Failure of S213 Air Suspension

[Lemmand]

An inquiry for the collective intelligence... The rear air suspension of my 2017 S213 220d Premium Plus is experiencing a malfunction.

In January 2023, I was involved in a collision with a taxi that struck the back of my vehicle. Upon the scheduled collection of the automobile for insurance repairs, the air suspension had completely deflated, causing the vehicle to rest directly on the bump stops. This was an unprecedented occurrence prior to the rear-end collision. I informed the insurance company and they assured me that they would handle the matter. The automobile was returned with the tail end damage repaired and the suspension restored to its original condition... or so I believed.

[Lemmand]

I saw intermittent depressions in the rear suspension. This phenomenon may occur intermittently, sometimes happening overnight but not consistently every night. Alternatively, the scenario may include the engine being turned off, the tailboard being open, and a someone occupying the cargo area. Consistently, the automobile would elevate after the motor was ignited and it operated in a typical manner.

I have taken my vehicle to the nearby garage several times for inspection, but unfortunately, the issue never occurs when it is being examined at the garage. Conventional! The user's text consists of the emoji "🤦🏻‍♂️".

However, last week the situation deteriorated when I encountered the error notice attached while completing the school run. I scheduled an appointment for the automobile and conducted an inspection, during which I discovered that the 40A fuse had malfunctioned. Acquired a set of these and installed one, resulting in the elevation of the suspension and the restoration of the car's functionality... but only for a distance of around 4 miles, after which the fuse malfunctioned once again and the same error message reappeared.

I have returned to the garage. As they are unable to locate any leaks, their only option is to replace the compressor. That is now the only alternative being considered... Unless another individual with expertise in this subject can provide an alternative? The compressor seems to be the sole component in the air suspension configuration that has the potential to cause the fuse to blow. Is the ingress of water into the compressor a potential reason for the 40A fuse to malfunction?

Update - Observers have observed the presence of a valve located just beneath the NS headlight that is leaking air, indicating the existence of a mechanism that is instructing the flow of air. Presently, the intention is to replace both the valve and the compressor, since they are the cause of the blown fuses. I was previously under the impression that this valve was located near the back bumper, but to my astonishment, my colleagues informed me that it is really situated behind the headlamp.

[Lemmand]

For those who are interested, here is an update... The compressor and valve body have been replaced, nevertheless the issue of collapse persists. 😟
I have made an appointment with Mercedes Derby for them to identify the problem and provide me with a permanent solution.

[Angurita]

The air spring body is experiencing deterioration and leakage. Typical after a period of 5 years.
The task of replacement might be completed during a duration of one hour. Mercedes-Benz will charge you around $1,000, whereas an independent mechanic using Mercedes-Benz components would you $600. The non-MB components are of equal or superior quality compared to MB parts at this specific moment. Therefore, it may be advisable to purchase an Arnott pair for a total cost of 500 and have them professionally installed for an additional 200.

[Lemmand]

Update - The attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the Mercedes dealer was unsuccessful. On their first try, they imposed a diagnostic cost of £140 and informed me that they had updated the 'Software' to fix the air suspension problem, as well as the issue of the default units constantly resetting to kilometres. I was given a guarantee that both problems were unequivocally resolved by the software upgrade. With a sceptical mindset, I drove the vehicle away and made a brief stop at a store. However, upon returning, I saw that the suspension had failed. In addition, the units persistently default to km. :mad:

I spoke with the service manager and he agreed to bring the vehicle in again for further diagnostic tests on both problems without any additional cost. Their recent diagnosis indicates that the reason for the suspension falling is indeed the recently acquired and installed air compressor. I questioned the reasoning for attributing this activity to the non-Mercedes dealer component, considering that the vehicle displayed the same behaviour even when equipped with the original factory-installed compressor. However, their explanation did not provide a satisfactory answer. I rejected the proposal to spend over £1k on replacing the fully functional (and just purchased!) compressor. Wouldn't the defective unit have difficulty lifting the vehicle upon starting if this was actually the case? Apparently not. In addition, they have determined that rectifying the problem with the default units will need a software upgrade costing £140.
Me - Are you referring to the software update that you previously installed, which did not resolve the issue?
Mercedes - No, sir. The recent upgrade was specifically for the suspension problem, and it included modifying the software.
I am referring to the software update that failed to address the suspension problem and was also supposed to repair the issue with default units, but did not succeed.
Mercedes - I'm sorry, but this is a separate software upgrade that will cost £140.

I rejected their kind offer and chose to get the automobile myself. On a positive side, they are always polite and attentive. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my vehicle had been meticulously cleaned and the tyres had been treated with a glossy substance. However, my satisfaction was short-lived as I opened the door and the metal sill plate fell to the ground. It seems that they used excessive force with a pressure washer on the sill, causing the removal of all the glue.

It appears that they lack the ability to effectively and methodically diagnose a problem in order to identify the underlying cause of failure. Instead, they rely on the fact that their customer base primarily consists of corporations who prioritise quick problem resolution over the number of random parts that are replaced in the process.

I am now searching for an autonomous Mercedes expert in the East Midlands region. Does anybody have firsthand experience with MB Centre in Nottingham?

[AmericaMonster]

I recommend visiting Mercland in Nuneaton since they are known for their exceptional service and are supporters of the Forum.

[Wordcar]

A few years ago, I visited the MB Centre in Nottingham and was very impressed. However, I decided not to accept their offer to wash my vehicle with a power washer and dirty wash mits, since I didn't want my car to have visible swirl marks when I got it back.

[Racerse]

If your spring collapses within one hour, then you have a limited amount of time remaining to repair it. (The expanding hole increases in size to the extent that the compressor becomes unable of adequately inflating it, resulting in decreased drivability of the car) Therefore, it is essential to consider removing both springs, examining them with soapy water for leaks, and replacing them as necessary. It is important to note that the air leaks occur under the plastic boot, as the rubber loses its ability to maintain an airtight seal. Consider purchasing Arnott products, which may provide similar or greater durability and may come with an extended warranty compared to those offered by Mercedes-Benz.

[Notef]

This can only be one of two possibilities. Possible causes of air bag leakage include a faulty spring or a damaged connecting hose originating from the compressor. It is indeed straightforward and does not need an OBD diagnosis to deactivate the ignition and collapse to the ground within a span of 5 minutes.

[Racerse]

(After undergoing three airbag replacements, I have observed that) if a vehicle sinks on one side or in an uneven manner, it indicates a malfunctioning airbag. On the other hand, if the sinking occurs uniformly on both sides, it suggests a problem with the valve or hoses.

[Meltarb]

MB Automotive Loughborough is an automotive company located in Loughborough.

[engrol]

Based on my understanding, I am more familiar with the s211 than the ss213. Both the airlines and compressor fail to maintain pressure, except during the inflation process. The air springs and their associated solenoids are the most probable sources of the problem.

[Captiva]

We consistently bring our vehicles to Mercedes Nottingham Inchcape. The service provided was exceptional, with no request being too difficult. We have just acquired a 2023 E Class AMG Estate premium plus night edition, which is a stunning vehicle purchased from them. Inquire about meeting with Emily, our services manager, who is always willing to assist with any need.

[Captiva]

We consistently utilise Inchcape Mercedes Nottingham. This is an excellent location to bring our 2023 E Class AMG Estate premium plus night edition. Inquire about Emily, our services manager. No task is too challenging. She has exceptional intelligence and talent.