The most thorough explanation of Mercedes-Benz Airmatic air suspension
Hello in this video I give the most thorough explanation of how to diagnose the air suspension on Mercedes Benz cars and SUV’s
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
5:08 Warnings on dash
11:27 Leaks
31:31 Level Calibration misinformation
35:54 Level Sensors
40:46 Fault codes
50:22 Part Quality
54:32 Level Sensors live data on scanner
56:08 Compressor Diagnosis
1:01:57 Valve block diagnosis
1:05:00 Scanner data
1:13:45 Jacking up air suspension cars
1:15:10 More scanner data
1:19:08 HOW TO PERFORM LEVEL CALIBRATION
1:23:27 Airmatic Control Module
1:25:12 Common Failures
visit workshop
airmatic visit workshop
compressor cooling
stop car too low
In this video I also use the Xtool A30M anyscan which is great for the price. You can find it here at this amazon link
amzn.to/3YPKU1B
If you have any comments good or bad about the video please let me know. I tried to be as thorough as possible with this.
Thanks for viewing!
Lou Palomino
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 5:08 Warnings on dash 11:27 Leaks 31:31 Level Calibration misinformation 35:54 Level Sensors 40:46 Fault codes 50:22 Part Quality 54:32 Level Sensors live data on scanner 56:08 Compressor Diagnosis 1:01:57 Valve block diagnosis 1:05:00 Scanner data 1:13:45 Jacking up air suspension cars 1:15:10 More scanner data 1:19:08 HOW TO PERFORM LEVEL CALIBRATION 1:23:27 Airmatic Control Module 1:25:12 Common Failures I hope this helps! Lou
My Amazon relay account was suspended ,All thanks to REXCYBERSUPPORT on 👆👆 for helping me reactivate my relay account. he's reliable
HOLA, esto mismo para el W220 S500 de 1999 en español... ¿Dónde se puede ver, escuchar, aprender...?
You won a subscriber thank you very much, I need some help man, I have a cls 550 2014 and since I bought it I've had a lot of problems with the dealership because of this suspension, first they sold me the car completely crooked with a difference of more 5 swells from one side to the other, and they took it to fix it because it was under warranty and now they have returned the car to me with the control buttons to increase or decrease the height without working, and the car at a height that I think is at the maximum , because it is very high , it even floats depending on the speed , can you tell me what the hell they did to make it high like that without the suspension working when I press the buttons , because it only stays in Sport , I can not change and the car is not in mode Sport suspension so it doesn't make sense, I would like to know what was done, I believe that something is wrong that puts my life at risk and I'm going to leave the car at Mercedes to fix it and I'm going to court to see if I get my money back
@@galodoidousarenato5504 sorry to hear , most likely stuck in calibration mode is my guess.
@@MasterTechLou thanks a lot , I go check that
I have S550 and you’re the kind of guy I’d leave my car with to work on , and go home knowing it’ll be taken care off 👍
Cars are not the problem, it’s pride and ego, assumptions and miscommunication and misinformation that is a huge problem in the service industry. I pride myself in being a people person first, gotta earn trust and build a relationship. I appreciate the support. Lou
Dude. Words can't explain how you delivered this knowledge! I feel way more confident!
I hope it helps ❤️
@@MasterTechLou oh it definitely will! I could write on forever and ever but as a mechanic I appreciate your efforts. Im picking up a W221 soon
One of the best presentations I have seen with regard to fault finding and using common sense (with the assistance of an appropriate scanner) to clear up the mystique around the Mercedes Airmatic Suspension system. Well Done all concerned and thanks for your time and service.
Thanks I appreciate that! I have another diagnosis process im editing now for you guys
Absolutely couldn't explain it better 👏
BRAVO .... THIS MAN don't have to do...but he did it!!!!! Thanks alot sir!!!!!!!!! Best wishes... from Vienna
Thank you I truly appreciate that! ❤️
Dude, I could just feel the honesty in your voice. I could only wished to have your shop near me. Respect man!
