"STOP! Car too low to drive"
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
CL550 1976 450 SL
"STOP! Car too low to drive"
So, I start my 2007 S550 4-Matic, w/ 88000 miles. The statement on the main panel said, "Car rising". This is abnormal, obviously. W/in seconds, a red toned warning, as in the subject line shows. I am screwed. Right front fender is virtually laying on the right front tire. Left side is normal. Car cants right greatly.
What's wrong? Car's parked. Needs work, but what? Pls. advise. Thanks.
What's wrong? Car's parked. Needs work, but what? Pls. advise. Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
With Airmatic, the system is pressurized by a little air compressor. It's meant to run in short bursts when more air is being called for. (It actually fills up an air reservoir tank, and the system draws air from the tank). Air is delivered to the struts via small tubes running in to the tops. Sometimes, one or more of the struts will develop a slow leak. The system will attempt to compensate, which causes the pump to run beyond its design limitations, overheat and eventually fail.
At the very least your right front strut is shot and no longer holding air. It will need to be replaced. It's possible the pump is shot as well. I've had an Airmatic failure on each of my two prior S Class, but it was always covered under warranty. I know that Arnot makes aftermarket replacement struts that re less costly. Good luck!
At the very least your right front strut is shot and no longer holding air. It will need to be replaced. It's possible the pump is shot as well. I've had an Airmatic failure on each of my two prior S Class, but it was always covered under warranty. I know that Arnot makes aftermarket replacement struts that re less costly. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
CL550 1976 450 SL
Thanks, all, for the quick, but eye-opening replies. I had a similar situation w/ my old 220 platform. I learned all ya gotta do is just bring money, I guess.
Did some rummaging on the part. Holy blank. So much for the kids' Christmas. The issue more dwells on the car being down than raw bucks. Pay a premium to get it going or shelve it for days to get a good buy on the part.
Bah, f'ing humbug.
Did some rummaging on the part. Holy blank. So much for the kids' Christmas. The issue more dwells on the car being down than raw bucks. Pay a premium to get it going or shelve it for days to get a good buy on the part.
Bah, f'ing humbug.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Thanks, all, for the quick, but eye-opening replies. I had a similar situation w/ my old 220 platform. I learned all ya gotta do is just bring money, I guess.
Did some rummaging on the part. Holy blank. So much for the kids' Christmas. The issue more dwells on the car being down than raw bucks. Pay a premium to get it going or shelve it for days to get a good buy on the part.
Bah, f'ing humbug.
Did some rummaging on the part. Holy blank. So much for the kids' Christmas. The issue more dwells on the car being down than raw bucks. Pay a premium to get it going or shelve it for days to get a good buy on the part.
Bah, f'ing humbug.
It may just be a strut. $525 from Arnott. If it needs the pump as well they get another $500 for a reman. There's a relay that is supposed to protect the pump from burning itself out, so hopefully that saved the pump.
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From: Planet Earth
S500
