airmatic havin trouble
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
"I took it to a mechanic who diagnosed it and told me that I needed all new air shocks and a new control computer."
While that is possible, I would certainly get a second opinion first. If you tell us where you are, someone on here might be able to recommend a good independent shop near you - one that is familiar with the Airmatic...
While that is possible, I would certainly get a second opinion first. If you tell us where you are, someone on here might be able to recommend a good independent shop near you - one that is familiar with the Airmatic...
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 544
Likes: 22
From: Texas
13's550/2000's430/13'gl63/'13's550/10's63
its about 2 k and you can do it yourself, but your problem is probably only 1 shock, find which one and replace it but eventually youll have to replace them all one by one, it is an car.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
'03 S500
Airmatic Sinking Overnight
The car was sinking mainly in the front overnight after 2 months of replacing front struts for new Arnotts (Excellent Replacements), the airmatic pump was working normally. After doing some air leak tests with soapy water, no leaks were found, I got very scared thinking it might be the rear struts. But decided to try something cheaper before going big, so I bought a used but very clean and in good working condition Valve Block, went to my indy mechanic, and did the replacement job for me for $80 bucks, and now everything is normal and the car doesn't sink anymore. Solved the problem and saved me a lot of money. The mechanic told me these valve blocks tend to go bad and give you lots of problems very often, so I advice everyone to check them before jumping to the more expensive pump or struts. By the way, the replacement job is a lil tricky, and extremely difficult if you don't get the car on a lift. The airmatic relay tend to go bad too, but if the pump starts and shuts down within a reasonable time after inflating the system, then your rely is fine. Hope this helps anyone.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 544
Likes: 22
From: Texas
13's550/2000's430/13'gl63/'13's550/10's63
from the dealer if its leaking from the top, it could be the bladder inside of the shock also, look on ebay and see if you can get an arnott and just replace it for 350
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
97' S320 & 00" S500
I just checked ebay and a single remanufactured strut is listed from several sources for under $400. I also see a few used ones for around $200. I'm not sure which way I should go, but I did notice that my car sinks in the back left first, then the front left sinks. then it may take several more days for the right side (Passenger side) to sink. That tells me that the problem is in the back left strut. Does that make sense to you.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
97' S320 & 00" S500
who is Arnott
Ok, I have to ask a really simple question. Who is Arnott and where do I find him?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 11
From: Dallas, TX
Range Rover
........
You know. Today I learned I'm a little older today and how to respond like an adult to all questions ask....
Arnott is the company. Just head to google and do a quick search for arnott airmatic shock. You'll find the online store and even a YouTube on how to change it
You know. Today I learned I'm a little older today and how to respond like an adult to all questions ask....
Arnott is the company. Just head to google and do a quick search for arnott airmatic shock. You'll find the online store and even a YouTube on how to change it
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
97' S320 & 00" S500
Well I had a feeling it was a stupid question, but I had to ask anyway since I had no idea what Arnott was. Thanks for the information and also for controlling your sense of humor. Not sure I could have resisted if the situation was reversed.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
97' S320 & 00" S500
OK I found the Arnott Industries web site and watched the video on replacement. Looks really straight forward. I have changed shocks and brakes on MB's before ( I also have a 97' W140). I would have no problem installing this conversion kit. I will check to see if I can get a better deal on ebay, but Arnott only wants $1700 plus core and shipping for all four and includes the electronic bypass. Sounds like a good deal.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 11
From: Dallas, TX
Range Rover
So your thinking of getting rid of the entire airmatic? I thought like you did once. I haven't had enough problems to justify it yet though. So far it has been cheaper to maintain. I imagine if I had a total system failure I would do it quick but usually it's been one shock every blue moon and the pumps cheap. Sounds like you know what's going on with everything now so good there. Keep us posted though 
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
s500
I also have s 2003 s500 and rear suspension drops after sitting a few hours. Fronts never drop. This morning I had to move it to shovel snow and the rear suspension never came back up and the dash said to take to shop airmatic error. I am thinking its the valve as the fronts are still up. I am hoping the pump is ok but i am not sure what triggers the error. Either way I think I will have to take in to shop for diag as it is snowing. does anyone know what triggers the error?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
s500
thank you. I will check through the rear dash for leaks just in case but will have to take to shop for repair. will let u know what happens. Do you know if the car is ok to drive that way without damaging anything as long as i dont hit any holes or speed bumps?
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
97' S320 & 00" S500
Yes I am. I took this to a local repair shop and they wanted $3,100 to fix. That's what got me started looking for an alternative. I always thought the airmatic system was a waste of engineering in these vehicles, and a leak wating to happen. I love the ride on my W140, and if I can convert my W220 to the same ride that's OK with me. I checked on ebay and found the Arnott conversion kit (C-2242) for about $1500 and that includes shipping and no core charge. I am about to order that but I am not sure about the ABC issue. All of the kits stipulate that they are not for vehicles with ABC. How can I confirm that my vehicle does not have Adaptive Body Control.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 96
From: Just north of Detroit,Michigan
2012 E350 4Matic P2
Yes I am. I took this to a local repair shop and they wanted $3,100 to fix. That's what got me started looking for an alternative. I always thought the airmatic system was a waste of engineering in these vehicles, and a leak wating to happen. I love the ride on my W140, and if I can convert my W220 to the same ride that's OK with me. I checked on ebay and found the Arnott conversion kit (C-2242) for about $1500 and that includes shipping and no core charge. I am about to order that but I am not sure about the ABC issue. All of the kits stipulate that they are not for vehicles with ABC. How can I confirm that my vehicle does not have Adaptive Body Control.
Last edited by mercy-me; Jan 3, 2014 at 10:59 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 96
From: Just north of Detroit,Michigan
2012 E350 4Matic P2
So if I have only one bad shock in the rear, both sides will sink? The reason I ask is that I am still having a drooping problem in the rear only when it is cold outside. During warmer weather, above 20 deg F rear stays up.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
2002 S430
left side stayed normal, right side sank 1 inch below the left.
Yours is temperature sensitive, my guess is the valve block with slightly loose connections to the rear.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
s500
I got mine back today. the tech at Mercedes checked the whole system and all the valves for operation and leaking. When the tech got there the cars left side was all the way down. But once he started working on it he could not find any leaks or stuck valves and the left side came back up on its own. I was talking shop with the tech and the problem could possibly be water in the system. There is a filter at the pump that if it is full of water then the system would have to be put on a vacuum pump for a couple days and the filter would have to be replaced. I did not have him check that as he would have to remove the pump to check the filter. I will do this in the spring. But as long as I know that there are no leaks i am pretty happy 
. Anyone have a s500 03 factory wheel for sale. Found out my tire leak is caused by a crack in the wheel.
. Anyone have a s500 03 factory wheel for sale. Found out my tire leak is caused by a crack in the wheel.
