KW H.A.S. & Airmatic Failure
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 9
2016 E63S
KW H.A.S. & Airmatic Failure
Need some ideas to help troubleshoot
I was installing my KW H.A.S. kit with lowering links in the rear. Overall the install went pretty smooth, I've done a lot of coilover and spring installs on other platforms and its all more or less the same but the links and airmatic are new to me. Anyways, wrapped everything up and when I started the car the rear end doesn't lift up, it stays totally aired out. (Usually airs out when I work on it from lifting with the jack).
Steps I've troubleshot so far:
- verified that links are installed correctly and only 2mm shorter then OEM
- battery disconnect for extended time
- fully charged battery
- cleared any codes (couldn't see any) with mygenesis
- poked around in diagnostic mode - couldn't find anything useful
- suspension will cycle through modes on the button and gauge cluster but won't actually do anything
Curious if anyone else has experienced this, or has any tips and tricks to get the airmatic to work again. Any help is appreciated.
BTW its a 2016 E63S with only has 30,000km on it.
I was installing my KW H.A.S. kit with lowering links in the rear. Overall the install went pretty smooth, I've done a lot of coilover and spring installs on other platforms and its all more or less the same but the links and airmatic are new to me. Anyways, wrapped everything up and when I started the car the rear end doesn't lift up, it stays totally aired out. (Usually airs out when I work on it from lifting with the jack).
Steps I've troubleshot so far:
- verified that links are installed correctly and only 2mm shorter then OEM
- battery disconnect for extended time
- fully charged battery
- cleared any codes (couldn't see any) with mygenesis
- poked around in diagnostic mode - couldn't find anything useful
- suspension will cycle through modes on the button and gauge cluster but won't actually do anything
Curious if anyone else has experienced this, or has any tips and tricks to get the airmatic to work again. Any help is appreciated.
BTW its a 2016 E63S with only has 30,000km on it.
Last edited by LOLsike; Dec 5, 2020 at 07:49 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 9
From: Alberta, Canada
2014 E63S AMG
I just went through essentially the same thing yesterday. I installed the rear links and all was well, until a couple hours later when I was about 10 min from home. However my Airmatic was stuck in Sport mode and I got a message indicating an airmatic malfunction. My car was also completely aired out in the rear. I couldn't hear the pump working so the car obviously was making no attempt to air it up to proper ride height.
The issue was one of the links popped off. Might be worth double checking again to see if each link is properly secured. Other than that, try listening for the air pump. If you don't hear it working this could indicate an issue with the sensor or the links. Are you sure the level sensor arm is in the proper orientation and not spun around 180⁰? Maybe check that the sensor/connector isn't loose.
Otherwise if you hear the pump working but suspension not lifting this could be a more serious issue. Maybe an air line got nicked or something.
Have you tried driving it a few feet? You need to if you haven't.
The issue was one of the links popped off. Might be worth double checking again to see if each link is properly secured. Other than that, try listening for the air pump. If you don't hear it working this could indicate an issue with the sensor or the links. Are you sure the level sensor arm is in the proper orientation and not spun around 180⁰? Maybe check that the sensor/connector isn't loose.
Otherwise if you hear the pump working but suspension not lifting this could be a more serious issue. Maybe an air line got nicked or something.
Have you tried driving it a few feet? You need to if you haven't.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 310
From: NYC
E63S
As suggested above, drive the car around the block. If that doesn't change anything, I would try swapping back to the OE links and go from there. MAYBE you shortened them a bit too much? The KW links ARE a PITA to adjust and install.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 9
2016 E63S
Good news is: the problem is now resolved!
Bad news is: rather embarrassing but I'll post incase someone else comes across this issue.
As StealthE63 suggested I triple checked the links this morning and they were both clocked 90 degrees out. Re-adjusted the orientation and everything is all good now.
Thanks for all the help
Bad news is: rather embarrassing but I'll post incase someone else comes across this issue.
As StealthE63 suggested I triple checked the links this morning and they were both clocked 90 degrees out. Re-adjusted the orientation and everything is all good now.
Thanks for all the help
