GCODE

Hi guys,

I have a 2006 S430 4Matic and it recently hit 100k miles. I also got the doomed "AIRMATIC WARNING, take to workshop" on my Dashboard Indicator. I took it in and the mechanic said he did not find any leaks. My car (even with engine off) is not too low. I believe it could be a problem with the sensors being frozen because of this polar vortex (I live in Detroit).

My question is, if I am wrong, and I continue driving with the Airmatic warning, what is the worst that can happen?

Thanks!

tusabes

The temp could very well be causing the fault

If your car is up and there's no leaks and the pump isn't constantly running you are ok

wallyp

My 2003 S430 gives that warning. I put it on my STAR/DAS system, and discovered that the Airmatic system air pressure was lower than spec. The system still works fine, with no height problems. I suppose that I will eventually have to rebuild/replace the pump, but hopefully not with 23* F outside temps.

GCODE

This how far my car is suspended. Too low?

baldsparky

I remember on the old citroen systems if you parked your car close to a kerb and left it for a couple of hours you couldnt get the door open because on your return it would hit the kerb.
Im no expert, but on my S320 which is a 1999. The rear wheel to arch gap reduces over about 3 days if the cars not used.
I would say your pumped up photo is about where mine is after the 3 day stand.
To be honest I have never seen the rear arch gap as low as your second pic.
When I start the car I hear the pump run for about a minute and then shut off. When driving around,after 20 minutes to half hour from time to time I hear the pump kick in but not for more than 30 seconds or so.
I guess we all know what our airmatic systems run like, but how do we compare like for like ??
Whats classed as acceptable, and whats not.
It a system under air pressure after all.
Surely its going to have some pressure drop over time.
I guess provided your not getting any warning messages, and as long as the cars not sitting on its tyres over night then thats fine.

baldsparky

Just popped outside and checked (cars been standing unused 3 days now) I can get 3 fingers between the rear wheel and arch.
Pump didnt kick in when I started her up. I let the car run for 10 minutes.
I pressed the raise level button on the dash. Pump kicked in and the car raised up.
When it stopped I could get the full width of my hand between the rear tyre and arch.
Pressed the dash switch again for normal ride hieght and the car dropped to 3 fingers again.
Not very scientific, but I hope it helps.

baldsparky

One other thing.
When I was looking around for a mint condition S class with full service history and low mileage.
I was amazed at how peoples perception of mint condition could vary.
My point is that during my search I rode tested an S430 that the owner proudly announced had coil spring suspension struts fitted as a replacement to the original airmatic system.
Once again peoples perception can differ greatly.
The guy said you will hardly notice the difference.
Well !! hard was right.
If you spend a small fortune changing to coil springs, your going to do everything you can to convince yourself its as good as.
I can tell you, the ride was much harsher, The magic carpet glide on air ride was gone !!
If I get a problem I will repair my airmatic thanks.
Springs do not begin to compare.
Sorry just being honest with what myself and my mate (who came on my search with me found)

GCODE

Thanks for checking the spacing. My arch to wheel space width was about 2-3 fingers.

I am going to take into the shop this week. Might just go ahead and get Arnott air struts put in. I'm at 100k miles and probably should get them replaced sooner or later.

The bankrupt city of Detroit has the worst roads for driving with low suspension believe it or not.

GCODE

Speaking of Detroit, does anyone know of any good shops in the area familiar with airmatic? I'd rather not go to a dealership and get charged up the yin yang.

tusabes

Air does leak more in low temps . If you have 2-3 fingers tire to wheel arch space , I wouldn't change a thing .

baldsparky

Anyone know if this kit is available for the W220s Airmatic system. If so, and if the price is right. For all us airmatic guys it would be as important as a spare wheel.

Ok sorry its an introductory quiz video, but basically they are emergency bump stops that have been designed to fit between the airmatic strutys and keep the car from bottoming out in the event of airmatic failure.
A hard ride but at least you can get the car home.

GCODE

Have you heard of people who have bottomed out because of airmatic failure? My suspension actually dropped some more to about 1 finger in between wheel and arch...getting a little worried. Could be due to drop in weather temperatures as well?

baldsparky

There is no doubt that sealed compressed air pressure decreases with temperature drop.
Provided your car doesn't continue to drop regardless of ambient temperature I wouldn't worry.

GCODE

Turns out pressure sensors and compression needs to be replaced for the airmatic and they are charging $1400 for it (non-dealership).

I am going to try to trace the root cause of this error before deciding to replace everything. Maybe there is just a malfunction with the relay or pump. I hope.

jlbledsoe

Bro I had the same thing happened to me when the cold hit I'm not trying to spend 2000$ to fix something that a fuse or relay could fix could you please tell me what you did

39monster

Bit the big bullitt which wasn't a cheap date - none are. MB dealer warranted for 1 year parts and labor. The scan showed the problem and height hasn't moved since the replacement. MBUSA is a joke when you call them.

GCODE

Just left Karl Heinz Autoshop in Royal Oak, MI with a $1000 less to my name, but he replaced my compressor and valve body. Airmatic is back to normal for now *knock on wood*

What is expected to fail next? Anyone have a guess? Rear air bags? Front Struts?

2k2s430

G Code there are a couple of shops in the Detroit area. I have been to Motorwerks in commerce, there is John Holger in Eastpointe.

GCODE

2k2s430

Thanks for the suggestions. I have seen Karl Heinz Auto pop up on a lot of MB Forums and they all had good reviews for him so I decided to try it out.

He only works on MB and BMW and has done so for the last 35 years. I would recommend you try out his shop next time you have issues.

2k2s430

G where is Karl Heinz located?

GCODE

He is off of Coolidge and 14 mile pretty much. There is a Meijer off Coolidge and he is right behind there.

jlbledsoe

Guys is it possible to "clean" or "wipe" off an airmatic sensor. Not an expert but I git my warning when the polar vortex hit in Michigan and I'm thinking maybe I've is covering it..... also where can I buy the hella relay for the airmatic and what's the part number? Thanks guys!!

rob_fed

No, there are 3 - 1 per each front strut and 1 that takes care of the rear struts. The rear sensor is actuated by the rear sway bar, if you have a broken rear sway bar link, this will cause strange height issues.

The sensors are sealed units, each has a control arm that pivots. It is possible that the seal around the pivot may eventually fail allowing moisture inside.

I suppose you could spray electrical contact cleaner on the outsides of each sensor, then follow up with some silicone spray to repel water.

btw - the rear sensor is almost in the center above the rear differential. This one is pretty much protected by is proximity of placement, unless you have been driving through large rain puddles.

jlbledsoe

Thanks so much! I'm gonna check in the am. I've actually rode thru some very nasty puddles lately.

Eric Giddio