@Technical Service Bulletin # Mercedes Benz E 550 Sedan (212.072) V8-5.5L (273.971) LI58-40_P-049122 Date: 100305

@Technical Service Bulletin # Mercedes Benz E 550 Sedan (212.072) V8-5.5L (273.971) LI32-22_P-0485972 Date: 130125

Suspension - Vehicle Drops At Rear Axle After Sitting

Vehicle drops at rear axle, vehicles with

electronic rear axle level control or AIRmatic

Topic number L132.22-P-048597

Version 2

Design group 32.22 Air suspension

Date 01-25-2013

2010 Mercedes Benz E 550 Sedan (212.072) V8-5.5L (273.971) Page 401

Validity Model 212.0## with air suspension (SA code 489) up to

VIN 212.0## ## 620947

Model 212.2## (wagon) up to VIN 212.2## ## 620947

Model 218 with air suspension (SA code 489) up to VIN

218 ### ## 055091

Reason for change Validity updated

Complaint:

The vehicle drops at the rear axle after standing for a long time.

Cause:

Damaged sealing rings in the air suspension element on the rear axle can lead to a microscopic leak and thus to a gradual loss of air.

Attachments

Remedy:

Check for water in the system:

1. Unscrew AIRmatic pressure line between compressor and valve unit.

2010 Mercedes Benz E 550 Sedan (212.072) V8-5.5L (273.971) Page 402

If water runs out (Figure 1) or if water droplets are visible at the pressure line connection of the compressor or valve unit (Figure 2), the

compressor, the valve unit and the air filter of the intake hose must be replaced.

If no water is visible, actuate compressor. If water runs out of the connection on the compressor, replace the compressor, the valve unit and the

air filter of the intake hose.

If the components are replaced due to water in the system, this is to be encoded in the warranty and goodwill case as consequential damage for

the air spring bellows.

(Observe WIS instructions.)

2. Unscrew air lines from valve block to air springs on the side of the air suspension strut and blow out with compressed air.

3. Replace both air springs on the rear axle.

Note:

Since the end of December 2011 modified air spring bellows are available with which the problem can be permanently eliminated - see part

numbers below. Even if one or both air spring bellows have been replaced in the past and the vehicle has started to drop at the rear axle

again, the cause of the problem is still the air spring bellows. We are unaware of any other damage mechanism/focus. In this case both air

spring bellows must be replaced again.

Possible check for confirming the complaint 'vehicle drops':

1. Park up the vehicle and after approx. 2 hours, when the vehicle has cooled down, measure the vehicle level at the rear axle on both sides from the

wheel center to the fender.

2. Leave the vehicle standing overnight in the same place and next day check the vehicle level at both wheels. If the vehicle level has dropped by

more than 20 mm, both air suspension elements must be replaced.

2010 Mercedes Benz E 550 Sedan (212.072) V8-5.5L (273.971) Page 403