Isentropic

Hello All,
I'm really tired of throwing parts at the Airmatic suspension, and hoping for some assistance from y'all.
I used to hear the compressor running all the time, and the front passenger side would sag.
After a couple weeks, the rears started to sag. So I replaced them with Arnott air springs with no change.
I took it to an independent shop, which supposedly "replaced" the compressor (but no programming?), and fixed a height sensor.
Then the fronts went all the way to the Max, and the rear shocks are almost to the ground.
I don't hear the compressor turning on/off like I used to, at least, but it looks horrible and the ride is bumpy.
I took it to the M-B dealer today finally for a diagnosis, and they said I have to replace the compressor, relay, valve something, and maybe rear air springs since they were aftermarket.

I'm just very confused now, and it seems worse every time I take it to someone to fix it.

I would greatly appreciate any input.

Thanks much.

Max Blast

Your compressor was probably burned out from trying to inflate leaky bags for a long time. If you never replaced your front bags, that problem still persists and a new compressor will just burn out in no time again. You should also check to see that all four level sensors are still connected, and move freely. That'll throw the level readings off. There's no programming needed when installing a new compressor.
If you drove around with it Carolina stanced like that, odds are you've damaged the rear airbags beyond repair and they will also need to be replaced.

Don't take this to the dealer, they'll rake you over the coals and charge you more than the car is worth.
Good debate currently on this board on the merits of Bilstein airbags over Arnotts, but I've never had any issues with the latter even when towing.

Isentropic

Thanks very much. The indy shop did replace the compressor 1.5 months ago, but now it seems worse than before. Thanks much for the input.

Miguk_Saram

Have you tried pressing the raise button to see if it levels off? At the very least it will be an indication as to whether the compressor is functional. You can then listen for leaks and monitor whether it lowers on its own.

Driving around at raised height is better than the Carolina (Philly?) look! But to each his own.

Isentropic

Thanks much, I pressed the airmatic button and I could neither hear anything nor see the car lift up. I have attached a picture of the vehicle.

Miguk_Saram

Check fuse #108 in the engine fuse box (first large orange fuse in the following link+image, 40A), and the Airmatic relay. You can swap the relay out with a known working one (the two green ones are of the same type) for testing purposes.

If both the fuse and relay are functional, then you will need to replace your compressor again. Speak with your indy for free replacement, or at least negotiate a discount.

Isentropic

Thanks very much for the suggestion. The M-B dealer said "one of the hoses from the compressor going to the back air springs" was disconnected, which they reconnected back during the diagnosis. They said the compressor was creating pressure, but it was not enough to immediately raise the vehicle.

Today I decided to take a 3 hour road trip, and it seems the car raised significantly afterwards! I still get the "airmatic malfunction" indicator after a while. Perhaps when I let the car sit for 2 weeks during the holidays at the airport, the car went all the way back down...
I will plan to test the relay/fuse as suggested in a short while. Thanks very much again.

Max Blast

Better news indeed, but your compressor is burned out and your new back bags have probably been holed from driving on them while deflated.

All three need replaced.

Isentropic

Thank you very much again everyone. I finally figured out that it was the level Sensor linkage that was bent on the passenger side, causing a malfunction in the readings of the height. I finally had both sides replaced, along with the level sensors, and now the airmatic works perfectly, thank God! MA

thanks again everyone.

Max Blast

Great news! Keep an eye on and ear out for your compressor.

Isentropic

Thank you very much! I will do so; hopefully it continues to work long-term iA.
Much thanks again.

KWStan

Just an FYI... There is an air filter for the compressor. It's up under the front passenger wheel well (LHD models). If you've never changed it, it can get clogged and put undue stress on your compressor. Also, the rubber line that goes from the compressor to the filter itself is prone to cracking/breaking, which would allow dirt to be pulled in to the compressor - again causing problems and eventually, failure. It's not that hard to change and is a really cheap maintenance item ($7.50).