I truly appreciate that. I have been an honest mechanic since I started working on cars in 98’. I have been fortunate enough to have been in the presence of some realllllly good teachers and mentors.
SO refreshing to NOT have all sorts of gimmicks (I like guitar riffs but there's a time and a place) - this is pure information based on a complete understanding of a complex system. Wonderful!
You are humble, honest, and smart. This is a great comprehensive overview of how the air suspension system works. I learned a lot. I am using this and translating your knowledge to my Jeep suspension issues, they appear to be very similar. Thanks for taking the time and getting this info out there. Once you understand the fundamentals these systems are a lot less scary to diagnose and work on, Thanks so much.
Excellent video! This is the best explanation and troubleshooting video of Airmatic suspension I have ever seen! The best part is all this detailed information was free!
Canada appreciates your use of the metric system ;)
😂 glad to help!
Very best presentation from a Master - Tech U-tuber. I had to tip Master Tech Lou for his effort. Excellent and very articulate explanation. Shows in-depth knowledge. Am an ASE certified technician with more than thirty years of work experience with European and Asian automobiles.However Lou is the first dealer trained technician who truly delivered on this specific topic. I have been in hundreds of training classes and Lou is probably one of the best experience to date. Am now retired, but still do my own tinkering whenever i can. Thank YOU for a job well done.
Thank you so much for the kind words and the tip! I appreciate that a lot!
Back in 2013 I owned a 2007 S320 and that was my first experience with airmatic ride. I've owned several other cars after that and I cannot find a ride quality that matches airmatic. I think it is the perfect suspension system (smooth, responsive, soft yet not wobbly nor it is stiff). I used the car for daily long trips (100 miles each way) for over 5 years (daily commute) and was the most comfortable ride I ever experienced. In fact I thought to install airmatic system on one of my later cars (change of jobs stopped me from doing it as my commute became 12 miles). Your video on airmatic system is superb! Methodical and organised and well put. Thank you for sharing. PS: at first I had to replace the front right airbag. New from a dealer was $180, but I installed a refurbished unit for $60 and ran perfect the rest of those 5 years. I sold the car in 2018.
Thank you for sharing, I agree. Airmatic cars are the best rides . I appreciate the feedback!
Hello MT Lou! I have the same car and just replaced the rear bags and shocks without any issues, besides the rear was sitting now lower than before. I purchased, inspired by your review, a A30M to perform a level calibration. Everything works fine with the A30M - I can lower and rise all four corners. However, once I balance the height in the calibration screen and perform the calibration it confirms the new height but it shows different height levels after the confirmation message. Adjustment are in the negative range of -20 and -10mm before calibration. After calibration, the levels are now in the positive range +20 range and the car sits now very high. Appreciate your feedback and insight and happy to schedule a paid 1:1 FaceTime session.
I wish to thank you for the best explanation of this system I have ever had. you have helped me greatly
You are really a master Tech. Thank you for explaining the system step by step.
Thank you for that that was an absolutely great to watch and the amount of details and and thoroughly explanation about each thing and taking your time to do that that was an absolutely outstanding I personally want to thank you for your time and totally appreciate everything you do .
Thanks for this video! It's much appreciated by many!
Excellent video/content. Thank you for taking the time to educate us about the system. Please continue to provide these videos appreciate it.
I appreciate that! Thanks! 😌
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My 2008 R350's air suspension deflates overnight, every night. This is super helpful, thank you!
Thanks for the thorough explanation of the airmatic system.
Super informative, picked up a 2012 gl450 a few months ago and the front has dropped a time or two and your video was very helpful.
Glad to hear on the purchase, not happy to hear about the dropping but once again glad to hear I am helpful!
Great diagnostice procedure and explanation. Thank You!
thank you!
