Common Mercedes AIRMATIC Suspension Problems

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With a system as complex as AIRMATIC, there is always a long list of things that can go wrong. However, Mercedes owners tend to report certain problems more than others.

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Leaking AIRMATIC Strut

One of the most common Mercedes air suspension problems is a leaking air strut. As AIRMATIC systems start to age, the rubber around the strut can become brittle, cracked, or punctured. The seals and gaskets around the struts and the air lines can also wear out and cause a leak.

If left untreated, a leaking air strut can cause damage to the rest of the vehicle. This is because the AIRMATIC system will try to level itself and perform its other duties, but will need to work much harder to compensate. 

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AIRMATIC Air Compressor Failure

The Mercedes air compressor is what powers the AIRMATIC system. It generates compressed air and pushes it to the reserve tank and through the system to keep it inflated. The compressor is also one of the most likely components to wear out and fail.

When it’s working properly, it’s difficult to hear it running — especially over engine and road noise. So, if you hear your compressor running loudly on your Mercedes, this indicates a problem.

 

Moisture in the Air Compressor

Your Mercedes’ air compressor is fitted with a dryer that keeps moisture out. If this dryer stops working as well as it should, moisture can get into the compressor.

Moisture inside the compressor can quickly cause corrosion, leading to early failure. The compressor can also push this moisture into other parts of the system like the air springs, leading to more damage.

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System Unable to Maintain Ride Height

One of the primary jobs of your AIRMATIC suspension is to keep your Benz at the proper ride height at all times. If it can’t do that, it’s because there’s a problem. 

If your Mercedes suspension can’t keep your ride at the proper height, you may see a suspension warning light illuminate on the dash panel. At this point, your car is becoming unsafe to drive and you should have it repaired as soon as possible.

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Bumpy Ride

Another primary job of your Mercedes air suspension is to provide a comfortable ride. When it’s working properly, your active suspension will respond almost instantly to changes in the road surface. As a result, you should barely feel them.

If you notice that your ride feels bumpy, or you’re jostling around a lot in general, your suspension is almost certainly to blame. It’s likely you have a problem somewhere in the system.

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Sagging Appearance

One of the more telltale signs of a failing AIRMATIC suspension is when part of the car is sagging below its normal ride height. This happens most often in the rear of the vehicle, but it can happen at any point with an air strut.