S550 Air Struts - Interesting Story and Warning
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: WV
1993 300SD, 1997 S600 Coupe, 2007 S550 4Matic
S550 Air Struts - Interesting Story and Warning
Many of you will recall a few days ago I posted a question asking if the message "Vehicle rising please wait a moment" was normal. There were, of course mixed reactions. The dealer and MBUSA both confirmed to me this was normal and none of their diagnostics revealed a problem. They were getting ready to bring my car back to me. This involved pulling the car into the wash bay and washing it. After they were done washing it, it had squatted "below the stops" (likely the same way I found it at the airport). They once again ran diagnostics and pressure checks and found no problems. They called their tech support and came to find out that one of the air struts has some sort of internal valve leak. There is no way to detect this through normal diagnostics and there is no way to tell which strut is at fault. They ordered 2 new struts from Germany and will replace under warranty.
So, some of you who may think the squatting is normal, please make a note of this while your car is still under warranty. This is approximately a $4000 job.
So, some of you who may think the squatting is normal, please make a note of this while your car is still under warranty. This is approximately a $4000 job.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: WV
1993 300SD, 1997 S600 Coupe, 2007 S550 4Matic
It was a very last minute thing, but they did it. I am very happy with this dealer's service. Quite a contrast from the one I used to use! I am not sure if it's appropriate to mention names here in a negative way, but as for the dealer I am happy with, it's Bobby Rahal in Wexford.
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2007 S600
Many of you will recall a few days ago I posted a question asking if the message "Vehicle rising please wait a moment" was normal. There were, of course mixed reactions. The dealer and MBUSA both confirmed to me this was normal and none of their diagnostics revealed a problem. They were getting ready to bring my car back to me. This involved pulling the car into the wash bay and washing it. After they were done washing it, it had squatted "below the stops" (likely the same way I found it at the airport). They once again ran diagnostics and pressure checks and found no problems. They called their tech support and came to find out that one of the air struts has some sort of internal valve leak. There is no way to detect this through normal diagnostics and there is no way to tell which strut is at fault. They ordered 2 new struts from Germany and will replace under warranty.
So, some of you who may think the squatting is normal, please make a note of this while your car is still under warranty. This is approximately a $4000 job.
So, some of you who may think the squatting is normal, please make a note of this while your car is still under warranty. This is approximately a $4000 job.
Thanks for the update. This is why I love forums like this. We are the ones to rely on for many resolutions through sharing our experiences.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: WV
1993 300SD, 1997 S600 Coupe, 2007 S550 4Matic
There are a lot to these cars, and you are right on the money about sharing experiences. Interestingly enough, I've had my S600 Coupe for 3 months and have put over 3000 miles on it, and nothing's gone wrong. Go figure LOL
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Thanks a lot for reporting the dealer findings. The air valves appear to be part of the strut on the W221 as well as they were on the W211. Unfortunate that the valve parts are not available separately from the strut. Actually I tend to remember the W212 had a different approach with a combined valve unit at the engine bay. Don't know how they do the adaptive air bag size part then but it sounds like an improvement in this respect.
It paid off being persistent with the issue, hope the parts come soon.
It paid off being persistent with the issue, hope the parts come soon.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 69
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From: WV
1993 300SD, 1997 S600 Coupe, 2007 S550 4Matic
Thanks a lot for reporting the dealer findings. The air valves appear to be part of the strut on the W221 as well as they were on the W211. Unfortunate that the valve parts are not available separately from the strut. Actually I tend to remember the W212 had a different approach with a combined valve unit at the engine bay. Don't know how they do the adaptive air bag size part then but it sounds like an improvement in this respect.
It paid off being persistent with the issue, hope the parts come soon.
It paid off being persistent with the issue, hope the parts come soon.
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Newbie
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2011 E350 Wagon
Vehicle Rising Please Wait
I just joined this group, as I visited as a guest and found it useful. I have a 2011 E350 wagon with rear air suspension. Unlike other models, there is no driver-manipulated suspension levelling: it is automatic. Over the last week, virtually every time I get in the car, the rear suspension is hunkered down, almost touching the tires. It inflates well and quickly, but it didn't seem normal to me, so I began my internet search. From what I have read here, I will call the dealer tomorrow. Thanks.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I just joined this group, as I visited as a guest and found it useful. I have a 2011 E350 wagon with rear air suspension. Unlike other models, there is no driver-manipulated suspension levelling: it is automatic. Over the last week, virtually every time I get in the car, the rear suspension is hunkered down, almost touching the tires. It inflates well and quickly, but it didn't seem normal to me, so I began my internet search. From what I have read here, I will call the dealer tomorrow. Thanks.
You do not have Airmatic which is why you don't have any buttons to control the suspension. Levelling is automatic on all cars, the buttons are there to control the target level to which the car automatically adjusts itself.
On a 2011 car the issue would likely be the same though, a problem with the valve within the air spring.
. Does any rebuild kits exist? 4Matic
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From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
Also, they routinely give MBWorld members 10% off.
As an example of cost, my R500 right strut was $400, and about $150 to install. Much cheaper than any dealer.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 302
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From: Merritt Island, Florida
MERCEDES-BENZ CL-CLASS
Arnott will heal your pains, dry your tears, and give you a lifetime warranty on any struts purchased from them. Get the strut shipped to you, send the old one back after the shop or dealer replaces it. You get your $100 core charge back, simple. Check to see if they are available, give them a call. Says coming soon for your model on the website. They carry the compressor right now though.
Thanks. We just added the AMK Air Suspension Compressor for the W221 as well as for the the CL-Class W216 compressor and GL and ML-Class W164 compressor. We are working the remanufactured sturts and could see them for the fronts this month (Oct 2012) and rears a couple months later.
Forum members can use code MBSAVE12 to save 10% off MB parts off the Arnott web site. (Max $75 savings).
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
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2011 E350 Wagon
I visited the dealer yesterday. After performing an inspection according to MB document GI32.22-P-048469, they discovered water droplets in the valve assembly. They will be replacing, under warranty, the compressor, both rear air bags, valve block and filter. I am amazed that such a major repair is required after only 20,000 kms but at least it is under warranty.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
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2007 mercedes s550
I have a 07 s550 and just replaced the driver side strut a month ago and today the same side of the car is low any answers
Junior Member
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S550 4matic
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I lost my driver side air strut about a month ago and ordered new ones from FCP Euro. Changed both fronts and the driver side still leaked down.
Thought I may have a leak in line or something else going on but before starting to dig in the whole system I made a simple isolation valve connection so that when spring is at normal height I closed the valve so rest of the system is not in play with the strut, and it still leaked.
I then took this leaking new part out and installed the old passenger side one and the car stays up meaning the new Arnott air spring had a leak.
FCP Euro was good with replacement part as they shipped a new strut before I sent the leaking part back, and they gave me a shipping label for that return. I received the new part but have not had time to install yet. Will do that this coming weekend.
Message here is that you can have a leak in a brand new airstrut. These are Arnott and I understand they are good struts but I got one “Monday gem” from their production line.
I installed Arnott air-springs in the rear of my E550 many years ago and they have been fine.
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 804
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From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
I had all sorts of suspension issues in my GL550. I did need front struts and rear struts. I replaced the rear airbags since we were already in there. Still had issues. Replaced the compressor and air filter. still had issues. Re programmed the suspension twice and had even more issues. Adjusted the height sensors and no change Turns out it was the valve block. At the time when I did 4 corners, the valve block was fine. I guess all the new parts were too much for it bare and it **** the bed.
