Airmatic issues in cold weather
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 804
Likes: 74
From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
I'm still getting the pressure sensor errors in both rear struts. These are brand new Arnotts. I'm going to try the simplest thing and disconnect them and reconnect them again, clear the codes and see if that works. If it doesn't it has to go back to the shop. I find it hard to believe that a set of brand new Arnotts would both be bad.
Just an FYI with regards to the "filter" It's nothing more than an inline fuel filter. There is no reason to order one from FCP Euro or go to the dealer. You can pick one up at ANY auto parts store for $5.00
Last edited by The Thomas J; Apr 28, 2022 at 11:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 804
Likes: 74
From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
Even after all the needed repairs, I was still getting a malfunction message on a regular basis. It was becoming a problem to the point that the car was higher in the front than the back and the ride was suffering. After painstakingly diagnosing it myself I came ti the conclusion that I needed a new air block. I brought it to a shop that only works on German cars and their diagnosis were the same. New valve block, and reprogram the system. I also noticed that the compressor has become quieter since I had the valve block installed. I had a bunch of other work done too.
Transmission and transfer case service.
My starter was going and had a new one put in before it left me or my wife stuck
I had a bunch of low voltage codes, the shop charged both the batteries and the errors went away.
He said the Trans fluid wasn't terrible, no metal and it didn't smell burnt.
I am now completely caught up with all the maintenance. Some I was able to do, some the shops did. What a PIA. But, it's worth it because the car is doing what it's supposed to be doing.
Transmission and transfer case service.
My starter was going and had a new one put in before it left me or my wife stuck
I had a bunch of low voltage codes, the shop charged both the batteries and the errors went away.
He said the Trans fluid wasn't terrible, no metal and it didn't smell burnt.
I am now completely caught up with all the maintenance. Some I was able to do, some the shops did. What a PIA. But, it's worth it because the car is doing what it's supposed to be doing.
Last edited by The Thomas J; Aug 16, 2022 at 12:32 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
Recall I did a thorough investigation of this and found the non Chinesium compressor. Look for AMK.
On the one hand Arnott will give free replacements, but the replacement labor is not negligible. If you stay on top of the air bags condition, you can get over 100K miles out of a pump.
On the one hand Arnott will give free replacements, but the replacement labor is not negligible. If you stay on top of the air bags condition, you can get over 100K miles out of a pump.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 804
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From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
The quality isn't as good IMO. The new compressor I installed 10 months ago was loud, the colder it gets the louder it becomes. It's very annoying. Aside from it being loud It seems to work fine.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2019
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From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
Bilstein installation instructions also note to replace the fitting. Simple insurance to avoid problems with parts from others but also introduce risk of messing up the lines during ring removal.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
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From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
Update: When last I posted I had received the new air compressor from Arnott. I had it installed. The car will level, but I am still getting a malfunction message on the dash that cuts the compressor off. This is becoming very frustrating. This new compressor isn't as quiet as I thought it would be. The one on my S class is silent. All you hear is a faint humming sound. I am getting to the point where I regret not converting the system to regular struts and springs.
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
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Joined: Nov 2019
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From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
As for who holds the bag, Bilsteins include monchichis whose job is just that. Two per side. Because just one would be bored doing it alone, although perfectly capable. Plus having backup is always good.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
Frustration galore!
The brand new AMK air compressor that I purchased from Arnott last March basically gave up. It was loud from day one and became louder as time went on. It wasn't lifting the car to the proper height and started throwing a malfunction. This leads me to believe it was either a refurbished unit or was defective from the factory. I put a warranty claim in through Rock Auto, had a new unit delivered. I had it installed and all was well. I picked the car up yesterday and drove it all day no issues at all. It's quiet the car is at the proper height. I'm happy, the wife is happy etc..
Today she took it to the mall to do some shopping, she calls me to tell me how happy she is with the car. 15 minutes later she calls me again and said she hurt a popping noise and the back of the car is on the ground and there is a malfunction. One of the year-old rear airbags blew. She was close by so I told her to drive home and park it. Now I have to have it towed to the shop so the ADS struts don't become damaged. If you have followed this thread you will recall that I replaced everything less than a year ago. Front and rear struts, airbags, compressor, and valve block. What really aggravates me is that the rear airbags didn't need to be replaced, but since I was already in there to do the ADS struts and I didn't know how old the airbags were I replaced them anyway.
I haven't had air suspension issues like this since I drove Lincolns. New parts shouldn't be blowing up like this.
The brand new AMK air compressor that I purchased from Arnott last March basically gave up. It was loud from day one and became louder as time went on. It wasn't lifting the car to the proper height and started throwing a malfunction. This leads me to believe it was either a refurbished unit or was defective from the factory. I put a warranty claim in through Rock Auto, had a new unit delivered. I had it installed and all was well. I picked the car up yesterday and drove it all day no issues at all. It's quiet the car is at the proper height. I'm happy, the wife is happy etc..
Today she took it to the mall to do some shopping, she calls me to tell me how happy she is with the car. 15 minutes later she calls me again and said she hurt a popping noise and the back of the car is on the ground and there is a malfunction. One of the year-old rear airbags blew. She was close by so I told her to drive home and park it. Now I have to have it towed to the shop so the ADS struts don't become damaged. If you have followed this thread you will recall that I replaced everything less than a year ago. Front and rear struts, airbags, compressor, and valve block. What really aggravates me is that the rear airbags didn't need to be replaced, but since I was already in there to do the ADS struts and I didn't know how old the airbags were I replaced them anyway.
I haven't had air suspension issues like this since I drove Lincolns. New parts shouldn't be blowing up like this.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 804
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From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
I received some good news today. The airbag(s) did not fail. the airline that feeds the rear bags broke at one of the connections. I'm not sure if it was related to when the shop replaced the compressor 2 days earlier. The shop might have thought that was the case, they didn't charge me for the repair or the tow. The Benz seems to be good now.
