Replacing AirMatic air compressor on a 2009 CLS

[6cyl]

The OBC has been complaining about an airmatic problem for about a year, it has always raised and lowered the car on demand, though it may have been slower than expected. One of the front struts were replaced about 2 years ago at great expense by a 'specialist'. Someone I will not go to again, as I feel they took advantage by charging circa £1200 changing a single strut. I have since found out 3rd party struts are not that expensive and the labour is a simple affair. Anyhow, I digress.

The car is now lower at all 4 corners, it happens intermittently. I believe it's the compressor, the piston ring wears out. I've seen rebuild kits and I've seen 3rd party replacement with a new relay. I won't bother with a rebuild kit, the replacement costs just under £100 with a relay.

I've seen a video on replacing the compressor (E, S class) Mercedes-Benz Air Suspension Compressor Replacement Guide

Anybody use these low cost replacements before?

From Airmatic Pump For Mercedes E/S Class Air Suspension Compressor W220 W211 W219 6923487096677 | eBay

 

[AndrewOl]

I have not used these before although I did use that company for some cheap rear shocks for my GL. They were ok. There are cheaper than MB pattern ones from Aerosus and the like which are just as good as the MB units. The compressor may have died due to running excessively. This happens when you have an air leak which may have been why you are getting an error message. Might be an idea to try and find the leak or your new compressor may go the same way as this one.

 

[6cyl]

I have not used these before although I did use that company for some cheap rear shocks for my GL. They were ok. There are cheaper than MB pattern ones from Aerosus and the like which are just as good as the MB units. The compressor may have died due to running excessively. This happens when you have an air leak which may have been why you are getting an error message. Might be an idea to try and find the leak or your new compressor may go the same way as this one.

Good idea, I've been getting the message for the last 50k miles and 3 years. The car has done 106K miles now.

 

[design guru]

I replaced mine, both front struts are after market struts from China and the compressor is also unbranded, I have had them in for over 2 years and done 50k with no issues, the only thing I would change is the relay from the unbranded supplied to a Hella brand from Mercedes which was about £10 at the time as the original had an issue with getting stuck and running the pump continuously. I have a 2001 S320cdi which had 189k on the clock so I could not justify the cost of original parts and to be honest I have not been able to tell the difference in ride quality. Again I do have a slight leak somewhere as the rear offside does lower slightly so the pump has been put through its paces over the last 2 years but the are just as good as an original.

Its a difficult decision as they are all from overseas so do not pay attention to the guarantee offered as most will not stand by that offer and posting the faulty item back to them usually located in China will cost more than the part. This is the only downside but I have to say I was lucky as the parts I got were fine.

 

[6cyl]

I am dubious about the quality of China sourced components, however I do know most parts are manufactured from there and they do have enormous manufacturing capability. More often than not if they can gear up to make 50k widgets for a customer, they keep the production line running and make another 50k to sell through internal channels and some escape to be sold over here. So we're taking a chance on the QC/QA of the item, at 1/5th of the price.

 

[mersum1es]

I bought chinese one and replaced that on my W220, it worked well couple of years I had the car, and new owner has not complained either. As above, relay coming with compressor is looking very dubious, I bought additional original one and left that lego brick in glove box in case of emergency.

Then I have replaced piston ring to one compresor unit, that has been installed and running well also over 2 years now in my C219. I have another spare unit where I changed cylinder and pistoon ring, its still waiting new electric connector. I have not tested that pump yet.

 

[6cyl]

I've ordered it.
@design guru, @mersum1es

Would you guys have the Hella or MB part number for the relay? I'll get one of those whilst I'm waiting for the compressor.

Many thanks

 

[grober]

BAGPIPINGANDY.COM

Hey, problems with suspension malfunction? | Wheels, Tyres, Brakes & Suspension

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

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[6cyl]

It's arrived - 2 days del.

@design guru, @mersum1es. @ anyone?

Would you guys have the Hella or MB part number for the relay? I'll get one of those whilst I'm waiting for the compressor.

Many thanks

 

[Londonscottish]

Good idea, I've been getting the message for the last 50k miles and 3 years. The car has done 106K miles now.

The pump went on my 211 somewhere past 100k mikes. No leaks, it just got weaker & weaker.

 

[design guru]

A002 542 72 19
Hella
It was about £11 inc VAT but that was about 4 years ago.

 

[6cyl]

Well, took me 1.75 hours.
0.5hr to find the right tools.
0.25hr to work out how to get the car on the ramps, it was way too low. I used the car's jack to lift it and then push the ramps underneath the wheels.
0.25hr to unplug the main power plug as it was stuck
0.25hr to swap over the compressor
0.25hr to button it back up
0.25hr to tidy up and put the tools away

The compressor cost me less than £100.

Works great now, very happy.

 

[6cyl]

The only thing I didn't change was the relay. The compressor I ordered is supposed to come with one. I'll probably get a decent Hella or Bosch one. It's used in many applications, from fuel pump to ABS relay.