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Trying to catch up on the latest 164 problems.
I definitely agree with Eric on brand name components Bilstein and AMK only for me. I have rebuild 3 air ride systems . I highly recommend that once you get your components straightened out and no leaks that you spend $150-200 and get a chassis level alignment done at a dealership. I can’t begin to explain how important this is after you have changed so many components .
Also an MB Star system when working on an air ride system is a very helpful system almost a must have.
If you have done as many searches for help on air rides you will find and read about leaks… the valve body especially on the cheap china knockoffs can leak thru the black epoxy…. I advise only using the german built ones.
Also learning the proper way to push the lines into a valve block NOT UNSCREWING them and pushing the brass ring onto the lines and screwing the lines back in…checking the lines closely and trimming any bulges etc…in the hvac business there are some great cans of leak finder with very small plastic tips for reaching into areas…
Once done properly you should see 1-2 hours a month of compressor usage and easily 4 yrs and beyond service without issues.
Dont forget to change the air filter and check all the air input rubber hoses for tips. Replace the air filter with a new compressor.
I have torn a few compressor’s apart and the first difference you will find between a china knockoff and an AMK … the AMK will have a balanced armature …and will be much quieter . Also since you have taken a few pumps in and out… get the proper sequence of rubber mounting and washers 100% correct.. that will also make a huge difference in sound . good luck and don’t be afraid to reach out . Bill These are available if you shop for under $200 and german made by the OEM .
Last edited by vesiadog; May 6, 2026 at 07:39 PM.
Reason: picture
Well, I took out the new ride height sensors and put the old ones back in. Came to the realization that my problem (this particular one) was probably self inflicted, as I concluded that you can install the ride height sensors wrong (I took the brackets and the sensors off), and it evidently makes a big difference. So now the vehicle is back to riding at the correct height. I took it out for a test drive and after a while got an Airmatic Malfunction warning on the dash. Read the code, and it says it is taking too long to fill the reservoir. Will check the entire system for leaks (yet again). My main repair was was aimed at replacing the steering rack. Sure enough, my test drive also resulted in an ESP error, which threw the code 5173 Steering Wheel Angle: Signal Fault. That might be the start of a new thread...
Will check the entire system for leaks (yet again). My main repair was was aimed at replacing the steering rack. Sure enough, my test drive also resulted in an ESP error, which threw the code 5173 Steering Wheel Angle: Signal Fault.
There is no connection between the steering rack and that error.
Yeah, did a bit of research and it looks like that error is (hopefully) just the result of the steering wheel not being centered (which it wasn't before the rack replacement). Hoping that when I get it aligned it gets (literally) straightened out.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
