Hey, problems with suspension malfunction?

[MBman420]

Hey, my w211 e320 facelift says malfunction sometimes, thers no air leaks, ise the compressor issue?

 

[AMGeed]

Quite possibly the compressor not holding pressure or a leaking valve.
A Star test should resolve the exact problem.

This might help
Air Suspension Troubleshooting Guide Airmatic - Visit Workshop

 

[MBman420]

Hmm what is star test? Mb special diagnost?
Just came frome ride, worked fine, comfort to sport2 switching works, goes lower and no malfunction message. Sometimes when radio off i can hear compressor running and after that was malfunction...

 

[AMGeed]

Yes, Star is Mercedes diagnostics. It is able to test the pump to see if it can maintain pressure amongst other things.
Are you sure you are not hearing the SBC (brake) pump priming?
No matter, if you have a malfunction message pointing to the suspension, it probably is your pump. There will come a time when the pump will burn out in trying to maintain pressure.

Post a photo of the malfunction message next time it occurs.

 

[MBman420]

When i bought the car, i remember i heard smthing running in front end of the car and didnt know what it i, just says malfunction and thers car sign.

 

[AMGeed]

Probably is the compressor pump but Star will confirm.
I see you are in Europe. Can you use eBay for a replacement?
Get a new relay too. That aren't expensive.

 

[MBman420]

First i go to diagnost the car at workshop, hope the diagnost finds whats wrong. Yes i can use ebay to find new one, is all air compressors same design to fit my facelift wagon rwd?

 

[grober]

here's a system diagram

 

[MBman420]

Yes i can see, main unit is air compressor and valve unit, evrything was working fine abaout month ago, all levels of suspension worked, i think its time to change compressor i think its old and low power, but first i try to diagnost, is there any other diagnostic tool to check values exept Mb star?

 

[grober]

WARNING not all aftermarket diagnostic systems can address the Mercedes air suspension system many can only read the standard OBD Engine codes. The ones that do are expensive!
DIY How to troubleshoot Mercedes airmatic suspension using a Diagnostic Scanner – MB Medic

Because they are such an expensive purchase its probably best to leave the testing to an independent specialist with the correct diagnostic equipment.

 

[MBman420]

I think, air compressor takes pressure up too long time and then says malfunction?
Dont have mb star diagnostic

 

[AMGeed]

I think, air compressor takes pressure up too long time and then says malfunction?
Dont have mb star diagnostic

Yes, that is basically what happens. A Wabco brand is OEM but there are Chinese compressors that will do the job. The quality of those I wouldn't know. Don't forget a new relay and be careful releasing the securing bolts in case you break the clamp to secure the pump.
Something like this one.
Air Suspension Compressor Pump Airmatic for Mercedes S E Class W220 W211 W219 | eBay

Or OEM from Mercedes
Genuine Mercedes-Benz E-Class S-Class Air Suspension Compressor A2113200304 | eBay

 

[MBman420]

Driving around and cars says malfunction and then message is lost but airmatic works, bad connection somewhere ?

 

[grober]

try this thread
Airmatic compressor service/rebuild - MBWorld.org Forums

and this is how to repair the compressor

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[MBman420]

Seems easy to fix the compressor with the kit, do u guys think i have compressor low powered and says malfuntion in dash, sometimes the fault stays longer and sometimes only 1 or 2 seconds...

 

[grober]

Without a full diagnostic its guess work. If the compressor is 10 years old [ 2007? ] it may well be past its best. People with worn compressors have described similar symptoms to yours. The kit is around £25 plus postage from EBAY If you have good mechanical DIY skills or someone who has to help you its perhaps worth a try.

 

[brucemillar]

The kit from bagpipingandy.com is superb. Absolutely 100% recommended and if your compressor is tired? It will bring it back like new.

The kit itself is very easy to install with a 1/4" drive socket set, and some basic screwdrivers and torx bits. It comes with with "very detailed" photographic 'step by step' instructions.

I have used these in Range Rovers and most recently in my WIfe's BMW 4.8 X5.

**Now here is the really important thing**

If you have any questions or issues? you email Andy (yes that really is his name) and he gets straight back to you with even more detailed responses and practical help. You cannot say better than that (and I don't) and he could not be more helpful.

Things to remember here:

* These compressors are actually 'stand-a-loan' units bolted into the car and connected by an electrical harness (usually one multi plug) and a 'speed-fit' airline (the out flow pipe, to the reservoir(s).
They are not daunting items when seen in the above light. Removing the chassis and the sound deadening is often the longest part of the refurbishment process.

* If possible? (not essential) Remove the entire unit, from the car and do the refurbishment, in the warmth and light, of a living room or kitchen table. It saves stress on the air line and loom, as you have to 'up-end' the compressor unit, a few times as you carry out the work.

* Andy is an 'expert' on the workings of the compressor and not Mercedes Benz, BMW, Range Rover, Bentley etc ;^) Keep that in mind if, you are thinking about asking him questions on the operation of the car as opposed to the actual compressor. It is an air pump that pumps air to whatever it is connected to, up and down, as it told to do so by the cars ECU. Having said this he has helped me greatly with my wife's BMW.

 

[MBman420]

Just started engine and, pressed rise button it took abaout 40 seconds to rise and turn compressor off

 

[toolman1954]

Hi,
I get the "Visit workshop" sign on the dash from time to time. When I had my brakes done recently, the Indy checked the pump on the Star diagnostic for me while I was there. It depressurises the system and then monitors the period of time taken to pump up the system again. Star concluded my pump was within limits. It is a past replacement and now 7 years old. However, I have bought a piston overhaul kit from B.P.Andy and when the weather improves will fit it. Cheap overhaul, to keep the pump working efficiently.

Steve

 

[MBman420]

I still dont know why my car says malfunciton, evrything works, even thers malfuntion message, i can rise my car up and down, the message comes when i am driving.