jbraster001

Dear MB lover's,

A question about the rear right air shocks of the E55 (2003 with 149.000 km, still original). The rear right air shock seems to leak after speeding above 120 km/h and the airmatic suspension lower it self to the standard height, however the rear shock will go all the way down and will stay down as the air shock is fully deflated? I always drive in the high suspension mode (Aruba bad roads). After I stop the engine and start it again, it will level it self within approx 30 seconds or so. In the mean while I press the button for the higher suspension mode. It will come up not quick but it will go all the way up. After this the suspension stays put! Even after one day standing, it is still level? So it does not go down.... It seems to only occur when it goes in to lower suspension mode and it deflates the complete rear shock?

Any body experience with this phenomena? Help is welcome?

N_Rob

Do you know anyone with access to STAR? You must have one of the only W211 E55's in Aruba, that's awesome.

A Medic

I had a very similar issue with my W211 E63. Likely leak in air spring bellows + bad holder seal. Do you hear the compressor running when you shut off the car or when parked?

Eventually, you will have to replace the air springs because they are wear items.

jbraster001

Yes the MB dealership has the Start system. However the car seems to be holding up.

Yes I am one of 3 that have an E55.

Yuille36

The air compressor wasn't meant to run continuously, and will eventually fail, if the issue isn't addressed. Have someone (Dealership or Indy Shop) diagnose the issue, using Star Diagnostics.

jbraster001

I understand, however, When the car is locked and parked, the air compressor is not running, correct? So if one shock is leaking the car will lower it self? However this is not happening. When the car is parked and is sitting for several days all shocks are still up and the car is level even in the high position. It is only happening when I am driving and the car switching to the lower car height (or normal height). So it seems to be something wrong I guess with the value that releases pressure and keeps open to long.

Yuille36

When the car isn't running neither is the compressor. If the rear air spring is leaking, then that side of the car should go down, not the entire car.
So while your driving that compressor should occasionally run, to replace air that is bleeding out of the system or air spring.
Only a Star Diagnostic can tell you what part is faulty; air spring, air line, distribution block, compressor, etc.
But most likely it is the rear air spring. https://www.arnottindustries.com/ will be your most likely source for replacement.

jbraster001

Correct only the rear right of the car is going down. The issue still persists. So no issue as long the car is in the highest position. However when going to the low position or normal driving height, the rear right will go all the way down (not something my car should do....). How can the Star diagnostic system help figure this out? How much this would costs in hours?

Let me know appreciate it all.

Yuille36

But the car will automatically lower itself at 70 mph, for better aerodynamics. And this will cause your leaking rear air spring to lose air again.

jbraster001

Yes exact, so my thinking or my question is, why it can stay level in the high position and why not in the lower? It has two separate chambers for high and low. I am not sure just trying understand the system. I do not want to change parts if it is not broke, It seems to me it has to do with the valve or something (how ever this cannot be fixed as well I assume) so I end op changing the spring.

Yuille36

You know who you can ask, call Arnott Industries at (321) 868-3016 and talk to their techs, that know Mercedes AirMatic suspension.
I'm sure that they can assist you further, as we are just speculating here.

Notdke9fdkfjekrjrkj123

It seems quite common that it will hold air in high position but not in lower,same for me before i replaced it! I assume that when the airspring is in high position the rubber inside is stretch out and seals but in lower position its wrinkled and the holes are open,just my theory!

Yuille36

And your theory is right on point.

jbraster001

Impressive thinking, I agree, it has to do something with that for sure! Thanks!

Any body know how to reset the automatically lower itself function from 70 mph to a lets say a 100 mph?

N_Rob

KAMG

Following to see if this can be done...

jbraster001

I will replace it! For sure! Thanks all!

Left an right at the same time? Or just for the time being one?

I am one of those that if it ain't broke don't fix it?

Yuille36

They should be replaced in pairs, but if your short of $$$ then one is fine.