AirMatic Random dropping
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2008 ML550 (W164)
AirMatic Random dropping
I have a 2008 ML550 145K miles, replaced all air springs/Bags at at about 100K miles. A few months ago the front would drop slowly, I could hear air leaking from front driver side so I replaced the strut assembly and it was fine for a few months, now the front passenger side is dropping but it is random, sometimes I can hear air rushing out in the area of the strut and drops in 30 seconds, other times it will drop overnight or not at all. I have replaced the valve block but did not fix the problem. I had it scanned and codes 5539 and 6001 showed, once, the battery was completely discharged, had the battery checked after charging and battery tested OK/Good. Also randomly I will get a message that Airmatic is malfunctioning, shut down and restart and the message goes away. Any Idea what is happening?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 354
Likes: 49
From: Brooklin, Ontario
JGC SRT, ML 550, GLB 250
Is it the airbags though? I'm dealing with the same craziness. Front will drop overnight. Then wont for a week. And get an Airmatic Malfunction on the central display.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 638
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
By far the most likely culprit is the air springs.
Their leaks can be maddeningly intermittent because the leaks usually are at the fold, which will change position based on the ride height when stopped, whether the vehicle is on an incline, and so forth.
It is easy to check the air springs. Raise the ride height and spray soapy water on the bags. Look for foam.
As with the electrical problems, people insist on diagnosing from the outside in: "This symptom, that symptom, the other symptom." They want to sit in the driveway and stare, trying to make the vehicle reveal its secrets. I know because I've been there myself.
You have a problem that might be electrical? Check the battery and alternator. A problem with the air suspension? Check the air springs for leaks. Always do these things first. Don't delay, because a failing alternator will ruin the battery, and leaking springs will bring down the compressor and, depending on climate, the valve block.
Their leaks can be maddeningly intermittent because the leaks usually are at the fold, which will change position based on the ride height when stopped, whether the vehicle is on an incline, and so forth.
It is easy to check the air springs. Raise the ride height and spray soapy water on the bags. Look for foam.
As with the electrical problems, people insist on diagnosing from the outside in: "This symptom, that symptom, the other symptom." They want to sit in the driveway and stare, trying to make the vehicle reveal its secrets. I know because I've been there myself.
You have a problem that might be electrical? Check the battery and alternator. A problem with the air suspension? Check the air springs for leaks. Always do these things first. Don't delay, because a failing alternator will ruin the battery, and leaking springs will bring down the compressor and, depending on climate, the valve block.
