nishboo

Hey guys, just got a 2004 S500 which had previously been switched out with Arnott struts on the front (not sure about the rear). The car sat fine, and looked in great shape. Its a beautiful car with a couple of exceptions. It has a vibration I have yet to figure out, but it also has an issue with the AIRmatic system. What I noticed was every morning I am getting the AirMatic Visit Workshop message. Its funny, because in the afternoons and evenings, it does not show up. I am not sure what is going on.

I put it on STAR (SDS) and got C1321-001 "Fault in component y51y2 (Left front solenoid valve 2) in assembly Y51 (left front axle damping valve unit". I called Arnott, and they basically told me that I have to buy a new strut or re-manufactured unit, because they can not honor the warranty since I was not the one who purchased the units.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? Arnott said it may be an electrical connection, but everything looks fine, and it would not be doing this in the mornings only if it was damaged. Could it be the difference in temperature and humidity causing it? Maybe low voltage battery? Should I change the relay?

Any help is appreciated!

wallyp

There are two small wire harnesses that run from the strut and from the front sensors to a bulkhead connector in the top front of the wheel well. It can be difficult to get these connectors inserted properly. I suggest that you remove the wheel, unplug both connectors (it looks like one connector while inserted), and check the plugs and the connectors carefully. Then hold the plugs together, and insert them as one.

Good luck!

kmcapitals8

Im not sure about the airmatic message, but with the vibration it could be either the engine or transmission mounts. I had my engine mounts replaced first and the vibration became a bit less, but after the transmission mounts where changed, it disappeared.

nishboo

I got both done, and I still have the issue...

nishboo

I will check this out and get back to the thread shortly...

nishboo

Ok, so I checked it all out.. Put contact cleaner in both plugs and put it all back together. I made sure all connections were good as well. At the same time I put in a new relay because I had the updated Hella one just arrive. I still have the Airmatic Visit Workshop light... Possibly time to replace the strut?

wallyp

I suggest getting the codes read first - throwing parts at a W220 in hopes that one will fix the problem gets really expensive.

nishboo

I had the codes read... it says its a valve in the strut, however Arnott struts dont have that valve...

nishboo

UPDATE: Replaced the corner with an OEM front strut. Car rides amazing and all errors are gone. I am sure some of you think Arnott is great, but just the ride difference alone makes it all worth it to go OEM - plus the fact my car is no longer "rigged" with an aftermarket part.

No offense to Arnott, but I dont think their strut, it rigged relays or whatever, coupled with the fact that they couldn't help me with their product is a good sign of their customer service.

Thanks again guys!