Identifying AirMatic System Failure in Your Mercedes

Mercedes owners expect the pleasures of a smooth ride on their journey. Any abnormality in that performance should give you pause. Mercedes are built with an adaptive AirMatic created to give you a comfortable ride with the ability to drive in virtually any environment. Additionally, it allows extra weight to be added into the vehicle at no loss of comfort for any of the passengers. When this system fails, all matter of symptoms and problems can occur. Let’s dive deeper into this issue.

What does the AirMatic system do?

When vehicles are driving over rough terrain or carrying a heavy load in the vehicle, the cabin comfort can be negatively impacted. Mercedes created the powerful AirMatic system to counteract these potential changes.

Essentially, the AirMatic system is a more technically-advanced air suspension system. At their core, the system works using air springs and shocks to absorb and redirect road force. Air springs are tough rubber and plastic bags that are inflated to a certain pressure to mimic coil springs.

The technology of today has added in air compressors, sensors, and electrical components that all allow ease of tuning and more adaptability to various environments. This helps to ensure that your car is versatile. Mercedes AirMatic system utilizes air adjustment with the movement of air springs and even driving habits to preemptively adjust the shocks on your vehicle.

As for versatility, the system has a button that can be pushed to raise the entire vehicle for greater clearance. Likewise, the same button can be pressed to lower the vehicle for enhanced performance.

Common Signs Your AirMatic System is Failing

As with even the most advanced systems, parts can malfunction and need to be replaced. The air suspension systems in vehicles, not to mention the advanced AirMatic system, are crucial to the overall comfort you have come to love in a car like Mercedes.

There are a few key signs that your AirMatic system may be failing and any of the following symptoms should be a reason to take the vehicle into the shop. Hesitating can damage the suspension systems and leave you with a permanent rougher ride.

Rough Ride

The largest symptom of your AirMatic system going bad is undoubtedly the experience of your ride. A car such as Mercedes should be smooth in nearly all terrain, but any variation may be indicative of AirMatic system malfunction. This symptom would likely be caused by a failure of the air springs or compression bags that keep your Mercedes level.

Tilting Vehicle

Should one of the air springs fail within your AirMatic system, it may seem like the vehicle is actually tilting to one side of the road.This should be visually apparent and easily noticeable for any driver familiar with their car. The tilt will not be excessive but will absolutely impact the ride.

Loud Noise When Weight is Added

When adding extra weight to the vehicle, stop and listen for any number of sounds. Your Mercedes should be able to take on weight comfortably if the air springs are working properly. Any bad sounds when adding weight should be taken as a warning sign of a failing system.

Vehicle Will Not Adjust

If you attempt to raise or lower your Mercedes and get no response, there may be an electrical problem within your AirMatic system that should be diagnosed and repaired.

Bavarian Performance Specialists Will Help

Your satisfaction is our guarantee at Bavarian Performance Specialists. We serve clients in the areas of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA.

At Bavarian Performance Specialists, we work extensively on German brand cars, which ensures we will have the technical knowledge to service your vehicle. Parts specific to the Mercedes AirMatic system can be difficult to find at non-specialized shops. Our expertise, however, can put your mind at ease by letting you know we have everything we need to restore the performance of your vehicle.

Should you suspect the AirMatic system in your Mercedes to be compromised, do not hesitate to bring your car in right away. Feel free to give us a call or visit us at any time to see why we are highly reviewed and recommended. We very much look forward to earning your business and long-standing trust.

* Mercedes Car image credit goes to: Konev Timur.