angelglo

Question for you gurus.
I have a 2012 W221 s550 with a weird Airmatic issue. I know there is a leak somewhere and the car would drop. Upon start up, it shows the car too low symbol on the dash. The problem is that the Air compressor doesn't automatically run all the time. It's sporadic but it can sort of be forced to start. When driving, it shows an airmatic malfunction that I do believe is the air compressor fault.

To force it to start, I have the driver's side fuse box open with the relay cover off. I start the car and the compressor doesn't run but if I press the relay so it is closed and making contact, I can hear the air compressor start. After a few seconds, I turn off and restart the car and the compressor is now working. It seems like it needs a bit of a kick start to get it going. Does anyone have any ideas? I forgot to mention that the relay has been changed.

Simonas.st

If there's a leak in the system, compressor gives up after some time, so no wonder there. You have to find a leak, otherwise it is hard to diagnose other components. Take soapy water and sray on the top of shocks on valve body, and compressor.

angelglo

Thanks simonas. Iw ill try to track down leak(s)

angelglo

Ok. While getting to work on the car, I see that the pressure relief valve kept opening and sat the car all the way down to the ground. So, I realize that the good news is that the air shocks do not have any leaks. But, I think there is something wrong with the valve block. I read in a recent post that it could be corroded wires. I hope that's it because that will be a cheap fix.

Arrie

Have you checked the level sensor(s) in the rear? It seems the valves are working as they open as something is telling them to open. Bad level sensor signal is one thing that tells the valves to open.

angelglo

Thanks Arrie, I will check those all. Sometimes airmatics are more trouble then they are worth. So far, out of all the MB's I've had, the gl63 is the only one that hasn't given me a problem.

Simonas.st

It is problem only because nobody takes care of it, until it breaks.

Arrie

Anything breaks at some point and if this is just a simple sensor issue it isn't too bad. If you think about it, this sensor is electrical/mechanical sensor with an arm moving back and forth with the car bouncing. The car is 2012 model so it has been moving for 8+ years. Not too bad in my opinion.

My 2010 E550 had all 4 air springs leaking and I just replaced them a few months ago. They lasted 10 years. No sensor issue yet. I would not think this is that bad.

And Airmatic is the best suspension you can wish for.

BOTUS

its made of cheap rubbish everyone else uses only for head lamp level, its fitted in a stupid place when you can't see or reach it, it has no sensible weather shielding, it was designed to fail and the animals servicing cars are clueless Muppets...