Thank you so much for such a precious information. I’ve learned a lot from it . Am facing a problem with my 2005 CLS500. I had a strong hit in a whole for the left from side, strut got leaked. I changed it with another one. The problem is… the car is not responding correctly to the commands from the buttons next to the gear stick. And sometimes it’s got jacked to the high level, and not resting down to the normal position after get parked and switched off. I do appreciate your advice. Thanks
Great video! I work in at a Nissan Dealer and had a GL450 come in with a suspension issue, thanks to you I was able to fix it quickly!
That’s awesome glad I could assist someway shape or form!
this video was amazing Lou. i learned so much even though i thought i knew the basics. my ML63 AMG 2012 is stuck in calibration not complete when i took it to a mechanic and cannot get out of it even with a good scanner. I'm going to play with level sensors as you suggested and see if that helps
Great video, Straight forward information with adequate explanation.
u r the best man you are like a Mercedes-Benz teacher👍
Wow Lou is such a great educator , I will be starting on a GL and definitely be following you ,,,,, Thank You!!
Lou being a retired Jack of all, I would like to know a reasonable scanner is worth or send me in a direction for a scanner that wont brake the bank, I really impressed with your approach to diagnose. I Have had 4 Benz's and do like the cars so I will live by your videos Thank you
I’m buying a GL from a buddy of mine and it has some airmatic issues. This is incredible knowledge! Thank you x100000 LOU!!!!!!
Real friends dont sell friends mercedes with issues 😂😂. Best of luck.
@@MasterTechLou hahaha atleast I know what I’m getting myself into 🤣. I can’t complain too much for $6500CAD! And it only has 215,000Km.
Excellent thorough video. Good job bro!
Lou you are unbeatable man, Thanks!
Thank you! ❤️
Great video! First time viewer. I will look what other videos you have. What I like about it besides your technical knowledge is that you took one system and explained it from one end to the other. Done deal. In my view this is a very good way of teaching. Hope you have similar videos on other systems. Appreciate your work and sharing your knowledge. Thank you. Hope your channel grows to catch up with DiagnoseDan's channel.
Thank you that means a lot.
Subscribed, excellent explanations, thank you!
Thank you for your time and help ☺️🙏
Awesome video very informative . Well explained , Looking forward to seeing more great video's
Thank you. You make so easy to understand
Thank you for the information 🙏
Excellent common sense explanation to the point…
Awesome job Lou! Thank you!
Thank you!
Super complete....thank u so much❤
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Very interesting video.
Man! I have a 14 CLS 550. Just hit 40,000 miles. It looks showroom new. The suspension has been dropping while driving intermittently for a year. Dealer installed new compressor. One rear shock. Both front level sensors, And level calibration 2 times all at separate visits and still riding like crap and front will drop. I just bought a scanner. You just taught me how to use it. I'm going to figure it out in my own garage. Thank you! I am mechanically inclined. But I am not a mechanic. I was able to understand everything. I'm giving you a donation. It won't be enough. But I gotta give you something. Again..... THANK YOU!
Last time I had a CLS with random either airmatic warning light or dropping it was due to a burnt connection at the compressor plug. You couldnt see black burn marks at all but as soon as I touched the wire the compressor kicked on. Inside the terminal itself the contacts were burned and making poor connection. It literally drove me crazy so now checking the terminals is part of my routine. We had that car for months! And it happened to fail the day I said “lets release it to the customer “ the car heard me and decided to fail. I drove it back into the shop, and as soon as I reached under the car and touched the wire compression kicked on. Issue was car would randomly drop. Well if valve block is opening and compressor SHOULD be kicking on, if theres no air being pushed TO THE SHOCKS then the pressure will just leak back through the compressor. Thats why my customers car would randomly drop . Best of luck to you.
Wow man thanks! That was very generous of you! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this video. Replaced my air strut and still isn’t raising. So I’ll be going over the all system tomorrow. This greatly helps me
Thank you, this video should help I tried to be very thorough,. Lou
From Nigeria and I wanna say I love you❤
Thank you so much fixed ml 300 suspension issue thanks to you cheers from Aussie land down under.
Glad to hear!
