Yes, 8 on each side. I just showed one side as it’s the same procedure on the other bank.

Hello, It sounds like what you are experiencing is pretty much exactly what my friend had on the E550 in the video. His car would randomly drop in the back while sitting and only sometimes come back up when starting the car. He wanted to replace the compressor to see what would happen with a cheap one from the junk yard. We kind of knew it wouldn’t fix it but was the easiest to replace. How the system works: you have a single compressor pumping air into a central reservoir tank that has its contents distributed by what’s called a valve block to the different struts. However I believe on that car the valve block has lines that go to another valve in the back and THEN the struts instead of straight to the struts. We basically came to the conclusion that it was either the level sensor (hard to access) or the rear valve. In my experience and what both of your issues sound like: level sensor is the first thing I’d replace. With the age of the vehicles and the nature of potentiometers, it’s probably dirt on the inside and making poor contact after all these years. Again it’s a hard job on the floor but on a lift maybe easier. Mind you, we never made another attempt to fix his issue so I don’t know for sure as the car had other problems and he was tight on time and money. Best, -MT

@@MercedesTech Damn I was afraid of it not being a "do myself" job lol. Im pretty ok with car repairs (I replaced 2 front struts and other things here and there on this car) but the rear valve block seems like a pain in the ass to get to without a lift. But that was going to be my next question, you DO believe that theres a separate valve block for the rear not just the one in the front wheel wells right? I ant seem to get a difinitive answer on google. When you google "w211 valve block" only one size comes up, no front or rear specifically. Thoughts?

@@MercedesTech So yesterday I woke up and it was normal level again, what the actual... lol. Might me an intermitent valve block or compressor problem I guess. I'll just keep my eye on it. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me.

Not sure size, just ordered whatever they recommended for the year make and model on AutohausAZ

No 😀

@@MercedesTech lol

It’s pretty involved. Being the super charged model there are a couple of extra things but yes, intermediate to say the least.

@@MercedesTech For sure I’ll give it a shot. Bought my c32 a week ago and this is how it rewards me🥲

@@MercedesTechany advice on how to put the new gasket on? Been trying for 30 minutes it just doesn’t want to stay put

From what I can see I don’t think it does come off. I have never removed one from a liftgate, only truck lids. It would probably be easier to just replace the bulbs on that model

This is not true. They are empty from the factory, if they were then they wouldn’t bottom out when you drop the car. They are stiffer because it is a new strut but you can’t use a scanner to release pressure out an empty strut that’s not connected to the system. They are definitely a little harder to get in than the old one out but that’s just the nature of the job.

@@MercedesTech they are not empty. There is a lot of references across the web where people search for the way to deflate them before installing. There is tons of mentioning about how to deflate them by connecting to the car computer and diagnostics tool to be able to fit the strut. But these appear only if you specifically search for them after loosing time and struggling. However when you search just “airstrut replacement” there is no mention of this potential problem. Which is bad. People encounter this problem over and over. So as myself. I called the strut supplier and they confirmed that that one normally would use STAR to deflate. Waste of time. Need to mention this issue from the beginning. Videos like yours, if mention this issue, would prevent me from losing tons of time. And sure, strut supplier is an asshole in the first place. But that’s why we look for hints and frankly advice on channels like yours.