2017 W213 E220 Estate rear suspension dropped/fault

[Kneale]

Tried to pop out to the shop last night and noticed the car was bouncing around all over the place, and then a suspension malfunction orange warning was displayed.
I drove it back home and noticed the the rear was sat very low with the wheels under the wheel arches.

I've tried t get it booked in an my local independent specialist for investigation but theyr'e currently closed due to Covd-19 restrictions

My mechanic has however advised the most likely cause of this fault could be the rear level sensor/sensors or the linkages to them

Has any one had any experience of these failing? are they easy to access to inspect the linkages to see if its broken? photos of where they are would be really useful.

does anyone know the part number an estimated cost of replacement?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Before you start jacking up the car is the air pump operating when the car is started - if not the relay may have burnt out

 

[Kneale]

Before you start jacking up the car is the air pump operating when the car is started - if not the relay may have burnt out

I can’t hear the compressor running.
Any ideas where the compressor relay is located? Or which fuses it is to check?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Re fuses not sure on the S213, you will need to consult the fuse chart. The air pump relay on the S212 is located in the boot behind the nearside drop down side panel where there is a cut out in the trim

 

[Cronan Corbett]

Exact same issue has just happened to me, unfortunately cannot get it sorted until 21st May due to restrictions.
However, the compressor appears to be working as front is lowering/raising when switching between comfort and eco on Dynamic Select.
Will let you know when i can get someone to look at it.

 

[LostKiwi]

Sounds like your height sensor isn't working. There's a metal arm off the rear sway bar that can rust and break that will cause this issue.

 

[Cronan Corbett]

Sounds like your height sensor isn't working. There's a metal arm off the rear sway bar that can rust and break that will cause this issue.

Thanks, someone also mentioned that, Dealer tomorrow so hopefully that advice will point them in the right direction and make sure that keeps costs to a minimum

 

[Cronan Corbett]

Well, bad news.
Dealer says that the whole system is F****d. Water got into system and compressor, valves etc. all need to be replaced, cost c. Euro 1,200.
However the car is only just out of original UK warranty (car imported to Ireland) and given age, condition, nature of fault etc. the dealer is negotiating with MB and are hoping that most of the cost will be covered.
Anyone else had experience like this?

 

[steveq]

Hi,

That's not good news.
If MB do it under an extended warranty then it's not too bad.

If they don't, I suggest that you shop around and get a second opinion.

 

[Cronan Corbett]

Well, MB paid 75% of the cost, makes me wonder should I have pushed for 100% as there must be a known flaw in the system.
Anyway, better than me having to pay it all.
Anyone else with the same issue should push it with them. P

 

[steveq]

Hi,

Don't beat yourself up -- I would say that 75% off is a good result.

MB could easily have said that the car must have been in some deep water and refused to pay anything.

I suggest that you keep all the worksheets / receipts etc. as evidence of the work carried out in case there are any subsequent problems.

 

[coxie]

Well, bad news.
Dealer says that the whole system is F****d. Water got into system and compressor, valves etc. all need to be replaced, cost c. Euro 1,200.
However the car is only just out of original UK warranty (car imported to Ireland) and given age, condition, nature of fault etc. the dealer is negotiating with MB and are hoping that most of the cost will be covered.
Anyone else had experience like this?

I had the same problem with mine a pump repair kit is avalable on line cheap £15 and very easy to fit pump is easy to remove and under front near side (UK) arch cover

 

[Dobromir Yankov]

Well, MB paid 75% of the cost, makes me wonder should I have pushed for 100% as there must be a known flaw in the system.
Anyway, better than me having to pay it all.
Anyone else with the same issue should push it with them. P

I have had the exact same issue with mine on 1 of June and they have offered to pay 75% of the total cost. They replaced the compressor with new one, new relay and some other small fittings. At the end I paid £285 as a total. This must be a common problem with this model as I know for at least another 4 people that have or had the same issue with w213

 

[Dobromir Yankov]

What I am trying to find out is if the new compressor and relay will last or is that something that will be turning in to a maintenance repair. does anyone have an idea.
At the time of the repair my car had only 14,500 miles on the clock

 

[Petergordon]

Is this a regular problem air compressor going wrong ,E220 estate 2017 as MERCEDEZ just replaced mine under warranty

 

[matthew k]

Well, MB paid 75% of the cost, makes me wonder should I have pushed for 100% as there must be a known flaw in the system.
Anyway, better than me having to pay it all.
Anyone else with the same issue should push it with them. P

Outside of warranty they don't have'to pay anything, I'd say you've done a good job there.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

There is obviously a known issue and the dealer should be covering all the cost of repair and remedial work but 75% isn’t a bad contribution at circa 3+ years of age as the owner has had some benefit. Generally the compressor and air struts/bags are good for 100k+ miles so I wouldn’t worry about service life going forward there was obviously water ingress somewhere at the pump/valve block part of the system which has been fixed/modified

 

[Janchee]

Not looking forward to this when it happens MB just offered goodwill on a new battery and to replace two door handle LED’s. 2016 S213

 

[Janchee]

Not looking forward to this when it happens MB just offered goodwill on a new battery and to replace two door handle LED’s. 2016 S213

... Andddd it’s happened today.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Not a good look on a 16 plate car is it - at least it’s a known fault and MB should offer a goodwill contribution. I’m amazed at the fact that MB can’t maintain quality on air suspension of estates it’s not rocket science, if it isn’t airbag leaks it’s water ingress into pumps