Rear suspension problems in the 2010 S212 E350 Estate

[DreamCatcher88]

I am engaged in a year-long struggle with my self-leveling rear suspension. The vehicle is equipped just with self-leveling rear suspension, lacking Airmatic suspension at both the front and rear. For many months, the automobile suspension would lower overnight, sometimes affecting both sides, other times just one side, and sometimes remaining stable for weeks without any drop. Recently, the situation has deteriorated, with frequent nightly drops occurring, affecting either one side or both sides intermittently. Due to the inconsistency, I did not believe the bags could be leaking, as I assumed that if they were, the leakage would be constant. I decisively replaced the control valve behind the rear bumper with an authentic MB component. The defect persisted. I purchased aftermarket bags, changed them, and resolved the issue. The mechanic conducted a leak test on the old bags, confirming they were indeed leaking. The automobile has functioned properly for almost one month. However, last week, during a cold snap, I received a malfunction indicator. I saw no more symptoms. The fault indicator had reset upon my subsequent ignition of the vehicle. However, this evening, during another cold snap, when I exited the roundabout and merged into the motorway slip lane, the vehicle began to bounce pretty violently. It was so severe that I had to decrease my speed to 40 mph and activate my hazard warning lights. Shortly after the bouncing started, the malfunction indicator illuminated (image of a vehicle with a downward arrow). The bouncing persisted for around 2 miles, and when exiting the freeway, while halted at the roundabout, the dashboard displayed the message “Wait – Vehicle rising.” This resolved after around 30 seconds, following which the vehicle functioned normally. Upon restarting the engine, the problem indicator had vanished. Could someone assist me with this, please?

[xsports]

Are the connections for the height sensors secure? There is one on each side of the suspension arms. They are only plastic and are prone to breakage. Did you replace the air lines when substituting the airbags, since they are prone to leakage?

[DreamCatcher88]

Thank you for your response. The pipes were not replaced; however, they were inspected for leaks, and none were detected. I will connect the automobile to get the data captured when the "Malfunction" light illuminated. Would the malfunction light remain on continuously if the height sensors had failed?

[trikey]

We consistently replace the pipes when we also change the bellows. It is also advisable to examine the level sensors.

[Black_raven]

Encountered a vexing problem with my equipment, which was ultimately identified as a leaking pipe, in addition to a leaking compressor and a questionable airbag. The pipe had eroded at the point of contact with the bodywork next to the compressor. A little clip is included that effectively ensures contact. It seemed that debris had infiltrated the space between the pipe and the clip/bodywork, gradually causing wear. It was undetectable even with specialised leak detection equipment. My frustration in attempting to inspect the pipes inadvertently exacerbated the leak to a noticeable extent.

[Black_raven]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=leak detector&campid=5338181132&customid=2518X1570512X2bf06dbe72ec7a67a7995ca57983942b&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&subId2=15&toolid=10001

[xsports]

I replaced the air bags and the solenoid, nevertheless the vehicle continued to deflate overnight; only the replacement of the air lines resolved the issue. This occurred after using soapy water in an attempt to locate the leak, which proved unsuccessful. I regret not utilising this more economical method initially.