds from underneath like metals are grinding either from the differential or suspension parts and i can tell its metal to metal friction.
Then, I took the car in at the stealership, and they said that it was due to the rear air bags being bad.
Shortly after that the fronts went out so I went ahead and replaced all 4 all the way around with the arnotts. I did the job myself as I seen it being fairly easy for an amateur like me.
The problem is still there. When raised the car actually bounces and rocks exactly like those show off low rider cars, and then shortly after that I get the ”Airmatic Malfunction” message in the dash. To lower it, I have to turn the car off and then lower it.
Please note that when the car is in normal Mode I have no issues whatsoever.
Thanks in advance for your help
I have searched the forums and cant find anything replicating my problem with the Airmatic.
Shortly after I bought my GL, the airmatic started acting funny. The front rises to a normal high level but the rear seems that it only rises half way the level it should.
Also, when raised, the vehicle is bouncy like those low riders and theres sounds from underneath like metals are grinding either from the differential or suspension parts and i can tell its metal to metal friction.
Then, I took the car in at the stealership, and they said that it was due to the rear air bags being bad.
Shortly after that the fronts went out so I went ahead and replaced all 4 all the way around with the arnotts. I did the job myself as I seen it being fairly easy for an amateur like me.
The problem is still there. When raised the car actually bounces and rocks exactly like those show off low rider cars, and then shortly after that I get the ”Airmatic Malfunction” message in the dash. To lower it, I have to turn the car off and then lower it.
Please note that when the car is in normal Mode I have no issues whatsoever.
Thanks in advance for your help
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Hello all,
I have searched the forums and cant find anything replicating my problem with the Airmatic.
Shortly after I bought my GL, the airmatic started acting funny. The front rises to a normal high level but the rear seems that it only rises half way the level it should.
Also, when raised, the vehicle is bouncy like those low riders and theres sounds from underneath like metals are grinding either from the differential or suspension parts and i can tell its metal to metal friction.
Then, I took the car in at the stealership, and they said that it was due to the rear air bags being bad.
Shortly after that the fronts went out so I went ahead and replaced all 4 all the way around with the arnotts. I did the job myself as I seen it being fairly easy for an amateur like me.
The problem is still there. When raised the car actually bounces and rocks exactly like those show off low rider cars, and then shortly after that I get the ”Airmatic Malfunction” message in the dash. To lower it, I have to turn the car off and then lower it.
Please note that when the car is in normal Mode I have no issues whatsoever.
Thanks in advance for your help
I have searched the forums and cant find anything replicating my problem with the Airmatic.
Shortly after I bought my GL, the airmatic started acting funny. The front rises to a normal high level but the rear seems that it only rises half way the level it should.
Also, when raised, the vehicle is bouncy like those low riders and theres sounds from underneath like metals are grinding either from the differential or suspension parts and i can tell its metal to metal friction.
Then, I took the car in at the stealership, and they said that it was due to the rear air bags being bad.
Shortly after that the fronts went out so I went ahead and replaced all 4 all the way around with the arnotts. I did the job myself as I seen it being fairly easy for an amateur like me.
The problem is still there. When raised the car actually bounces and rocks exactly like those show off low rider cars, and then shortly after that I get the ”Airmatic Malfunction” message in the dash. To lower it, I have to turn the car off and then lower it.
Please note that when the car is in normal Mode I have no issues whatsoever.
Thanks in advance for your help
It is supposed to handle that way in raised mode. Really bumpy and not smooth.
You probably have an issue with the compressor. It's cracked or leaking.
Also check your rear levelling rods. They might be seized and explain why the rear isn't as high as should be.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
At 20+ miles is bouncy like the body wants to tear off the subframe. I test drove another one and no it didnt even bounce not even 10% of this.
Are the sensors next to the airbags/struts?
Could it also be the struts?
Are the sensors next to the airbags/struts?
Could it also be the struts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
When raised, (it is called off road mode for a reason) ours handles like it's on stilts and is bouncy and hard. That's the way it is supposed to be.
If you're getting an error. It's most likely either a compressor cooling down error or the generic one. Either one can mean your compressor is broken and cracked.
Of course it can be the struts that are leaking, but since you replaced them with new ones we can safely assume they're ok.
The leveling rods are on each corner. They're plastic and attached to the leveling sensor. They're essentially likttle plastic arms and can get seized due to rust and salt over time. You can use a lubricant or anti seize spray or opt to replace.
Reading the error code will let uiu know exactly what the computer thinks is wrong. Although I high suspecr a cracked or leaking compressor.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
I assume that the comressor is fine as I can hear it running and the front raises fine. If it was the compressor wouldnt it drop completely?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
Do you mean after driving 20 miles?
When raised, (it is called off road mode for a reason) ours handles like it's on stilts and is bouncy and hard. That's the way it is supposed to be.
If you're getting an error. It's most likely either a compressor cooling down error or the generic one. Either one can mean your compressor is broken and cracked.
Of course it can be the struts that are leaking, but since you replaced them with new ones we can safely assume they're ok.