Really realy really good video!! Very well explained. I was able to understand much more how it works and how to diagnose the problem and not only swap parts - you are a good teacher! Please do much more of these videos. I love to learn more about how things work in my Mercedes. For the valve block the descriptions of the connections are in german and in english. VL = vorn links = FL = front left ; VR = vorn rechts = FR = front right ; HL = hinten links = RL = rear left ; HR = hinten rechts = RR = rear right ; SP = Speicher = RES = reservoir and i think P stands for Pumpe = P = pump (don't know why they don't use K = Kompressor). Thanks a bunch and all the best from germany. 👍👍👍
THANKS I truly appreciate that! just had a car in the shop right now, customer came in for level calibration.......... links are seized and basically bent in a U shape. how timely! Thanks again!
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Super. Great teaching. Many thanks
Thank you :) ♥
Wow crazy good video Thanks for taking time 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
Excellent presentation..Thanks
Just what I needed to see as my rear left bag on the car sinks overnight. As it has a 2-pin electric connector it must be the bag or valve on top. Thanks for your video.
Great, GREAT, GREAT VIDEO, MAN YOU'RE AWESOME!!!!!!
This was great. I've been having an issue with my suspension and as of today, I don't hear the compressor. I have a ICarsoft MB V2.0 which I thought would be able to help but it keeps giving me a link error which I believe is something new. I'm going to be checking all of the fuses and then the airlines and the compressor. I have a 2008 CLS 550 with a bad rear distributor so it's possible that my compressor is fried. I thought it was the rear sensor or the brace might have moved. The old rear sensor braces were made out of plastic and broke on my car once and the back wouldn't rise so I have some experience. I need a better scanner or need to get the ICarsoft to work. It's supposed to read the value on most of the sensors. Thanks for this post!!!!
Luo you made me learn more on airmatic in your special video than in months of trying to beg information on dealers, youtubers and forums. They should use your video to teach to some mercedes "technicians" here in Italy, I'll have got so many "change parts" diagnosis that they made me poor only thinking of paying them all. A technician can work a Master can teach. Grazie!!!
Thank you I appreciate that! And thanks for the super thanks!
Man ? you’re the teacher, teaching all of us DIY’ers “how to “and “what to” do in any case’s. Thank u. I just have problems with my 2014 GL 350 air suspension, the car was sitting days and always got one rear side down,after starting up the engine will not return 100% to base riding hight ,and it’s keeping telling me on the screen “malfunction “ and “compressor cooling “. That’s after i replace that leaking airbag. Amy advise? Thank u
answers are in my video my friend, that is why I made an hour plus long video. to handle any and every question.
Great video! thanks. I have a 2014 GL350. Currently, all four sides are dropped. I was getting the infamous "malfunction - vehicle rising" warning, as well as Compressor cooling warning. However, now it doesn't seem to be rising at all, and the compressor inset running. the compressor, valve block, relay, filter, bags, and struts are all new. any idea what issues might be causing this and how i can check my compressor for power and airflow?
Mercedes-Benz should ditch their whole Airmatic section in their manual and just print a QR code to this video. Perfect amount of detail and explanation. If you know things, you can explain it in simple words!
Thanks 😊 I truly appreciate that!
thank you for your video I love this can of videos
Thank you 😊 I hope it helps!
Great video. Thanks
Hi Lou, Thank you for the very informative video, keep going. Just on Friday when driving home I registered a noise coming from the left front wheel of my 2016 E350 212.294 when braking or cornering, so I stopped the car and found that the bladder/bag dust cover was torn, I increased chassis height to prevent dust cover to hit the tire, calmly drove home to dismount wheel and have closer look. Dust covers on both sides are pretty worn, as it was quite wet, I applied some duct tape :) and called MB support for further assistance as my dealership workshop has some maintenance these days. Today I got, from the dealership workshop arranged by MB support, a repair estimate for $1200 which is ~$400 more than I pay for regular service but too low for complete air suspension replacement - so I started digging to find out that an original dust cover costs about $50 and requires suspension removal which itself doesn't look like rocket science(1.5h for each wheel?). The car has 73k miles and I was told that the bags usually last ~85-100k miles, I do not register any leaks, car keeps level maybe even for weeks. Regularly serviced in dealership workshop. So my questions are: 1) Is it even worth replacing the dust cover with that mileage or should I prepare for suspension replacement? What do you think about that price? 2) As the last service was less than a year ago, it's quite suspicious - no one probably checked those dust covers, or it's common and nobody does that?
