Fixing Flat Airmatic Suspension System. CAR WIZARD shows just how easy it is on several platforms

[@rebelwithacause3574]

I always laugh when Mrs. Wizard chimes in with a random comment or statement. It's a nice touch to the channel.

[@patrickkenna6387]

It is perfect, does not take away from the content and adds heart to the video. She does a really good job without stealing the spotlight of the content.

[@rebelwithacause3574]

@@patrickkenna6387 It kinda let's the wizard get to the point or to go into detail to the position at hand. It's funny and doesn't take away from the video, as you said.

[@moejohnson8459]

Yea she's so cool. I'm glad she doesn't try to take over Wizards shine.

[@richardgreene3460]

Wizard...This is an AWESOME explanation of the system. You made it extremely EASY to understand! Perfect instruction! I bought a 2008 S550 because the right strut was leaking (like your passenger side) for $4200! Owner did not want to fix it! The dealer estimated the repair at $2800! Fixed for $220!

[@jweezywooden4378]

how?

[@dennisrobinson8008]

So targeting an airmatic vehicle with a damaged suspension allows you to buy for very cheap?

[@allefley4628]

yeah really, how? cause if the strut was 220 then itll be fixed for a couple weeks

[@richardgreene3460]

@@allefley4628 Still doing great after 1 year! Could you break tomorrow though! We will see!

[@allefley4628]

​@@richardgreene3460 was it new or used? RWD or 4 matic? I need one for my 4 matic and the prices are insane everywhere beside china made ones

[@thatmatty231guy]

Ive got 5x mercs - 2x with airmatic (E550 & E55) and 1x ABC (S600) - they're amazing systems - no issues with mine yet but DIY when i do.

[@t.l.robinson2162]

Thank you for your content. I've been doing this for 51 years and I still learn from you.

[@red95gts]

Most German cars use a Wabco air compressor and you can do a full rebuild (cylinder head, piston ring, & desiccant) for $75-$100. My 04 Porsche Cayenne still uses its original Wabco pump motor & piston, which still works great after a rebuild & 225k miles

[@00700556]

Mine is too, 2007. Did everything you said. All parts costed 30 bucks for my CLS550. Same pump still working strong.

[@asadb1990]

Yeah that small repairs like that arent viable for a shop like this. They want to do full repairs so they make a hefty profit on parts as well as labor.

[@wilfredoleon4561]

A very comprehensive but simple explanation from an obviously knowledgeable and experienced technician!

[@Long-nd8bq]

I just bought an 07 S550. Glad to see it's not as complicated as everyone says it is. Mine works fine now with 95k miles but I wanted to learn about the airmatic system so I know what to look for when the struts or compressor wear out. Good information in this video. Thank you Wizard.

[@eagleeye8916]

congrats man , How is she doing 6 months later ?

[@justinherrera1700]

@@eagleeye8916 guess its not going well🤣

[@DavidPowell151]

I just replaced the front struts on my S550. It is very easy and the part was not expensive. The airmatic system is very easy and simple.

[@Nightbird.]

You should post a video talking or showing this. It always helps to get a different perspective and your style of doing things may help many people afraid to buy this car for this very reason. Thanks!

[@mikem4432]

if it cost you to do it yourself 550.. it will cost three times more at a shop.. they double the parts prices and charge out the waazoo for labor.. of some guy that just learned how to replace a tire. Now you too can be a Wizard,, just do your Mechanic Certification ONLINE and never even get your hands dirty!!

[@bernardbofah3171]

One side of my S550 leaks and one side is lower than the other side two issues any solution

[@philhanna1206]

Wizard thank you so much for this video. I have a 2011 E550 with a flattened rear end. Two shops wanted to convert the car to coil springs and I refused. Your video just confirmed my decision. Best explanation of airmatic suspension. Love your videos. Thank you again

[@sirmoney2762]

Did you do all 4 or 2 at a time....what did you do to repair also did lights stay off on dash

[@CumminsDriver100]

The compressor in my Navigator went out at 100,000 miles, man, that was a rough and bumpy end to that trip! But all I had to do was remove a headlight assembly and it was right there.

[@davidgallego2854]

All Lincolns ride smooth glad you got Licoln money peace

[@45Marlborored]

Another quick way to diagnose for the diy’er, from your valve block you can disconnect one line at a time and use air from that end to tell if the line/ bellow is leaking, just like car wizard tried to air up just the strut except if you have a leaking line this can be helpful to do it this way

[@W4RZY]

I’ll probably never have a car with air ride but it was an entertaining video to watch as I wake up. I’m sure many will appreciate having your instruction.