The leveling rods are on each corner. They're plastic and attached to the leveling sensor. They're essentially likttle plastic arms and can get seized due to rust and salt over time. You can use a lubricant or anti seize spray or opt to replace.
Reading the error code will let uiu know exactly what the computer thinks is wrong. Although I high suspecr a cracked or leaking compressor.
i get the generic Airmatic Malfunction. I used to get the Compressor Cooling Down when the fronts got shot.
I mean driving at speeds of 20+mph. Even at 5mph its bouncy as hell.
I will check the sensors and will see.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
My compressor was cracked but it stil could create enough pressure to fill the struts to normal mode at times. Just not off road mode.
Also if you had leaking struts and drove with it for a while, either you or the previous owner, that could have forced the compressor to be on its way out regardless.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
To be clear. Is it bouncy in normal mode or only raised mode?
Bouncy in raised mode is normal.
This is th fr ront leveling arm. The rear one is under the vehicle by the front of the rear wheel. If you can't move it by hand then it is seized
Last edited by kombifan; Sep 16, 2018 at 07:14 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
No.
My compressor was cracked but it stil could create enough pressure to fill the struts to normal mode at times. Just not off road mode.
Also if you had leaking struts and drove with it for a while, either you or the previous owner, that could have forced the compressor to be on its way out regardless.
[/QUOTE]My compressor was cracked but it stil could create enough pressure to fill the struts to normal mode at times. Just not off road mode.
Also if you had leaking struts and drove with it for a while, either you or the previous owner, that could have forced the compressor to be on its way out regardless.
As soon as the front droped I only drover her for about 10 miles home. Parked her and didnt driver her till I got the struts.
In normal mode the car sits and drives in normal mode height.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
I will check the leveling sensors tonight and will let you know if theyre seized.
If its the compressor, how can I tell?
If its the compressor, how can I tell?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
But everything so far points to the compressor being burned out and cracked and your rear rods being seized.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
best to check with star/das what the code is telling you, but if you systematically have eththe error in off road mode you can check the compressor itself if it is cracked.
But everything so far points to the compressor being burned out and cracked and your rear rods being seized.
ok thanks. I’ll start with the rods and see what happens.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 254
Likes: 60
From: Houston, TX
Mercedes Benz 2007 GL450 , 2012 BMW 528i
Just to confirm.
Did you replace all 4 airbags only or airbags+struts?
How long it takes for compressor to raise it to off road mode? Is compressor noisy?
Did you replace all 4 airbags only or airbags+struts?
How long it takes for compressor to raise it to off road mode? Is compressor noisy?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
Rears I replaced the Air Springs Only. The rear struts I have not replaced. I dont know if the previous owner has.
The compressor can be noticed when running but its not too noisy or overly loud. It does the hissing sound when raising it or dropinng it. Also, when locking the car it does the air compression/decompression hissing sound as well.
It takes no more than a minute to raise it. But after its done raising physically, the dash says Raising for about 3-5 minutes and then the Malfunction message comes on.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
So I did listen to the compressor as I was raising her and lowering as well. It ran as it raised her and then it stopped. I did this 3-4 times and noticed nothing abnormal. I think the compressor is fine.
Then yesterday I got underneath and messed with the leveling sensor and those seem to be loose and normal. I went ahead and sorayed them with anti seize libricant. I got underneath and checked them again. Everything seemed normal.
Also, I went ahead and measured the height between the tires and the fender on raised level, and I got 7 1/4” inches in the front and 5 1/2” inches in the rear. Do you know the correct measurements when raised?
I am fearing the rear shocks may be shot.
Then yesterday I got underneath and messed with the leveling sensor and those seem to be loose and normal. I went ahead and sorayed them with anti seize libricant. I got underneath and checked them again. Everything seemed normal.
Also, I went ahead and measured the height between the tires and the fender on raised level, and I got 7 1/4” inches in the front and 5 1/2” inches in the rear. Do you know the correct measurements when raised?
I am fearing the rear shocks may be shot.
Last edited by Dinismb; Sep 18, 2018 at 01:10 PM. Reason: Spelling
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
So I did listen to the compressor as I was raising her and lowering as well. It ran as it raised her and then it stopped. I did this 3-4 times and noticed nothing abnormal. I think the compressor is fine.
Then yesterday I got underneath and messed with the leveling sensor and those seem to be loose and normal. I went ahead and sorayed them with anti seize libricant. I got underneath and checked them again. Everything seemed normal.
Also, I went ahead and measured the height between the tires and the fender on raised level, and I got 7 1/4” inches in the front and 5 1/2” inches in the rear. Do you know the correct measurements when raised?
I am fearing the rear shocks may be shot.
Then yesterday I got underneath and messed with the leveling sensor and those seem to be loose and normal. I went ahead and sorayed them with anti seize libricant. I got underneath and checked them again. Everything seemed normal.
Also, I went ahead and measured the height between the tires and the fender on raised level, and I got 7 1/4” inches in the front and 5 1/2” inches in the rear. Do you know the correct measurements when raised?