1- I don’t think its worth it. As for price? I cannot say its good or bad as no 2 places charge the same….. 2- its possible the tech seen them and didnt think to mention since the airbags still work. Or possibly they overlooked them. Often times I find mechanics dont say something they see as they “dont think youll buy it” Which is a shame. As its not up to us to decide for you, but its up to us to provide you with all the information of the car.
Great video and great skills. Thank you for great knowledge
Thank you for the nice comments!
I tried to find the video you mentioned about your friend's e 63 but couldn't find it. If you please can send me the link. I think I have the same problem
@@bassamshrafat3971 there was no video made on his E63 wagon regarding the air suspension.
Thank you for the response. I really like how professional you are . Keep it up
@@bassamshrafat3971 thank you that means a lot! I am currently working on the hydraulic ABC suspension video in the shop now. :)
I've been looking all over the internet and KZhead for some answers to my airmatic questions and this video was a big help, however I still have some questions. I have a 2010 ml63 and the airmatic seemed to be acting a little strange since every time I parked it would lower the front a few inches no matter the surface. I thought it may have had an electronic lowering kit installed since I got it used and the rear never really raised very high compared to the front but worked fine when raised by the button. I found a harness retainer plug at the controller had been missing so someone else had def been in there before. Unplugged the module and found 2 bent pins and 1 pushed back pin - straightened them out and carefully pulled the pin that recessed and reinstalled the plugs. After that I got a 5191 power supply short to ground code that come back immediately after it's cleared so I assume the module is probably shorted internally at this point but the code isn't clear on which power wire to check to ground for a short before condemning the module, so some advanced diagnostics tutorials would be awesome. Lastly - if I replace the module I believe the new one should either be flashed with the existing specs from my old one or a whole new alignment and calibration done at the dealer. I have a 2 way scan tool with all the options there to auto and manual initialize but I'm not sure that's the same thing or how to save and flash from one module to another. I can certainly say some content creators have module replacement videos and mention programming but NONE show you how or what you can use to do it. (Great idea for a video here). Anyway any advice would be appreciated. I got the factory schematic and I think the code is referring to the power 12v or 5v feed to the valve pack which I located the wire to but I can't be sure that's the circuit the code refers to.
Absolutely awesome Information. All makes sense. Still have a couple of questions, since my car never just lowers just 1 corner. Most of the time just the back, more often both axles, and once in a blue moon front only. And then, it stays up for days as nothing ever happend ...
Valve block is most likely the reason.
thumbs up - excellent video, please keep making them! -
Hi Lou, i just got changed my 2 front struts of my x166 with new Arnott struts, but the thing is that the ride quality does not fill very good i can feel some vibration and it feels a little bit more when driving in lifted mode. Another weird thing is that they supposedly did the automatic calibration and right know when i see my suv, i see that the different positions/levels are lower that they seem before. Thank you in advance for all your time and great wisdom you share with all of us!
thanks, there is no such thing as automatic calibration, also struts dont really change ride height, so if they did perform ride height adjustment and didnt finish it correctly the system will not level like it should. and I cannot comment on the ride quality of the arnott struts as I have no idea if they remanufactured the ones you put it or are new and if new who is the actual manufacturer of the internals.
Hi Lou. What an amazing video 🤩 finaly someone really explained this system. I know you said at the end of the video that ABC system works the same as the airmatic system but would be really nice if you can do an ABC video also and explain about the hydraulic valve blocs and accumulators in this system.
