STOP! Car too low message on W211 270CDI

[mrcbenz]

Hi everyone,

I noticed that the front off-side tyre was quite low compared to the other three. The tyre was almost touching the wheel arch. My airmatic setting was on the raised position. When I put the key in the ignition, the above message appeared. I drove the car a few paces forward, stopped to check the front off-side tyre and it seemed to raise a little and managed to drive home. When the engine was stopped, no malfunction messages appeared. I had a new airmatic pump just under a year ago. I suspect it's the strut as the other three tyres seem at the correct level.

Has anyone else experienced this and how much did it cost to remedy? It's booked in at my local indie to check at the end of the week. Car is a 52 plate with 112K on the clock. Not sure if the shocks were replaced from new as I've only had the car for 19 months or so.

Many thanks.

 

[Alps]

need to get it to an indi and get it on the MB computer to read the codes, it could be a leak, bad strut, popped pipe.


A good indi should be able to diag it quickly

 

[mrcbenz]

Thank you Alps. Will see what my MB indie says.

 

[mrcbenz]

Quick update for those interested ...

Had pretty much a nightmare getting the car to the indie last Friday to have the suspension problem checked out. As it couldn't get any worse, the car wouldn't start. Tried jump starting but no luck. Had to call the RAC out to see if they could get it started. They found that the starter motor had failed. RAC said best to have the vehicle towed to the indie to sort out the starter motor as well which was sensible. RAC flat-bed truck arrived, but due to the awkward steep slope on my drive and no room for the flat-bed to turn around, that idea was abandoned. Best solution was for RAC to fit a new starter motor so I could get the car to the indie. RAC fitted new starter motor for £199 which I thought was good. Least I have a starter motor which should last a while now.

Indie checked suspension fault and said I needed a new shock as I suspected. To supply and fit costs £1536!! Ouch A few members mentioned Arnott in Florida for replacement air shocks at a reasonable $456. I rang them, but they don't ship my part internationally unless I sent them the old one or paid $1000 upfront which was refundable. I need the car back fast for work so going to pay the indie price. Hope the other 3 shocks will last longer.

 

[sinewave]

Kinnel!

I'd av sent them the old one on condition they sent a new one by return!

 

[mrcbenz]

Kinnel!

I'd av sent them the old one on condition they sent a new one by return!

Hi sinewave,

Indeed 'kinnel!!' Would you or any one else reading this post know if the airmatic struts/shocks are the same for either side of the front, ie would a left-sided shock fit the right? Sorry if this is a stupid question . If so, I may have the indie save the bad shock, send it off to Arnott when I need another if the other side goes in the future. Airmatic is nice to have, but not when it breaks and costs a fortune to fix .

 

[sinewave]

I'd have thought they were 'handed' TBH.

I'm sure Ollie, Acid, Ian etc etc will be along soon to confirm or not.

Will be importing the Arnott gear for my self leveling rears when they go pop!

 

[SavMan]

I just had a front shock replaced on my E55 2 months ago by a main dealer for £1350!

 

[BlackC55]

I am pretty sure they are handed.

 

[mrcbenz]

I'd have thought they were 'handed' TBH.

I'm sure Ollie, Acid, Ian etc etc will be along soon to confirm or not.

Will be importing the Arnott gear for my self leveling rears when they go pop!

I thought they would be handed too, but just wanted to check. I came across this if this interests you or any one else - Mercanix - Mobile Mercedes-Benz Specialists 0800 6126818. Seems the guy is a mobile unit operating mostly in Berks, West London, Surrey area. They can repair the strut.

 

[mrcbenz]

I just had a front shock replaced on my E55 2 months ago by a main dealer for £1350!

Hi SavMan,

Good price for a main dealer. Thought it would be double the price at a dealer. Thought an indie would be a lot cheaper.

 

[OceanstarBug]

I heard someone use an US based company and this cost around 400? Parts only?

 

[OceanstarBug]

Indy more expensive than dealer??!!

 

[BlackC55]

I have a right handed second hand one for sale.