I am fearing the rear shocks may be shot.
also....did you ever reset the airmatic height when you replaced the rear airbags and front strutss?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
I did not reset the airmatic. However, I had this issue long before I replaced the front struts and the rear airbags.
Anyhow, I have no choice but to head at the dealer and see what they come up. I just hope that they wont tell me again that my airbags are shot in the back because I am going to punch 🥊 the service guy in the nose and I really mean it. This dealer is the worst MB dealer I have ever dealt with.
I will let you all know what they say.
Thank you all for your input and hep
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
No I dont have any MB diagnostic tools.
I did not reset the airmatic. However, I had this issue long before I replaced the front struts and the rear airbags.
Anyhow, I have no choice but to head at the dealer and see what they come up. I just hope that they wont tell me again that my airbags are shot in the back because I am going to punch 🥊 the service guy in the nose and I really mean it. This dealer is the worst MB dealer I have ever dealt with.
I will let you all know what they say.
Thank you all for your input and hep
This is might be the cause of your discrepancy in heights from front and back.
An indy with the right tools can do this too.
https://www.benzshops.com/?gclid=EAI...yAAEgLACfD_BwE
sorry to hear about your dealer
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
yes. But if you don’t reset the airmatic height it will revert back to the stored levels from before.
This is might be the cause of your discrepancy in heights from front and back.
An indy with the right tools can do this too.
https://www.benzshops.com/?gclid=EAI...yAAEgLACfD_BwE
sorry to hear about your dealer
Oh I didnt even think about that. On my d3 a8 it automatically reset and self adjusts when you do suspension work, and the same with the d4 a8. I had both of the fronts replaced on the d3 and never had any such issues. I just sold the d4 and i am looking to get a 2014 gl350 bluetec. Hopefully i wont have any issues with it.
Do the 2013+ GLs still breathe air from the outside or they are gas filled internally like the audis and Porsches
There is only 2 indy shops near me and one is too expensive and the other one i dont trust. I have to go to the dealer but i am forced to drive to STL which is 120 miles away.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
i also lust for a diesel...just not an American one anymore. Too many issues with dpf, sludge, timing chains etc.
have never heard of issues issues in Europe so I suspect epa emissions plays a huge part.
The basics havent changed.
Why dont you order an appropriate scanner so you can do it yourself? Mb2carsoft will save you the drive.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
i also lust for a diesel...just not an American one anymore. Too many issues with dpf, sludge, timing chains etc.
have never heard of issues issues in Europe so I suspect epa emissions plays a huge part.
The basics havent changed.
Why dont you order an appropriate scanner so you can do it yourself? Mb2carsoft will save you the drive.
On the other hand with VAG vehicles ive always had issues that needed to start with a scanner so ive had the Ross Tech VAG com and it has saved me a lot of time and money on the A8s.
What kind of diesel do you have? I am replacing all of my cars with diesel now and hopefully I find a nice GL.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Honestly I have never seen or used one Benzes. Ive always serviced them at the dealer and have never had any major issues especially with the C Class.
On the other hand with VAG vehicles ive always had issues that needed to start with a scanner so ive had the Ross Tech VAG com and it has saved me a lot of time and money on the A8s.
What kind of diesel do you have? I am replacing all of my cars with diesel now and hopefully I find a nice GL.
No no I don’t have a diesel. We were looking for one when we bought our 2010 gl...but glad we settled on the 450 considering the options it does have.
The next one one will probably be a 550 . Finding the right options in a diesel will be too difficult I think as well as the issues with sludge and dpf in USA Mercedes diesels.
Really before you take the plunge, look at some of the issues raised on diesel forums. It’s eyeopening.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
i have a basic scanner, but luckily the dealer is 5 min away; and I have an extended warranty that is great so far.
No no I don’t have a diesel. We were looking for one when we bought our 2010 gl...but glad we settled on the 450 considering the options it does have.
The next one one will probably be a 550 . Finding the right options in a diesel will be too difficult I think as well as the issues with sludge and dpf in USA Mercedes diesels.
Really before you take the plunge, look at some of the issues raised on diesel forums. It’s eyeopening.
enlighten me please
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
The most reliable ones are the pre 2008 cdi ones actually, the ones without bluetex urea injection.
There are issues with the adblue tank heater failing, crystalizzarion of the ad blue tank, leaking lines, and ensuring the tank is full in winter for fear of gelling.
Have you noticed I haven't even gotten to the engine yet.
Apparently the engine oil issues stem from the superheated oil being fed from the turbo back to the crankcase instead of a dedicated water cooled turbo causing sludge and etc... Also the dpf clogs on even newer e/ml250 models with part availability unknown.
Injector and further sensor issues are commonplace. Plus timing chain rattle, stretch and broken plastic guides.
The diesel for me has always been a workhorse engine. Dependable and not needing kid gloves to maintain. It actually can be abused ; but sadly that's not the case from what I read.
This site gives moreinsight .
http://www.stephensservice.com/bluet...ssuesproblems/
Hope it helps.