[@23Piccolina]

Terrific explanation of the S Class air suspension. I own a 2008 (46k miles) and everything works....for now, but thanks for all this explaining. It will eventually help me when I have to get it repaired. Too bad the owner never steam cleaned that engine bay. Mine looks brand new, this one looks like it has 150k miles on it. He needs to clean it.

[@Vince_uk]

I had a W220 this happened on and I ended up replacing the compressor and one strut which are not cheap. The W221 I now have is a far superior car. One piece of advice I was given by my trust UK Merc man is that you should raise and lower the suspension once each month just to keep it operational.

[@vikingrobot4179]

Same with Mercedes’ door windows and sunroof. What happens is the rubber seals heat and cool and get dust and grime, water build up that can congeal and literally glue the seal to the window glass. The plastic pulleys and slider jaws on the window regulators can get brittle. When the glass is glued to the seal and operated the weakest point is the plastic pulley or the very thin operating cable in the window regulator and either one could break causing the window to not go down or go down slightly while you hear a clunk/ bang/ whizz noise followed by a puckered sphincter muscle and a phone call to your Mechanic. My advice for Mercedes’ owners about sun roofs is don’t touch the operating button at all If it hasn’t been opened in a while….just don’t touch it and it won’t break. Soft tops? Use them regularly or else you have valve block leaks, hydraulic ram leaks, position sensor micro switch problems, etc.

[@MM-pv8zp]

i was afraid to touch up and down button just incase it broke something

[@jimdempsey767]

Wizard! Thanks so much for making this video. I just got a w221 and haven't gotten under it yet. Thanks for the guided tour!

[@jmoney7289]

Love the homegrown feel of the channel, the wizard was on the way up and through all the videos I've been here since I can remember DM on KZbin. Wizard is funny in a way you know he means business but he still has to get to the point. Im sure the wizard is pretty cool in person. From the army the shop where he was working and always moving up.

[@Vacationtime247]

"What's the craziest suspension story have you ever seen?" Rust. The problems that happen when suspension components, or usually the mounting places, rust out entirely. Some so bad that the car is basically spare parts. Fixing the rust issues would exceed the value of the car. Also, Jr. Mints hair is awesome. Stop judging people simply off of their looks. From what little I know of him, he must be a good employee. He works with the Wizard and his high standards for repair. Kudos to him. VT247

[@jagboy69]

I got one for you. just pulled an S430 out of a garage, hasn't moved in 5years, flat as a pancake. Computer is not calling to activate the pump. So I bypass the relay, pump starts, runs awhile and then the hissing starts. Removed the biggest squirrel nest under the pump you ever saw. Still hunting for the issue. Sucks to be me!

[@paddyblaney6792]

Thank you. You remind me of my Merc Man. Those near you are lucky as I am. None of the bs you get at main dealers. Long may you reign!

[@NVRAMboi]

This channel repeatedly makes me thankful for the cars I own (and lots I'll never own) - and for my local mechanic(s) of 15+ years.

[@edgertaxi2722]

Mr and Mrs wizard you have given me such an inspiration just to hear you explain how the air suspension work and thanks for the info because you are not just a mechanic you are an instructor.

[@adamjames4959]

The cringe comedy and long awkward pauses are classic to this channel. Never change CarWizard...never change.

[@reginaldharris4588]

I’m having suspension problems where are you located

[@mds2465]

@@reginaldharris4588 omegaautoclinic.com/

[@Mtechthewise]

I used to work for the Canadian Division of the German company that supplied MB with the deep drawn metal and roll formed aluminum parts for the E class, M class, and other MB airmatic struts. Interesting that the after warranty business exceeds the original production volumes by a significant amount....tells you something about the reliability, and also that the average owner goes back to the dealer for the work instead of searching for aftermarket alternatives.

[@kamisamaz]

I've had a few airmatic or similar cars (E500, ML63, X5, LR3, LC100) and was always surprised that anyone would change to coil shocks. I had to fix most eventually but the result was rewarding each time. Rewarding how? Well the cars worked as they should again and performed awesome again. No issues at all with the LC, but the rest all had shocks replaced eventually.

[@mattheweburns]

Don’t forget Cadillac LOL first thing to go on the El Dorado… We replaced with some that we could adjust manually with the compressor. Once we found the right PSA it was set for good really… Those hard plastic lines kind of suck. I am very surprised they don’t use something metal braided or anything else that it is holding all that pressure…Thanks for the videos, cheers!

[@whiteyanderson65]

Great video! As an owner of an 08 S550 4matic, I now know my way around suspension problems! Only part you left out was the central resevoir tank (i just replaced my leaky one!)

