Doug427

I'm in the process of buying a 2006 E55 AMG. I just found out that the car settles when it is turned off over time, although I don't know how much time it takes to do so. As soon as you start it, it raises right back up to normal ride height. Is this normal behavior for the air ride system in this car? If not, is it a common fault, and if so what is the likely cause and cost to fix? Need answer ASAP as I am in the middle of this transaction. This car is awesome in every way. I have been looking for the longest time, and this is the one, assuming this is either normal or a fairly easy fix. Thanks!

CarbonHan

its common and its NOT cheap to fix.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

all airmatic struts will eventually loose their air pressure, if the car is not driven for a while.

Jonny English

Could be the pump losing pressure through leakage.
As above, not a cheap fix at the dealer.
You need to get the car checked by an MB tech before signing the dotted line.

HeissRod

It's common and does not mean the car has a problem.

Doug427

I'm a fairly good wrench. Not a pro but I can do some things. How hard is it for the average do it yourself car guy to replace the pump or the shocks on these cars? I just did all the control arms and suspension bushings on a W202, so I am easily capable of that type work. Given that skill level, if needed can I handle working on this system if necessary? This doesn't sound like a electronic problem, sounds more like pump, lines or shocks have a leak. How pricey is this stuff? Is it available from aftermarket or is a MB stealership the only option?

Doug427

Hey Heiss! I see you're in Cypress, I'm right over in Kingwood. Any decent shops on the north side that work on these cars if needed for less than the local MB dealers?

realien

mind does it over about 7 days if I don't drive it, only seen it slammed once when the passenger side front failed, replaced it in about an hour with the arnott ones..

A.M.

Mine does this in the rear after about a week. My neighbours e550 2012 does the same thing. pretty common. It will drop even faster if left out in the cold.

bigjule

and like realien already mentioned... go the Arnott Way.. alot cheaper and they offer life time warranty... so if it fails you just pay for service... and definitely go to a indie shop lol.. oh and one more thing.. if it's a leaking shock see how long he's driven the car thst way.. reason I say is that driving the car thst way puts alot of stress on the actual pump... it makes it work harder.. but you mite not have a issue.. my old s-class use to sit low after a few days and it had no issue also my e63 sits low as well after non use

AgSilver

I'll probably put the kibosh on it by revealing this, but after 11 years I'm still on the original bags. In preparation for at least a 7 month storage period, the car has yet to be placed on jacks, but it has been stationary for 4 weeks and it is still up. I am planning to bring a complete set or Arnott's back to Germany in July (I'm getting a little nervous - - - you know, sort of like a Christian Scientist with an appendicitis). I have also had a new Airmatic compressor on the shelf for 5 years.

In the FWIW department, I replace Airmatic air filter every 2 years when I clean the K&N's.

CarbonHan

I didn't even know we had an airmatic air filter. Where is it located?

60nomad

I'm with you!

bbirdwell

Under the front left bumper. You'll need to pull the fender liner and/or the front undertray to get to it. The attached photo was taken while I had the bumper off to install a PLM heat exchanger. Filter is to the left of picture.