Htk084

So I just bought on 06 E55 AMG 31k miles from carmax with extended warranty for 5 years. Problem is, the ride is very firm. Like almost jarring. So much so that's it's turning me off this car. I have it set in the most comfortable setting. Also the ESP malfunction light is on, could that be causing the rough ride or is that just how this car is? Thanks for any help.

shawnoc2003

That's nothing like my e55. If anything its too mushy such that I'm seriously thinking about replacing the airmatic suspension with coilovers.

Are you sure that the car still has the airmatic shocks?

As for the ESP, a bad alignment can cause it to malfunction or it could just be a bad wheel speed sensor.

Htk084

Thanks for the reply:

What do you mean does the car still have the airmatic shocks? Don't all these cars come with the same suspension?

shawnoc2003

They all have the airmatic suspension but what you're describing sounds off compared to mine. I drive around Michigan's rodes in sport 1 all the time. I only use comfort mode when I go through some weird construction reroutes or dirt roads.

My first thought was the someone put coilovers on the car before you bought it but that's just a guess.

Htk084

I was thinking the same thing. Wondering if it's aftermarket. I'm coming from an 05 GTO then a 12 Mustant GT and this is MUCH stiffer. Unexpected from a 10 year old sedan.

shawnoc2003

Sorry - that doesn't sound like an airmatic suspension.

Just pop the hood and look for an airline running to the front shock or jack up the side of the car and look for a coil spring in the wheel well (airmatics are just a smooth cylinder)

Dublinoh

I have an E63, but same suspension. Like the others have described the ride in "comfort" is well....comfortable.

Minty Fresh

Another quick way to see if you have Airmatic suspension, or to know if it is working properly, is to hit the Raise Vehicle button on the shift console, by your right hand. The raise is very subtle, so try setting up your phone to video the car from the outside while you are in it, then see if the car goes up and down after you push that button. Video it from both sides to make sure all four air shocks are working.

Also, the button next to that one to adjust the feel of the suspension should have no lights on (comfort), then click one light, click two lights. If the lights don't change when you hit that button, it's not stock.

Rainers

Return it or you'll be sorry tomorrow. You can always buy it back after the ride is fixed

E55Greasemonkey

Are you sure the car isn't sitting all the way down on the (blown out) suspension?

SICAMG

When the airmatic has a fault it will ride VERY FIRM.Before my coli overs thats what happened with mine.The sensors on top/ side of the struts should be unplugged and repluged and see what happens. Try it.

Dublinoh

I wonder if we will ever hear from this first time poster again. These dead end posts irritate me. Any post that is left unresolved irritates me. I'll go sulk in a corner now.

shawnoc2003

Agreed...I would really like to know if its a faulty airmatic or if its coilovers since I've begun digging into coilover kits for mine.

E55Freak

my car did this and it turned out my tires were way over inflated when i got it, after I let air out it was smooth as butter.

Denroll

They gave you a 5-year warranty? Boy, are they in for a surprise.

Keep the car. 31k miles is practically unheard of now. I'd be molesting that warranty like Jerry Sandusky in a locker room.

Dublinoh

Funny.....

shawnoc2003

Not if you went to Penn State.

Dublinoh

Joe Paterno was hosed big time. Punished the entire football program for one persons sins. Taking away wins, Penn State was not treated fairly. I get your point sorry if I offended.

shawnoc2003

Sorry no offense taken. It was a pretty rough day at work that day - took down the Penn State flag at my desk. Just feel bad for all those kids who were taken advantage of by Sandusky.

dustinN

My car still has the airmatic but the previous owner has lowered it by 2-inches, this setting makes the ride very firm compared to other E63s that I have test drove. On the other hand, it looks cool so I keep it low. Test the raise button see if the airmatic is still working. You can have it reset to manufacture height.

Max.H

Return the car and get something else

hachiroku

if the warranty covers EVERYTHING...i'd personally keep the car if...and only if you got the car for a great price. i'd force them to fix EVERYTHING. beyond that...this is a european car so many expensive things can break every year.

Htk084

Hey guys sorry for the late response. I'm keeping the car but the car is in Carmax right now. They said it was a faulty sensor so they're ordering a new one. They also said it needed a realignment. For the those interested, I came across what I think was a great deal and what I considered the last chance to get a car I always wanted. 2006 silver E55 31k miles no pano roof for 22998 and 2100 for 5 year extended warranty. Love the car but not the ride quality so far.

Hopefully when I get it back and check the tire pressure the car will ride smooth but I'm expecting I'll have to do further digging. If I have to I'll take it to MB and have them look over the suspension and if it needs work they can fix it cause my warranty can be used in any MB dealer or Carmax. Excited to be on the forums I'll be posting more later.

justinp95

So can the sensors be bad if the ESP lights is not on? I dont think mine rides as an E55 should but its not THAT bad.

hachiroku

wow those are low miles!!! the car must be immaculate!