Mercedes-Benz Air Suspension Compressor Replacement Guide

Does your Mercedes-Benz drop low on all four corners, or does an airmatic malfunction illuminate your dashboard? Follow the procedures below to learn how to fix it.

While the design of the air compressor varies between models, the instructions on how to change the Mercedes-Benz air suspension compressor are practically the same on all models, including E-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, ML-Class, GL-Class, R-Class, etc.

Symptoms

• Mercedes-Benz drops on all four corners
• Airmatic Malfunction Message on the Dashboard
• Airmatic Visit Workshop Message
• Fault pointing to any of the following
  • A9/1 Airmatic compressor unit
  • A9/1m1 Air compressor motor
  • A9/1y1 Airmatic pressure reduction valve

Common Faults :

• 5350 A9/1y1 (AIRmatic pressure release valve): Open Circuit.

What you will need

Mercedes Air Suspension Compressor

• Metric Sockets
  • 8mm, 12mm
• Ratchet wrench
• Screwdriver
• Penetrating Oil
• Ramps or Jack
• Jack Stands
• Mercedes Air Compressor Relay
  • It is highly recommended to replace the Mercedes air compressor relay when you replace the air compressor.

Procedure

Before you proceed with the air suspension compressor’s replacement, inspect the wires that go to the air compressor for damage. Also, check for a bad connector at the air compressor. Check the air compressor relay to ensure it is working properly.

Below, you will find instructions on how to replace the Mercedes-Benz airmatic compressor.

1. Raise the vehicle at the front end. Secure the vehicle with jack stands. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

   

2. Remove the black plastic panel under the engine. There are three panels under the car, but you only need to remove the first panel right after the front bumper.
3. Once you remove the panel, you will see the air compressor right behind the front bumper, underneath the headlight on the passenger side. You do not need to remove the front bumper.
4. Use a 12mm open-end wrench to disconnect the airline. There is a small rubber gasket on the metal connector at the end of the threads; make sure not to damage it.
5. Unplug two electrical connectors that go to the air compressor. One set of wires runs the compressor; the other runs the air release valve. Press the release tab on the connector, then pull it. Please do not pull the wires, or you will damage them.

6. Spray penetrating oil on the nuts before you remove them. These bolts break very easily, especially if they are rusted.

7. Remove three 8 mm nuts. Using an 8 mm deep socket or open-end wrench, remove the three nuts that hold the air compressor in place.

8. Disconnect the air intake hose.…