Reasons for a Rear Suspension Failure in Your Mercedes
Mercedes are the ultimate in luxury and performance and one of the factors that ensure this car is such a smooth ride is the Airmatic suspension system. This system, which replaced the coil spring of older models, was introduced by Mercedes to provide maximum comfort for driver and passengers in both comfort and sport mode.
The suspension in any car keeps it stable by absorbing shocks. In the Airmatic self levelling suspension system air is pumped into flexible rubber and polyurethane bags by an electrical compressor. It can absorb shocks and jolts by adding air when needed and removing it when required in response to the movement of the springs.
The Airmatic suspension in your Mercedes Benz allows the driver to change suspension settings with the press of a button to suit comfort mode or various sport driving modes. It also enables almost instantaneous raising of the vehicle off the road by several centimeters to help navigate rough terrain.
This sophisticated suspension system makes for an incredibly smooth ride until it doesn’t. Rear suspension trouble with your Mercedes is all the more noticeable for the comparison with the fully functional Airmatic system. Here are a few of the signs of suspension failure to look out for.
Symptoms of Faulty Rear Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure Warning on Dashboard: Your Mercedes instrument cluster on the dashboard may show one of two warnings for the air suspension system: either “air suspension failure” or “stop vehicle too low.” Both warnings require immediate attention, with the latter warning the more critical of the two.
- Rough Ride: When your usually-smooth ride suddenly becomes bumpy and rough, and you are uncomfortably-aware of the terrain, this can be a sign of suspension failure.
- Car is Sitting Lower than Usual: If your Mercedes seems to be sitting closer to the ground than usual, this could indicate an issue with the suspension system.
- Strange Noises: If you hear unusual noises when you add cargo or put heavy loads in your Mercedes, you could have a suspension problem.
- Car Tilting: If your vehicle seems to lean or tilt off to one side or the other, this symptom of suspension issues can make driving your car dangerous.
Causes of Rear Suspension Failure in your Mercedes Benz
There can be a number of reasons for the failure of the suspension system in your Mercedes. Below are the most common causes:
Air Suspension Compressor Fails
If the Airmatic compressor fails, the system that regulates the pressure to rise or lower the vehicle will make the car drop low to the ground. If this happens, it can be impossible to move your car. It may need to be towed to a garage.
When the AirMatic compressor fails, the air springs have no air pressure. This sets the vehicle lower to the ground, and it will be capable of rising up again. The fault may lie in a burned out compressor motor.
Leaky Struts
A strut that leaks air within the suspension systems will manifest in your car leaning over or tilting to one side. This is relatively easy and affordable to get repaired. However, you should not drive your Mercedes in this condition as it is dangerous.
Fuse failure
A faulty fuse within the suspension system can lead to defects in the Airmatic system and the ability of your Mercedes to adapt to different conditions. This leads to a much less smooth drive.
A simple way to determine the health of your suspension system is the bounce test. Using your body weight, push down on the hood of your vehicle, if the car bounces on release more than three times this shows that your Mercedes suspension is not working at optimum levels.
Munich West Will Fix Suspension Failures
If you run into issues with your Mercedes Airmatic 
Suspension System, our fully-trained technicians at Atlanta’s leading European auto repair shop, Munich West, are here to help.
For Mercedes-Benz drivers in the Decatur, Georgia or Atlanta Area, Munich West is the best place to go for your Mercedes model repairs or servicing.
Specializing exclusively in select European car and SUV brands, including Mercedes-Benz, we have unique expertise for your make and model. We ensure your car is serviced and maintained to manufacturer specifics, for the longevity of your vehicle. Contact us today or stop by our shop!
