Dreaded 5508 AirMatic Fault Code




Got the dreaded 5508 AirMatic malfunction code a while back. Let the car sit for about 2 weeks before I touched it. Car would hold its height as long as I kept it parked.
Cleared error 5508, code came back
Replaced compressor with new unit, cleared code, then code came back
Body still as same height now 4 weeks later
Buddy recommended that I replace relay and cut the compressor line so it has a fresh end at the fitting. I replaced relay with brand new hella relay, and checked line. Car still returning error 5508, and I've never seen the compressor power on since error first appeared with either the original or new compressor/relay combo. Buddy was able to power the compressor directly to confirm it works. He also checked the original relay and it was working fine. Car after this last time I removed compressor air line is now sitting on its control arms on the driver side.

Thoughts? Do I need a STAR computer to appropriately address reset and initialization of AirMatic? Been about a month and a half and me very sad.
Last edited by hachiroku; Dec 7, 2015 at 03:08 PM.




all fuses are good, relays are good, compressor is good.




Trending Topics




The Best of Mercedes & AMG












Last edited by hachiroku; Dec 9, 2015 at 09:47 PM.












I have heard my compressor kick on occasionally but it doesn't seem to be able to affect the height. I don't hear air leaking anywhere. Could it be the valve body? I'm thinking about changing that but I don't like throwing parts at a problem. Is there anything else I should check first?
I have heard my compressor kick on occasionally but it doesn't seem to be able to affect the height. I don't hear air leaking anywhere. Could it be the valve body? I'm thinking about changing that but I don't like throwing parts at a problem. Is there anything else I should check first?




most if not all rebuilt airmatic struts use higher quality bellows which generally come with a lifetime warranty.
most if not all rebuilt airmatic struts use higher quality bellows which generally come with a lifetime warranty.
I hate to throw parts at a problem, but considering the age and mileage on this car I'm considering this a refresh of wear items, I've ordered a replacement brand new OEM Mercedes valve block from FCP Euro and a pump rebuild kit from Amazon. Hopefully one or both of these will fix my issue. If not I will be very disappointed and confused. Either way, I will post back when they are installed.




with the message on your dash you should continue to see the compressor pumping air. not sure if it times out after x attempts or time frame. you might just need to get a bottle of soapy water to isolate the issue.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/air-sus...isit-workshop/
Last edited by hachiroku; Feb 19, 2019 at 04:30 PM.








i did have to repair one of the airmatic computer pins as one pin was broken at the midpoint on the harness connector...this resolved issues for the most part. friend bought a newer diagnostic scanner and fully reset all logged codes. all functionality returned.
1 week later, was having issues with Sport 1 and Sport 2 causing dash to light up stating AirMatic inoperable i believe. after another scan, we identified that the G27? G-Force sensor on one of the front strut towers was throwing a code for being faulty. After replacement and reset of all codes all was perfect. come back 3 years later, my other sensor went faulty and replaced that side as well. I did receive a check engine code for this. my local Mercedes specialist ran a systems check with their Star/DAS and identified the sensor to be faulty. diagnostic shows it did register G forces, but logged codes show it has faults.
Last edited by hachiroku; Aug 14, 2019 at 02:06 PM.









