Airmatic woes - 2007 - S550 - 4matic
 

Hi all,

After 7 good years of ownership, my car has started to act up a little.

A few days ago I got the "AIRmatic malfunction" symbol on my dash.

I plugged a Star scanner and I got the following error code:

5285 - Recovery times during filling of air suspension strut is too long.

I entered into the control module and I ran all of the pneumatic tests, following are the results:

1. Pneumatic test of component A9/1 (Airmatic compressor unit):
Component A9/1 functions properly.

2. Pneumatic test of component Y36/6Y1 (Left front level control valve):
Component Y36/6Y1 (Left front level control valve) is not operating properly or the line between the valve block and the suspension strut is not leaktight.

3. Pneumatic test of component Y36/6Y2 (Right front level control valve):
Component Y36/6Y2 (Right front level control valve) functions properly.

4. Pneumatic test of component Y36/6Y3 (Left rear level control valve):
Component Y36/6Y3 (Left rear level control valve) functions properly.

5. Pneumatic test of component Y36/6Y4 (Right rear level control valve):
Component Y36/6Y4 (Right rear level control valve) functions properly.

6. Pneumatic test of component Y36/6Y5 (AIRmatic central reservoir charge valve):
Component Y36/6Y5 (AIRmatic central reservoir charge valve) functions properly.

7. Pneumatic test of component A9/1y1 (AIRmatic pressure release valve):
Component A9/1y1 (AIRmatic pressure release valve) functions properly.

8. Leakage test between compressor and valve block:
The line between the compressor and valve block does not leak.

9. Leakage test between valve block and suspension struts:
I left the car standing for 2 days (48 hours) and none of the wheels sank more than 1/16".

10. Leakage test between valve block and central reservoir:
No gross leak was detected.
Check system for fine leaks.


The result is that the only failed test is the left front level control valve. Does anybody here have any experience with this? Is this a serviceable part?

I would take the car to my indy shop but it's located 45 minutes away and I don't want to risk a malfunction while driving. Also, I like to be well versed when engaging with shop (less likelihood of being taken advantage of).

post your VIN!

WDDNG86X17A102051

Thanks

[QUOTE=edwin.dario;7177870]WDDNG86X17A102051



Regret that the level control valve Y36/6 is only supplied by MB as a complete valve unit and there is no so called rebuild kit for the individual 6y1 valve(s)-----it's off to the junk yards:eek:

Following is a very informative video on the valve block:


The valve block is different but I think that the workings are the same.

I sourced a new (non oem) valve block for $177 on ebay.

Thanks all.

Hi Edwin,
I am getting the same error. My indy shop recommended that I change the Y36/6Y1 air suspension valve block (212-320-03-58) as well. Since the OEM valve block costs $375, I'm also looking at the Chinese aftermarket valve blocks. What has been your experience with the eBay valve block you installed? Also, they range form $96 to $196 on eBay. They all look the same. Do you recommend going with any particular aftermarket valve block on eBay?

Thanks for your advice.

Sumit,
I replaced the valve block.... to no avail. It ended up being the suspension strut.
I purchased a refurb'ed one from Rebuild Master Tech... very good price and a limited lifetime warranty.

Any visual leaks? how did you know
 

Really quick, how did you know it was the front left strut ?

Any visual leaks? and anything I need to know before i replace mine. I am going on a hunch that its the front left.

Thanks

Same here. I replaced the valve block too but the error still remains. My Indy shop says that no error codes are showing up in the diagnosis computer. He's now guessing it might be the cluster which is bad. I don't know who to trust. I'm just going to leave it and let it roll the way it is.

When the front left strut went out on my car, it was leaning down in the front left corner. It was very apparent to me. You could also go up a diagnosis computer which will confirm.

Suspension
 

It is almost always a bag on the strut that is leaking....have had this happen many times on my s550 and my gl450 ,......Arnott makes non OEM replacements that have parts warrantees that have worked out well for me

Hard to tell
 

Because on mine, it seems like the whole front goes down just about evenly on both sides.

I looked at the very top and filled it with water, small bubbles were coming up, fairly snowly. Idk if its air leaking or just air from somewhere else. this was left side and made a lot more bubbles then the right side.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...761c6be24c.png

My passenger side drops. The front all the way down and the back less so. I was thinking it was the block, but maybe some soapy water on the bag should be the way to start.