Rear air spring
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2007 R500 and 2007 Ml 350
Rear air spring
I am going to replace rear air spring on my 2007 R500 , there are 2 orange fuses 40 amp on engine , one of these is for rear air spring but do do not know which one ? Any one done with this before ? Please help
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
2007 R320 4matic / Airmatic
Arnott has detailed replacement instructions on their website:
https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...18_pid190.html
https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...18_pid190.html
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From: \
/
Arnott has detailed replacement instructions on their website:
https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...18_pid190.html
https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...18_pid190.html
So this morning the R is sitting low on the passenger side, was fine yesterday. Won't pump up, just sits there like a stomped-on slug.
Checked the website to see how fast I can get a pair here... "Out of stock, back-ordered." dam. Should have ordered a pair months ago. sigh.
I can feel the dealership snickering.
I don't want OEM! dam.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
2007 R320 4matic / Airmatic
You might try driving it slowly around the block and see if it pumps up. Is the display telling you anything when it doesn't pump up?
The system programming can be a bit mysterious and not comprehensively detailed in the owner's manual. For instance, I had my Airmatic in high position to check something and then attempted to put it back in normal position. Even with the motor running, it would NOT go back down until I started driving it. Other times, automatic height correction when stationary / motor off can be prompted by door opening / closing, I assume as a check to ensure passengers are not around the outside of the car. And, I also notice the adaptive damping will stiffen the shocks under certain conditions, even when Comfort mode is selected and it shouldn't be adapting (inferred from the manual).
I would love to see a detailed system overview on the Airmatic.
The system programming can be a bit mysterious and not comprehensively detailed in the owner's manual. For instance, I had my Airmatic in high position to check something and then attempted to put it back in normal position. Even with the motor running, it would NOT go back down until I started driving it. Other times, automatic height correction when stationary / motor off can be prompted by door opening / closing, I assume as a check to ensure passengers are not around the outside of the car. And, I also notice the adaptive damping will stiffen the shocks under certain conditions, even when Comfort mode is selected and it shouldn't be adapting (inferred from the manual).
I would love to see a detailed system overview on the Airmatic.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From: \
/
Pete, thanks for your reply.
Nothing on the display. After the wife drove it easily for about 6 miles, she says it's normal again. Going to stop by an indy shop and let them have a look.
But after more searching here, I think I'd like to just eliminate the air springs and go with coils as josworth has done. I know that even if this current issue is corrected, then a valve, compressor, line, fitting, or some other part will fail. 89k miles, so it's to be expected. Should have mentioned I don't have airmatic, just the rear.
Nothing on the display. After the wife drove it easily for about 6 miles, she says it's normal again. Going to stop by an indy shop and let them have a look.
But after more searching here, I think I'd like to just eliminate the air springs and go with coils as josworth has done. I know that even if this current issue is corrected, then a valve, compressor, line, fitting, or some other part will fail. 89k miles, so it's to be expected. Should have mentioned I don't have airmatic, just the rear.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From: \
/
MassieS, thanks for that info. It may be very useful in the future. But...
The saga continues...
The 'specialist' indie shop refused to do a coil replacement, probably because they didn't want the responsibility of an 'unknown' to them. They were ready to install an OEM air spring and gave a quote of $538, without doing any investigation.
Wife then stopped by the dealer, with whom we've been fairly happy. SA said he could quote a price for replacing the air spring, but there's an off-chance that's not it. When wife got their quote, even with MBCA club discount (labor cheaper than indie) it was closer to $800. She whipped out the indie's quote, and the SA said he'd match that. So she left it, and got one of their 60(!) new loaners (free. C250, nice, but man, it's shorter than my CLK!)
This morning the dealer called and said the computer keeps showing a valve error. Said the compressor showed an error too, but it was working fine. They are going to test everything, and replace the valve ($400+-) after they over-night one in. (Not in stock??)
If they don't replace the OEM air spring, I'll probably contact Shock Warehouse and get a set for my own 'stock', and be ready.
Stay tuned for the next exciting news! Wish I had the facility to do this myself. With all the info on this forum, I probably could. I'd have to figure in the doctor's charge for busted finger, lacerations, etc. of course.
and beer.
The saga continues...
The 'specialist' indie shop refused to do a coil replacement, probably because they didn't want the responsibility of an 'unknown' to them. They were ready to install an OEM air spring and gave a quote of $538, without doing any investigation.
Wife then stopped by the dealer, with whom we've been fairly happy. SA said he could quote a price for replacing the air spring, but there's an off-chance that's not it. When wife got their quote, even with MBCA club discount (labor cheaper than indie) it was closer to $800. She whipped out the indie's quote, and the SA said he'd match that. So she left it, and got one of their 60(!) new loaners (free. C250, nice, but man, it's shorter than my CLK!)
