airmatic failing soon?
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 4
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GL350
airmatic failing soon?
I was going to do the tire rotation on my 2015 GL350 this past weekend. The front (driver side) was raised but I decided to lower it back down due to time constrain and not enough proper equipment. When I lowered it back down, I was surprised that both front suspensions did not maintain the ride height at all (as if I have a lowrider) but the rear is all good. I've talked to the dealership advisor and he said I need to disable airmatic suspension before I can do so. I've also talked to a local benz only mechanic and he said the airmatic is likely to fail soon.
Anyway, I'm looking for some feedback on this subject. I need to know if I can actually perform rotation myself or must I bring it to a shop to do so.
Anyway, I'm looking for some feedback on this subject. I need to know if I can actually perform rotation myself or must I bring it to a shop to do so.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
You need to disable the Airmatic so you can do what? Rotation of tires? Sounds like you have leaking struts and possibly a failed pump. Go with Arnott struts for lifetime warranty.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 506
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GL350 Bluetec and GLS580
I'm not sure I've ever rotated my tires on my airmatic ML nor GL but I've changed from winter to snow tires and changed my brake pads/discs with no problems what so ever. I do know that you shouldn't have the key in the ignition and to keep the doors closed when working in the tire area.
I was going to do the tire rotation on my 2015 GL350 this past weekend. The front (driver side) was raised but I decided to lower it back down due to time constrain and not enough proper equipment. When I lowered it back down, I was surprised that both front suspensions did not maintain the ride height at all (as if I have a lowrider) but the rear is all good. I've talked to the dealership advisor and he said I need to disable airmatic suspension before I can do so. I've also talked to a local benz only mechanic and he said the airmatic is likely to fail soon.
Anyway, I'm looking for some feedback on this subject. I need to know if I can actually perform rotation myself or must I bring it to a shop to do so.
Anyway, I'm looking for some feedback on this subject. I need to know if I can actually perform rotation myself or must I bring it to a shop to do so.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
GL350
To me, GL is my first experience dealing with air suspension vehicle, so the sudden drop after lowering it back to the ground was a surprise. And being told I must disable airmatic function (mine is just basic without ADS) before I can raise the SUV was another first. Anyway, all doors were shut and I believe my key was on the kitchen table too. I will probably attempt again next weekend to perform tire rotation plus a brake flush.
Thanks again for the insight on yours.
Thanks again for the insight on yours.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 506
Likes: 54
GL350 Bluetec and GLS580
Ohhhh, you know what? I do recall when changing from snow tires and back the truck does end up bottomed out. But when I finish and put the key in it goes back to normal.
On my ML when the 1 rear airbag failed, it was clear that the one was leaking because the back rear would be noticeably low in the mornings. I only replaced that one with an Arnott. A board member that works at MB told me that generally only 1 fails but that was on a 164 airmatic. I don't know what the lifespan of the 166s are......yet. I'm nearing 80k so I expect the ***** to hit the fan soon from the OIl Cooler Leak, to suspension airbag, to DPF tank (All which I repaired myself easily except the Oil Cooler(done at the dealer)).
However, I'm doing things differenly due to my 164 bluetec experience and that is 5k oil change intervals, only fresh from the store adblue that have no flaky crystals, and well I'm not worried about the airbag because I was able to change it in less time it takes to change the brake pads and the cost was less than $400 for the unit. Also, I manually engage the DPF regen cycle which I didn't do on my MLBluetec and I only go to WAWA for fuel.
On my ML when the 1 rear airbag failed, it was clear that the one was leaking because the back rear would be noticeably low in the mornings. I only replaced that one with an Arnott. A board member that works at MB told me that generally only 1 fails but that was on a 164 airmatic. I don't know what the lifespan of the 166s are......yet. I'm nearing 80k so I expect the ***** to hit the fan soon from the OIl Cooler Leak, to suspension airbag, to DPF tank (All which I repaired myself easily except the Oil Cooler(done at the dealer)).
However, I'm doing things differenly due to my 164 bluetec experience and that is 5k oil change intervals, only fresh from the store adblue that have no flaky crystals, and well I'm not worried about the airbag because I was able to change it in less time it takes to change the brake pads and the cost was less than $400 for the unit. Also, I manually engage the DPF regen cycle which I didn't do on my MLBluetec and I only go to WAWA for fuel.
To me, GL is my first experience dealing with air suspension vehicle, so the sudden drop after lowering it back to the ground was a surprise. And being told I must disable airmatic function (mine is just basic without ADS) before I can raise the SUV was another first. Anyway, all doors were shut and I believe my key was on the kitchen table too. I will probably attempt again next weekend to perform tire rotation plus a brake flush.
Thanks again for the insight on yours.
Thanks again for the insight on yours.
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