Zundfolge

Hey all. 2012 GL350 Bluetec.

AirMatic problems are erratic. Most of the time, it rides normal and is at normal height. But sometimes the front sags after it's turned off. Tonight, the passenger side sagged whilst driving. A few days ago, I raised it hoping that would tell me something and it sat up there just fine for a few hours: no movement. Most of the time there is no issue.

When I got home tonight, I tried to lift it because one side was sagging and it said that compressor was cooling down.

I get that the bags leak. But a leaking bag or line -it seems to me- would leak all of the time. Am I wrong? A hole would not discriminate and not leak erratically.

Any ideas on the problem? Thanks!

Zundfolge

So I went back out to start it up hoping it would level. It ran for a couple minutes but didn't move but I could hear -what I think was- a compressor. Went to raise it and it got louder. Got the "Compressor Cooling Down" thing again. Went to lower. Shut it off. Started again. Raised it. Got the message again. Pressed "Lower" but then just shut it off. THEN it leveled itself out.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Max Blast

A hole will discriminate and leak erratically depending upon how the car sits when parked. The rubber folds in the bag may cover the hole one day, but when parked in a slightly different attitude the next day, the hole is uncovered and leaks.

so yes, your bags are toast and need replaced.
Search the forum for a wellspring of background info on this subject.

DennisG01

In addition to everything that Max said, running the car like this continually taxes the compressor - often to the point where it will also need to be replaced since it's worn out from running so much. If this has only been a few days, you might be fine - but if it's been neglected and it's been a while, chances are greater that you'll need a compressor.

Zundfolge

Damn you. I wanted to prove you wrong but you were right. I found the hole but thought it might go further than that. Dealership says that strut is the only problem.

Max Blast

Two ways you can do this:

pay an indie for their time to replace the bag on your existing strut(s). Higher labor, lower parts cost.
Pay an indie to replace both front struts. Lower labor, higher parts cost.

Would definitely not take it to a MB dealer though.

the other bags is gonna blow shortly thereafter once you’ve put this new one in.

BlownV8

This!

Zundfolge

I ended up doing it myself. Replaced three but see no leaks on the front driver's side. I'm holding that off until I feel like paying for another Billstien at $500+. It may blow and force me sooner. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Zundfolge

....and the fourth one blew.

All new Billstiens now. Everything's good. Funny how easy it is after the first one.

wannawagon

normally (at least in Aus where our country roads are typically narrow with rough shoulders) the passenger side goes a little before drivers side as it cops more of rough ground

Pmanc

I have four new bilstein shocks. So far all good