Most Mercedes-Benzes have the AirMatic suspension system. AirMatic is a trademarked brand name that Mercedes uses for one of their proprietary suspension systems. It is a self-leveling suspension system which creates a comfortable ride with constant ground clearance. It has air springs that adapt to the various road conditions by adding or removing air, thereby absorbing the impacts from shocks.
This system has several interesting features:
- Variable Damping: As the name suggests, the system continually adjusts the damping force of the suspension system to create a more comfortable ride.
- Level Control: This allows the car to have a constant ground clearance, even when the vehicle is laden with passengers and cargo.
- Automatic Lowering: At high speeds, the car automatically lowers its clearance to reduce wind drag.
- Manual Adjustment: The driver has the ability to manually adjust the car’s clearance level.
- Various Driving Modes: You can select different driving modes for the suspension, such as Comfort, Sports 1, or Sports 2.
- Axle Lift: On rough roads you have the option to raise the front axle of your Mercedes as needed to avoid speed bumps or other obstacles.
Symptoms of a Mercedes AirMatic System Failure
Here are some indications that the Airmatic suspension system may be going bad:
- Rides are Bumpy: Even a blown fuse can affect the suspension system and cause your ride to be rougher than intended.
- Sits Unevenly: If the strut is losing air, one side of your Mercedes will be lower than the other. Your drive will be uncomfortable.
- Car is Sagging: If the compressor fails to pump air into the suspension bags, there won’t be enough pressure to maintain air suspension. The AirMatic system will lose its ability to adjust as needed and the whole car will look like it’s sagging.
- Squawking and Squealing: Normal wear and tear can cause this. However, dislodged internal components can also lead to weird sounds coming from the shock absorber.
- Suspension Warning Light: If your Mercedes-Benz detects a problem with the AirMatic system, the suspension warning light in the dashboard will turn on. Make sure you have a professional mechanic examine this to uncover the extent of the problem.
Reasons for the AirMatic System of the Mercedes to Malfunction
There could be various reasons for the Airmatic System in your Mercedes to be having issues:
- Blocked Valve: If the AirMatic valve is blocked, the air can pass back into the compressor. This will cause undue pressure on the compressor, and the suspension will lose its potency.
- Water or Moisture: You need to be careful so that you don’t get moisture in the compressor, as that will result in more than one problem with your AirMatic suspension.
- Air Compressor Failure: This is a critical part of the AirMatic system. It produces the compressed air that is required for the springs to adjust. If this fails, obviously the whole system will be out of order.
- Blown Out Fuse: A defective fuse can cause havoc to the AirMatic system.
- Air Strut Leaks: Seals and gaskets become brittle over time and can crack and cause leaks. This will make the car drop to one side.
- Electrical Connections: Deteriorated wiring and other electrical problems can lead to a malfunctioning suspension system.
- Normal Wear and Tear: Various components, such as the air springs, dampers, valves, and sensors, will corrode and wear out over time.
- Rough Driving: If you are in the habit of driving your Mercedes over bumps and potholes with wild abandon, you will begin to notice damage to your AirMatic system.
Regular Maintenance and Care
You may not be able to prevent or foresee all of the problems listed, but It is certainly in your power to be able to mitigate some of the problems. Putting your Mercedes on a regular maintenance schedule will increase the longevity of your car and prevent small problems from becoming big, expensive ones.
Visit Our Service Shop at Autohaus
At Autohaus Sales and Service, our highly-trained ASE-certified mechanics can help you with your car problems. We’re in Michigan. Call us or book an appointment to visit us in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, or Troy.