Hi Everyone, few months ago on my 2011 Mercedes S550 Base model this message "Malfuntion" started showing up on the dash. In the beginning message will show up after I drive the car for 10-15 mins, however later it started showing up few mins after car was started.

There were no leaks; All 4 Struts held air (none of the wheels strut bottom out)



Few weeks ago care went to dealer for Service A: synthetic oil and filter replacement, fluid level checks and corrections, and tire pressure correction ; Grand total of $368 :-)

Dealership offer to do the Diagnostic for this "Malfunction" message for $235 per hour Diagnostic fee. I was not sure if they will spend 1 hour or 5 hours so I passed on their offer.

Took it to local Mercedes shop. they ran some Diagnostics and gave me an estimate for Aprox $9000. (Replace: Air Compressor, Front and Rear Air Suspension Struts); No Charge for Diagnostics: God Bless.

Up until this point I didn't really looked into this myself so after $9000 sticker shock I decided to do some minor troubleshooting of my own. Pop the hood and immediately realize that "Air Compressor" seems to be working overtime. Also car was not rising up or down as expected when "Air Compressor" is on. Fired up YouTube and this is what fixed my issue:

Replace:
1. Air Valve Block - OEM PN: 2123200358; Purchase Aftermarket from FCP Euro: SKU: RAP-LF22 $190.99
2. Air Compressor - OEM PN: 2213201704: Purchase Aftermarket from Autozone: SKU: Arnott PN: P-3246 $356 --> This came with relay, however I decided to get OEM from Dealership. #3 below
3. Air Compressor Relay Switch: OEM PH: 0009928523: $35.68
4. Air Compressor Filter: OEM PH: 2123200169: $25 --> Purchased from Mercedes Dealership.

2 weeks have passed since the above parts were replaced. "Malfunction" message disappear and Airmatic System working as expected. Car will eventually need Front Right and Rear Airmatic struts replacement. will fight that battle when time comes.

Hope this post will help someone facing the similar issue.

 

the pump wears out over working from seized level sensors and or small leaks

you should replace all THREE level sensor link rods - cheap $40 each - the rod seizes up on the ball joints and eventually bends misreading so the compressor works too hard and or snap clean off - replace every 5 years to save the breakdown,

its a special design where 10mm steel ball welds itself in the plastic ball joint
one each side easy to do on the top wishbones at the front
one absolute bxxxxxx at the back hiding above the park brake module

 

ROBBERY!! Glad you did it yourself.

 

Congrats for this.