This morning the dealer called and said the computer keeps showing a valve error. Said the compressor showed an error too, but it was working fine. They are going to test everything, and replace the valve ($400+-) after they over-night one in. (Not in stock??)
If they don't replace the OEM air spring, I'll probably contact Shock Warehouse and get a set for my own 'stock', and be ready.
Stay tuned for the next exciting news! Wish I had the facility to do this myself. With all the info on this forum, I probably could. I'd have to figure in the doctor's charge for busted finger, lacerations, etc. of course.
and beer.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2011 R350, 2019 E450
LOL!!! Yeah I refused to pay dealer price for the parts so had to wait for shipping (dealer to install as hubby just doesn't have the time). Car is supposed to be ready today after being there almost a week. Dealer tried to tell me I'd ordered the wrong parts to scare me into ordering theirs. My 6'5" law inforcement hubby paid them a visit and they changed their tune. I was furious! Anyway, I hope you have better luck with your stealer than we've had with ours! We considered replacing with coils too but couldn't find any parts guaranteed to work.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From: \
/
LOL!!! Yeah I refused to pay dealer price for the parts so had to wait for shipping (dealer to install as hubby just doesn't have the time). Car is supposed to be ready today after being there almost a week. Dealer tried to tell me I'd ordered the wrong parts to scare me into ordering theirs. My 6'5" law inforcement hubby paid them a visit and they changed their tune. I was furious! Anyway, I hope you have better luck with your stealer than we've had with ours! We considered replacing with coils too but couldn't find any parts guaranteed to work.
..changed their tune! A WEEK?
Yeah, that'll teach ya to supply your own parts. Our stdealer has been pretty good with us. Maybe because I do the local MBCA newsletter and they advertise with us? Nah. Changed their tune.. I'm still laughing!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2011 R350, 2019 E450
Well, there`s more!!! The dealer called my husband and said there had been a development. Thier lift failed and my R500 went crashing to the ground. Im NOT kidding. We went to see the car this afternoon and it is trashed. Just about every body panel is buckled. Dealer says it isn`t totaled. Told him it is to me!!!! I guess this is the true punishment for buying my own parts. Pure insanity.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From: \
/
MassieS, that sux! Keep us updated on that one. We had Sears drive our van off the wrong end of a lift years ago, as we were watching. "NO, nothing damaged.. no, everything is fine..."
Update; It's Monday and we still have their loaner. (I have to call the dealer, they don't call to give updates)
Last Friday: "We replaced the valve and even though the computer said it was bad, it wasn't. So we'll take it out. Actually, the soap test showed both air springs are leaking." Yeah, they didn't like having to match the indy's price, so they'll replace both to make up for it. Funny how they rely on the godalmighty computer instead of a spray bottle of soapy water. They'll be eating the valve and overnight shipping. sigh.
Stay tuned, kids.... more to come!
Update; It's Monday and we still have their loaner. (I have to call the dealer, they don't call to give updates)
Last Friday: "We replaced the valve and even though the computer said it was bad, it wasn't. So we'll take it out. Actually, the soap test showed both air springs are leaking." Yeah, they didn't like having to match the indy's price, so they'll replace both to make up for it. Funny how they rely on the godalmighty computer instead of a spray bottle of soapy water. They'll be eating the valve and overnight shipping. sigh.
Stay tuned, kids.... more to come!
Last edited by user 823908234; Aug 26, 2013 at 08:58 PM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
R500
This thread reminds me of our first experience with the fallen right side front end. It was under warranty so of course it goes like this....
Stealer: The computer says there is an issue with the "block". Some block that controls the air flow.
Me: You sure its not the air bag for the front strut.
Stealer: We've never heard of a strut failure on these cars. You'd be the first ever.
Me: OK, fix it
Stealer (next day): You can't pick up your car, the front collapsed overnight
Me: I thought it was the block? Fix it.
Stealer (next day): It's fixed.
Me: What was it?
Stealer: The air bad in the strut was leaking
Me: How about that.
3 days. I'm guessing the total bill to MB warranty must have been about $3K. Good thing she got a loaner (a Nissan as I recall - that was a first and last time)
Stealer: The computer says there is an issue with the "block". Some block that controls the air flow.
Me: You sure its not the air bag for the front strut.
Stealer: We've never heard of a strut failure on these cars. You'd be the first ever.
Me: OK, fix it
Stealer (next day): You can't pick up your car, the front collapsed overnight
Me: I thought it was the block? Fix it.
Stealer (next day): It's fixed.
Me: What was it?
Stealer: The air bad in the strut was leaking
Me: How about that.