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I would like you to cover moisture problems within the system, abd how to fix it. *What problems will apear, *good to know, *How to prevent it Etc. You have great content! Keep the good work up!
Love this channel!
Thank you 😊
Wow !!!!!! You are amazing , Really admire you
hank you for explaining airmatic, that's how I managed to fix the suspension I had a punctured right rear air pipe and I changed it, everything was perfect, I had a small height difference of (5mm) and I thought I could do a level calibration, it didn't do anything more than that, it took me 3 hours to manage to
Hi. Very knowledgeable information. Thanks a lot. I have an issue with my s430 where the right rear side is sitting a little low. 1.25” or so. I don’t hear air leaking, no leak at the top of strut. Compressor comes on and fill the struts and goes off. While car goes up and down evenly with buttons on dash but the lower side still stays a little low and goes up and down fine. No codes at all. I haven’t checked for leaks at valve. If you could help that would be great. Thanks a lot
Top video. Thank you
Thank you 😊
Great Video, wish i had it when i first started diagnosing my Airmatic issues. I am now looking at 550C DTC: "System error (twist)"
Your rear level sensors are not positioned correctly. They both need to face the bags
Ho Sir i like your video it helpa lot to the people who own airmatic cars. I just subscribed thank you for your video
Thank you 😊
Thanks for the video, my was vehicle lower, then i changed the rear air bags and they were up, but the right sides both front and rear were higher and the front left side was lower, i changed the strut nothing changed then i replaced the the pump all the tire were up but right side still higher and start having the compressor cooling down messages, the vehicle malfunction still active.
Thank you so much for a very informative and educational video! You show a strong ambition to share your professional knowledge with all your viewers. BTW, what scanner are you using and is this a model you would recommend for advanced DIYs?
Thank you! I truly do want to educate. Its the Xtool Anyscan A30M . Its a really good bang for the buck as you can see it does a lot. I did a review on it if you go back through my videos. I hope this helps!
Hi Lou. You’re an amazing chap. I don’t even have a Mercs of any kind or an suv. I’ve got an old for galaxy with 201k on it. Just can’t afford anything right now. It’s not worth repairing its drive shafts, so I’m using it until I can’t anymore. 42:22 I was looking at a future purchase of gl class 350 2012/2014!model, Insha’Allah once can I save for 6/7months as riba is forbidden &, was just preparing my mind how much it may cost in repairs in due course over 5yrs or so. I thoroughly enjoyed you talking in such detail. You’re absolutely amazing. Tahir
Thank you I appreciate the nice comments. You are better suited to get a steel spring suspension model rather than air ride. expect to put on tires every 2 years or 20ish k miles. brakes every 20-30k depending on city or highway driving, also depends on if you find one alreay kept up on maintenance, but it can cost about 5k a year if you average it out.
Super Thanks!
Hi Lou, Great video! I’ve learned a lot. Thank you! I have a 2012 E350 station wagon. The rear end drops almost all the time. When starting, there is the warning about the vehicle raising. No issues when driving it. I’ve replaced the valve block (from dealer) but it did not fix it. Would you have any advise? Thanks again! Frank.
Hi, great presentation, I have a 2014 ml350 bluetec and my left rear drops on occasion. Very sporadic...may not happen in a couple of days...then it will on the third day. I have heard a rush of air after parked for a while. Sounds like the reservoir topping up the rear bag....any ideas? Thanks Ray
Thanks Ray. The answer is in my video sir. I spent many hours to make this so all the questions are answered….. you have a leaking air bag.
Thanks for ur quick reply, I watched ur vid again, and I did miss ur explanation of my current situation. Thanks again!!!!!
Hello Mr. Lou, superb technical video. I know much more about airmatic after watching your video few times. I am able to diagnose and fix my 2014 Gl450 x166 left to right difference due to sticky/frozen lever and slightly bent rear lever metal plate. I am right or close to 2.5v on all corners, left right at same height however rear sit about half inch lower. Do you have inclinometer angel range for front and rear? I enter the middle value of provided range out of scanner but not sure if they are correct. I don't have WiS. Thanks for your help.
