Airmatic Compressor
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,744
Likes: 3
From: Houston Texas
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Airmatic Compressor
Is it normal for the compressor to come on regularly within maybe 15 minutes of each other and its noticeably audible from inside the car? We have one at work and while photographing it today it came on a few times and made me wonder why, my neighbors 02 never does this. So I thought maybe it was a sign that the airmatic is failing in some way. Anybody have any ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 26
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Originally Posted by IluvS500
anybody?
On my '05 S500, the compressor rarely runs unless I have not driven the car in a long time.
It is normal to hear the compressor when it runs with the engine off.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,744
Likes: 3
From: Houston Texas
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
i suppose maybe this car has a small leak then...im not sure. it has 71k miles on it and is an 01. My dad was almost considering it since it is for sale at my work but i warned of the suspension etc and told him to go back to looking at 40k or lower miled cars. the car is mint though. the interior literally looks showroom new and the exterior had a few minor dents that were removed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 26
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Finding and fixing the leak should not be difficult - it could be a number of connectors, the struts, or the mounting plates (as I mentioned) - but a little soapy water should reveal the leak.
if the car is otherwise good, I'd have a Mercedes mechanic look it over and still consider the purchase.
if the car is otherwise good, I'd have a Mercedes mechanic look it over and still consider the purchase.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
Likes: 28
From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
My '04 S500 Airmatic compressor hardly runs at all. On the other hand, my 2000 S430 ( 3/99 ) ran all the time, especially one night when it ran for 2 hours and burnt up. A little leak without any backup valving resulted in thousands in warranty repair costs.
Obviously, if it sounds like it's running too long, don't delay in getting it serviced.
Obviously, if it sounds like it's running too long, don't delay in getting it serviced.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,744
Likes: 3
From: Houston Texas
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
once it is fixed...is it common for it to break again. my parents tend to keep their cars long periods of time. we dont want major components breaking down all the time out of warranty. that is why im telling them even though it looks newer than it is...stay away. id rather them go for a lesser maintenance car like a W210 (looks classy) or W211 if theyd like (I like the 210 better)
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 260
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From: US-Philadelphia
SL600
My 2000 has always audibly cycled on and off in about 15 minute intervals. Just recently, at 56k I had the compressor replaced, because the suspension rise button was not functioning. Display just kept indicating "Vehicle Rising", but the vehicle never rose. After replacing the compressor, I still can faintly hear it cycle on and off in those same 15 minute, or so, intervals.
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