Ride Height on a S320 (w220) ?

[rutland-boy]

Hi,

After many problems with the air suspension, seems to have been fixed (driving for a week with no errors or alarrms ) BUT it still look a little low to me.

Might be I'm looking for problems, but does anyone know what the ' correct' ride height is measured to anywhere on the car such as the wheel arch or sill etc. in inches or CM ?

Might be just worrying

Also does anyone know if anyone repairs air suspension controllers ? as I now have what MB think is broken one !

Thanks

Chris.

 

[Chas]

I will measure mine in the morning

 

[television]

I can print off a useful paper for you on this and how it works

 

[television]

I will measure mine in the morning

I have sent you a copy.Chas just for the record

 

[Chas]

Thanks Malcolm, it's a fairly sophisticated airmatic system. I can see why problems can prove to be expensive !
Have you installed the MP3 player yet? Let me know if you want any music ?

 

[television]

Thanks Malcolm, it's a fairly sophisticated airmatic system. I can see why problems can prove to be expensive !
Have you installed the MP3 player yet? Let me know if you want any music ?

Yes there is more to it than one would think
I now have the optic lead that I must take apart to rearrange so that the MP3 is in the link, I also have the power lead thanks to Barry Jones. I hope to start next week as there is a meet coming up this week end

I will take you up on the music off and get some cards the next time i go to town,,thank you

 

[rutland-boy]

Sorry must have misssed the email or the measurement !!!

anyone confirm the height of the S320L (w220) ?

Thanks in advance....

 

[Chas]

W220 ride height

From memory it should be as below :lol::lol:

The AIRmatic at the front and rear axle is a fully supporting suspension
system. It keeps the vehicle level constant when the engine is running
irrespective of the load. At the same time air from the air compressor is
delivered to the spring struts via the valve unit until the vehicle level
has been adjusted. The vehicle level at the front axle is recorded by
two level sensors at the rear axle and conveyed to the AIRmatic with
ADS control module. The level at the individual spring struts is
controlled by four level valves in the valve unit and a pressure relief
valve on the AIRmatic compressor unit.
An AIRmatic central reservoir for compressed air also enables the
vehicle level to be controlled when the engine is not running. In
addition the adjustment of the vehicle level is decoupled from the air
compressor.
Shut-off position function
If the unloading of all the wheels when the vehicle is stationary is
recognized by the control module, the spring strut valves are closed.
The vehicle therefore remains at the current level. This is required
when changing a wheel or for repair work (hoist) for example.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Normal function (engine running)
When the vehicle is stationary the level is readjusted if there is a
difference of more than +/- 10 mm after a door or the trunk lid is
opened.
While driving the level is readjusted if there is a difference of more than
+/- 20 mm. The level is adjusted to +/- 10 mm every 15 minutes.
Depending on the situation, pressure can be generated by the
compressor or the pressure supply of the AIRmatic central reservoir
can be used to raise the vehicle. When the vehicle is stationary the
pressure from the reservoir is used for noise reasons. Pressure can
also be supplied from the compressor and AIRmatic central reservoir at
the same time when there is a particularly high pressure demand.
The lowering of the vehicle level is recognized by the control module
from the level sensors when loading the vehicle. By actuating solenoid
valves air is delivered to the spring struts of the particular front wheel
or rear axle until the vehicle has reached its specified value.
In addition the pressure relief valve is opened to actuate the respective
wheel valve when unloading the vehicle.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wake-up function (operating period approx. 1 minute)
The AIRmatic with ADS control module is "woken up" using the remote
control, door contact switches or trunk illumination switch in order to
check the current vehicle level for critical conditions (level too low) and
if necessary to raise the vehicle or lower it when unloading.
If the vehicle level is lowered by more than 30 mm, it is raised to the
normal level by the reservoir (only with a reservoir pressure > 11 bar).
At a vehicle level of < -65 mm and even at a reservoir pressure of < 11
bar it is raised out of the "critical range" by the compressor to -63 mm
(condition: battery voltage > 12.4 V).
If the vehicle level is raised by more than 10 mm when unloading, it is
lowered to the normal level by relieving the pressure.
The vehicle cannot be raised by the level control switch.
Function in vehicle condition "Ignition ON"
The same function as for the wake-up function, but without time limit.
Run-on function (operating period approx. 1 minute)
After "ignition OFF" the control module performs changes in the level in
order to be able to readjust the vehicle level (raise or lower) during any
loading or unloading operations. (The same function as for the wakeup
function).
AIRmatic pressure supply, function AIRmatic with ADS control module,
location/task/function


You should get about 2.5 to 3 inches clearance between top of wheel arch and tyre. Stick your hand in thumb up and there should be room for about 33 % of your hand when car is parked for more then 10 mins

 

[television]

You will get me shot Chas

 

[Chas]

:Oops::Oops:

 

[television]

The sun was shining all day

 

[Chas]

Done :lol::lol:

 

[television]

Done :lol::lol:

Mine is edited too

 

[rutland-boy]

Thanks Chas and Televison

unfortunately your very detailed views and instructions means that my car whilst not giving an error IS too low

So what now ? Mercedes say its fine (fixed) but it cant be, pretty much stumped and fed up

Try another dealer ? any advice ?

Chris

 

[Chas]

Hi Chris, measure the vertical distance between the top of each wheel arch and the top of each tyre. What alloys do you have on? Is the distance the same for both front and both back? Does it just look too low? Try rasing the airmatic when stationary and watch how far it goes up, then lower it again. Send a photo if possible so we can see it

With mine raised its 6.5cm front and 4cm rear, lowered its 4cm front, 2cm rear, all from top of wheel arch to top centre of tyre (highest point)

Also the car will adjust the height according to your driving style/speed.

 

[rutland-boy]

Hi Chris, measure the vertical distance between the top of each wheel arch and the top of each tyre. What alloys do you have on? Is the distance the same for both front and both back? Does it just look too low? Try rasing the airmatic when stationary and watch how far it goes up, then lower it again. Send a photo if possible so we can see it

With mine raised its 6.5cm front and 4cm rear, lowered its 4cm front, 2cm rear, all from top of wheel arch to top centre of tyre (highest point)

Just tried this and have discovered that it doesnt go up when I press the raise switch, I never thought to check this when I picked it up a couple of weeks ago, and haven't tried since :Oops::Oops:

Guess this means its a problem (again for the 9th time )

Any ideas for a home check before I start shouting at MB, I have already checked the relay (its a hella one and was changed) and the fuse is OK, can you reset it ?

Thanks

 

[Chas]

Does the cluster show "Vehicle rising" when you select the raise button? Try removing the fuse for 10 mins and inserting again. I cant beleive MB would have failed to notice the raise option wasnt working but then again

Do you have ABC active body control option, page 346 in handbook

 

[rutland-boy]

Does display vehicle rising, I'll check but pretty sure it doesn't have ABC, I know its one of the three big fuses in the drivers side fuse box but which one ?

thank for all you help.... just sooo frustrating.

Perhaps i'm being unfair to MB but it looks at approx the same height as when I picked it up, and I cant see the tops of the tyres, couldnt when I picked it up ! they said it was fixed (???)

 

[Chas]

fuse chart and numbers
9 ??

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1219691-fuse-chart-2.html#post2034980

 

[rutland-boy]

Does not have ABC, and have now removed the middle fuse of the front three which i think is fuse 32?