Great video, thanks for shearing you knowlage Lou, much appreciated. One off topic question what is this matts you have on the garage floor? I wanted something to protect my tiles byt all i can find is gym sort of interlocking mats and they collect moisture and buckle inder car weight or god forbid if you stear on them got displased. Thanks
Swiss trax. If you look through my channel youll see the video’s of me laying them down. They are excellent.
@@MasterTechLou Thanks Lou .
Hi @mastertechLou, Can you advice what would you do if you want to get rid of the AIRMATIC suspension system and install Hi-end mechanical shocks to get rid of all the warnings on the dash after this? Many thanks
Super thanks
Is bilstein the OE for airmatic dampers of W221 ? Thank you
Thanks!
Your videos are Great Buddy ! I have been doing this for over 36 years all make all models. You do learn the terms SWAG and ESWAG as life goes on. Scientific Wild Ass Guess and also AN Educated Scientific Wild Ass Guess There is a big difference my Friend !
Ha! Thanks for the nice comments! I appreciate it ❤️
Great video, thanks. On an X166, ~1-2x a month the rear end sags, both sides. I found no leaks in the bags, the sensors move easily and are lubricated. I replaced the pump and filter, I did get a cooling message on the dash. One month after replacing the pump it happened again. Otherwise, it functions normally. It does not sound like the pump runs excessively. I dont have Xentry. My plan is to replace the valve block next, any other suggestions? Thanks again
I do not like guessing but I will say that when its so sporadic and it involves more than 1 bag it’s usually the valve block.
Love the content 👍
Thank you I appreciate that
Masterful.
Hello I have a W222 S550 and I was told I need a right rear damping valve replacement.. When searching for the part I didn't see it as a stand alone item for the W222. Is the damping valve enclosed in the strut itself? Would I need to replace the entire strut in order to replace the damping valve?
Great video Lou. I had frozen level rear sensor arms on my Mbenz r350. Car was dropped on drivers side, not bad but noticeable. I change right and left sensors and arms. No changes, still lower on left side. Could I have sensor installed 180 degrees off? Maybe on I am looking for problem in wrong area. No fault codes on dash. Thanks, George
Either arms not positioned right or you need to let air out of both bags at the same time and start it on the ground. Ir you only have rear air bags and none in front then its tricky in this car as the sensors can equal 5 volts but level be off so if you start it from fully deflated it can finally raise the same height
Really great details video - learn so much from your experience and knowledge. I have a question please help My Air body control raise button doesn’t light up and its not working - would you know it will be basically change to new button or just a fuse need to replace 🙏🏻?
You will need a scanner to check codes and then you will have an idea of what’s happening.
Why does the x166 front suspension strut/shock absorber clunk? Can it be fixed or do I need to replace the struts?
Hi Lou. Very in-depth explanation of the system. I have a 2005 CLS with a problem I can’t figure out. I replaced the air compressor and rear left air spring and now when I press the rise button the raises but there is no pressure in the rear air springs. How is that possible to raise with no air pressure in the air springs and also when I try to lower it it doesn’t go all the way down. 🤯🤯
Hi, thanks for the feedback! For 1 I will say the answer is most likely in my video. But whatever is happening it is probably a simple fix. I just cant say what it would be based on what youre saying is happening. There are too many questions I would have, to see what’s happening. And as much as I would like to, I cannot diagnose in the youtube comments. You can find me on instagram or justanswer.com in the mercedes section and make sure to put “For Lou Palomino Only” or else someone else will take it. Thanks 😊
Hi, I have a 2008 Viano 639 with air suspension, I replaced the airbags and now the car seems to sit normally but when i hit a pothole the bag travels all the way and hits the flanges inside the bags. Its like i have low pressure on them, but the car seats ok. I took down a shock absorber to see if its ok, (not new but ok). The one who sold me the bags says that i need to re-level, but iv seed in your video that you say its not really necessary. What could be the problem, low pressure in the airbags (although they sit ok)? Thanks
Lou, I love the way you explain everything thank you!!! I have a 2017 GLC 43. The car sits level with about 3 fingers between the tire and fender. When starting the car, a “strut malfunction” message shows up in-between the speedo and rpm gauge. The system stopped working as it will not rise or lower. Where should I start? Do you know what the preliminary cause would be? Thanks in Advance, KJ
Scanner, check codes.