3 days. I'm guessing the total bill to MB warranty must have been about $3K. Good thing she got a loaner (a Nissan as I recall - that was a first and last time)
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From: \
/
Starbound01: "How about that." 
MassieS: At least you feel they were fair about it. You'll find another gem of an R, 'cause you're experienced... you know what to look for.
Our saggy-butt episode came to a good conclusion;
Dealer bought the valve, over-nighted it, installed it, took it back out. No charge to me. They lost money on that.
Then they did the soap test, determined the right air spring was leaking (how about that), and [supposedly] found tiny bubbles on the left spring. I bent over and let them replace both; made sense, since the left would probably die shortly anyway.
Ended up $1,027 total for 2. They beat the indy's quote by almost $50 for 2. Plus free wash and vac, a free C250 for 6 days (peppy little car), and a free "World Class Inspection" (although that failed to point out the missing driver's side running lamp, even though it shows on the dash at start up. I'm experimenting with an LED and hadn't put it back.)
So, taking all into consideration, they really beat the heck out of the indy. Dealer Happiness Index is up quite a few points.
Not a cheap car to repair, but worth it for the ride and utility and looks. And ride.
MassieS: At least you feel they were fair about it. You'll find another gem of an R, 'cause you're experienced... you know what to look for.
Our saggy-butt episode came to a good conclusion;
Dealer bought the valve, over-nighted it, installed it, took it back out. No charge to me. They lost money on that.
Then they did the soap test, determined the right air spring was leaking (how about that), and [supposedly] found tiny bubbles on the left spring. I bent over and let them replace both; made sense, since the left would probably die shortly anyway.
Ended up $1,027 total for 2. They beat the indy's quote by almost $50 for 2. Plus free wash and vac, a free C250 for 6 days (peppy little car), and a free "World Class Inspection" (although that failed to point out the missing driver's side running lamp, even though it shows on the dash at start up. I'm experimenting with an LED and hadn't put it back.)
So, taking all into consideration, they really beat the heck out of the indy. Dealer Happiness Index is up quite a few points.
Not a cheap car to repair, but worth it for the ride and utility and looks. And ride.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2007 R500 and 2007 Ml 350
This thread reminds me of our first experience with the fallen right side front end. It was under warranty so of course it goes like this....
Stealer: The computer says there is an issue with the "block". Some block that controls the air flow.
Me: You sure its not the air bag for the front strut.
Stealer: We've never heard of a strut failure on these cars. You'd be the first ever.
Me: OK, fix it
Stealer (next day): You can't pick up your car, the front collapsed overnight
Me: I thought it was the block? Fix it.
Stealer (next day): It's fixed.
Me: What was it?
Stealer: The air bad in the strut was leaking
Me: How about that.
3 days. I'm guessing the total bill to MB warranty must have been about $3K. Good thing she got a loaner (a Nissan as I recall - that was a first and last time)
Stealer: The computer says there is an issue with the "block". Some block that controls the air flow.
Me: You sure its not the air bag for the front strut.
Stealer: We've never heard of a strut failure on these cars. You'd be the first ever.
Me: OK, fix it
Stealer (next day): You can't pick up your car, the front collapsed overnight
Me: I thought it was the block? Fix it.
Stealer (next day): It's fixed.
Me: What was it?
Stealer: The air bad in the strut was leaking
Me: How about that.
3 days. I'm guessing the total bill to MB warranty must have been about $3K. Good thing she got a loaner (a Nissan as I recall - that was a first and last time)
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
2007 R320 4matic / Airmatic
I think it is sad to disable such a useful feature on a high-end luxury car. Hopefully you will never need to load the car with 7 people or cargo and have it sink to the ground.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2007 R500 and 2007 Ml 350
The air springs are a consumable like tires, belts, hoses. They are costly if you only rely on the dealer to replace them when they expire. If you buy aftermarket springs and install them yourself or at an independent shop, it is much more affordable.
I think it is sad to disable such a useful feature on a high-end luxury car. Hopefully you will never need to load the car with 7 people or cargo and have it sink to the ground.
I think it is sad to disable such a useful feature on a high-end luxury car. Hopefully you will never need to load the car with 7 people or cargo and have it sink to the ground.
Last edited by khanhtrinh671; Sep 25, 2013 at 04:29 AM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
2007 R320 4matic / Airmatic
If the compressor fails, and the air springs are good, the car will stay up indefinitely, but there will be no automatic height correction until the compressor is fixed.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
I just change my two rears to the arnott bags. It is one of the simples jobs to do. It takes longer to jack car up and remove tire then remove bag. Arnotts are good for life. I have not seen any post of their bags failling. Convertion seems like over kill
