Rear Suspension E270 CDI

[DreamCar]

Recently bought the above in estate form and when parked with engine off the rear suspension lowers. When turning the engine on you can hear it pump back up and it drives fine and stays up.

Wondered if the fact it goes down same amount each side of the rear and goes back up with no problem gives an indication of whether it's the air bags or the leveling sensor or leaking pipe etc.? It is booked in on Friday to be looked at and ideally want to keep the car but hoping it's not too big a job.

 

[AndrewOl]

Leaking rear air bags is a common fault and the best place to start looking. Not too expensive to change as there are pattern parts usually available.

 

[DreamCar]

Thank you, are there any particular brands that are recommended? Are Aerosus ok?

 

[ChrisHGTV]

I personally went for Arnott from Autodoc as they seem to be a popular choice. I was also looking at Bilstein from the same. If it’s dropping consistently both sides it could be a leak from the compressor, valve block, one of the airlines. I would factor in replacing all the airlines as a matter of course as they are almost a service item and it’s nigh on impossible to locate a leak in the lines unless it’s really obvious. So you could end up changing the airbags when the leak is in the line somewhere. Not sure about the E270 but on my S212 you can get a rebuild kit for the compressor if needed. I ended up replacing mine instead with a Merc refurbed one just due to time.

 

[zipdip]

Well the fact that both sides are going down I would think it is a air leak from a pipe or union,I doubt it is the level sensor,I would get it to a indy,because your compressor will be working more to keep the car pumped up.

 

[DreamCar]

They had a look yesterday and found one rear air bag is leaking so they are waiting for a quote on Arnott replacement? Anyone know cheapest place to purchase one? Seen £388 on ECP with the discount code, is there anywhere cheaper? Looking on Autodoc just now looks like £274 is that the correct part A-2726 ??

One thing I noticed with air con on other day coolant temp went to 100, panicked but seemed to be ok then dropped down and stayed down with air con off, not sure if just broken thermostat/temp sensor or needs coolant flush.

 

[AndrewOl]

You are looking in the most common places. You might find cheaper shopping around but ECP and AUTODOC get a good name. I use AUTODOC and they have been good but delivery times can be an issue.

 

[AndrewOl]

If the other one is original then I would change it too if you can at the same time or at least plan for replacement as they have we a finite life. The downside of them leaking even just a little bit is that it works the compressor harder which wears it out.

 

[AndrewOl]

Not sure you have a problem with your cooling/aircon. Just keep an eye on it.
Good luck!

 

[DreamCar]

Thank you, I think I'll go ahead with Autodoc.....forgot to mention it's missing the belt buckle that the belt connects in to for one of the back seats, where is best to purchase replacement please?

 

[DreamCar]

Garage ordered a Bilstein replacement and fitted so cancelled the arnott order. Abs sensor and pick up and full service done.

Only outstanding issue is a little vibration that I think is from gearbox when driving in lower revs occasionally. Think from quick search it's a torque converter sensor.... Is it easy for transmission specialist to make the diagnosis?

Still not been able to locate a rear left seat belt buckle!

 

[colinallcars]

Thank you, I think I'll go ahead with Autodoc.....forgot to mention it's missing the belt buckle that the belt connects in to for one of the back seats, where is best to purchase replacement please?
Likely to be a dealer part although you may turn one up on eBay or a breaker’s yard.

 

[DreamCar]

Can different brand suspension airbags be mixed? I had one replaced with Bilstein bag but other one now needs doing. Can I use a different brand or do both need to be Bilstein?

 

[AndrewOl]

I would keep them matched if you can.