My mother-in-law has a 2001 S430 that she has a strong emotional attachment to, but it has a major suspension fault. She's been told by both her regular mechanic (who I don't have a high opinion of) and the dealership that it's not worth fixing. I don't think her regular mechanic has the expertise or patience to fix this, and I suspect that the dealership would rather sell her a new car than fix this one... With the information you have provided, I believe that I will be able to find the leak and fix it, and do so without going bankrupt in the process. Thanks for sharing!
Heres my thoughts, 1- thank you for sharing and for watching and for your kind words. 2- never, ever ever ever have emotional attachment to a car. You will make poor decisions based on such. 3- dealers actually dont make money on selling a new car, mainly the salesman do, service does not. 4- ill never tell someone what isnt worth it that is for the customer to decide unless one of the following 4.1- car is unsafe no matter how much work you put into it, like if its rusting out. 4.2- the amount of work exceeds the value of the car. Never does one win on a car but there comes a point to where you will never recoupe the expenses. 4.3- if the car constantly has issues. There seems to be 3 types of cars, first one has zero issues despite normal Wear and tear, second has some minor failures over the years that are outside of normal wear and tear, then theres the ones that just have issues no matter how much you take care of them and cant forsee the failures. Those are rare but happen. 5- when you tell me 2001, I loved these cars. They were solid. Great engine and trans combo. As long as the car is solid and its just a suspension issue, should be ok to repair and get back on the road, problem is these shocks are expensive for the good brands. Not too hard to diagnose at all. You didnt mention mileage or length of ownership. That matters. If two people are telling you its not worth it, maybe its a sign that its not. BUT that can be only if they are coming from a monetary standpoint as shop labor and parts prices are high these days. So if you can do yourself, that surely would save on labor. So best of luck to you, need anything feel free to reach out. 💫 ♥️ 🚘
Hey Lou , I've been searching for the past 5ish years for some info on lifting the w166. The 2012 bluetec airmatic currently has some front blow shocks, mushroomed front bushings and a leaking hydraulic steering stabilizer and just want to gut it. I was wondering you know how similar the jeep wk2/Durango suspension setup was to the w166 (can't seem to find a definitive answer). Any help would be much appreciated!
On my 2006 cls500 my driver front side compressor comes on and while I'm driving I can here where it sounds like it's letting air out. The sound you hear when you take a valve out a car tire. Anyway it goes up but it doesn't go up at the same height as the other side and sometimes it acts right but most of the time it doesn't and so I can tell once I hit a bump that it went down. And if I hit the struct sport mode button it raises higher on the back passenger side but still lower on the front driver side so it's not leveled out
Stellar video! Thanks! I was looking at possibly purchasing a W205 C350e, which have a failing airmatic as one of the (very) common problems. (the C350e appears to be a bit of a lemon in the MB line up. Not sure if this extends to the entire W205 line up or if its mainly the Hybrid one). I was a bit apprehensive towards the airmatic system, but it became clear from your video that its actually quite doable for someone with a bit of a technical background. What i haven't found yet is how the airmatic system fails: is it slow, as in, do you get telltale signs that it is starting to go, or is it sudden; just one a cold early, time pressed morning squating against the ground, leaving one stranded at home?
Both, sometimes you get signs of dropping overtime, sometimes you get bags blown out or compressors locking up. Havent had too many 205 issues here yet. Basically age seems to be the killler.
Many thanks for the reply, cheers!@@MasterTechLou