[@tonypagan7468]

Did that make the whole car flat?

[@larsbambi1575]

In the trunk?

[@thomasrose6962]

Good point as there is no moving parts in the reservoir tho I have seen problems usually from accident or mice chew on the aril lines. Also I disagree o his neg opinion on the abc every problem I’ve seen can be traced to not changing the fluid periodicalyEVERY ONE

[@tomahawk5373]

Are we able to fill them manually for a short. Of time?

[@az7378]

I like the 2007-2013 Mercedes S Class styling.

[@Nippledozer]

Way better than the new one

[@asmr-everything630]

Yea same here

[@thethomasj1795]

W221 4 LIFE!

[@az7378]

@@Nippledozer Yep for sure.

[@az7378]

@@asmr-everything630 In 2009 or 2010 is when they started using LED headlights and two balled headlights.

[@1AEROSOL.1PUFF]

I agree with you completely on repairing air suspension instead of coil springs, you get what you pay for.

[@shanepowers7566]

Right, TQ, you can get what you pay for over and over again, or, you can go to coil springs once, and be done with failures. I say this from experience.

[@MM-pv8zp]

@@shanepowers7566 yeah but it compromises the character of the car. springs feel like poo compared to airmatic

[@del7i540]

@@shanepowers7566 And you know better than the original Mercedes engineers who designed the air matic system.

[@damirzanne]

@@shanepowers7566 you should have bought a Corolla , not S class Mercedes , and be done with it to begin with

[@selmanalici1]

As a w221 owner, very useful video for me. Thx Wizard

[@mattwright6249]

I just replaced the rear air bags on my w212 e550. I went with the arnott replacement parts. The day after, the car was flat and pancaked on the garage floor again. Turns out that there was a leak in the hard line on the valve body that controls where all the air goes..... I trimmed an inch off the line and plugged it back in.... Now everything is great. Im glad I did the airbags but i didnt need them.

[@sandraclark3924]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I just subscribed because of the great explanation you showed in the video. I have a 2006 S-430 and my dashboard said STOP too low. Taking my car to the shop in the morning. Thx!

[@oakcliffamerica8607]

Never heard any one give a better explanation thanks 🙏🏽

[@justux4]

I think Junior is flexing with his hair to the Wizard :D

[@shemwhitehead9517]

I was expecting Johnny Bravo hair with this comment. 😳

[@willmill409]

These are the best looking years for s class in my opinion. I love the tail lights especially

[@racerboy2212]

My ‘97 Seville SLS has something similar. Sadly, GM no longer makes replacement units for when they fail and believe me, they will fail. The nice thing is that there are aftermarket replacements that come with a LIFETIME warranty. I recently did mine and the car rides better than when it was released from the factory! Thanks for posting!!

[@josemanuel5749]

This car bring back memories, the old shop you used to rent, the Wizard with hair and the early Tyler Hoover videos.

[@McHighler]

I'm super happy you did this video, I always thought air suspension was complicated

[@wd-42goo89]

16:04 He sounds like such a reliable an diligent guy who takes great care in saving the customer money. And I really believe he does ... but if a mechanic (not wizard obviously) wants to bill you two struts instead of one stating "they always have to be changed in pairs" then most people will just go "ah, ok, if that's what it takes" and pay up double of what would have been "necessary" according to wizard. That is the game of the industry.

[@paullowell3342]

It is ABSOLUTELY recommended to replace both. If one has failed the other one will soon.

[@samssinglemalt4079]

What a fantastic video. You are very clear and honest to explain. I love my S class and love knowing more about it. I think I have a leak that also made the pump weak. I'll get my head on that and repair it

[@CaptainVillanueva1]

Great advice on the air suspension. Only reason I'm familiar with it is cause working on semi you learn about air bags, tanks, leaks etc etc. I'm ready to take on a airmatic now

[@chrisstevens3801]

But Mrs. Wizard, the S class is a yacht!

[@trinitytrinidad9045]

Yes i have one its great

[@janstolk486]

There is a company in Florida that rebuilds the air struts , they give guaranty for life and they are reasonably priced .

[@pierombon]

Great Video Wizard well done!!!! I just replaced both front struts on my friend E 500, similar layout .It is easy and affordable if you do the works yourself . Parts were not that expensive. The airmatic system is very easy and simple. I love the ride and the feel of the car.

[@keithexum7312]

If your tired of dealing with the original airmatic , strutmaster or Arnott make nice replacement coil spring/shock conversation. Replaced a GL 350 system with a strutmaster kit. Worked great and drove very nice. No more problems. Plus the price of these complete kits are much less than original airmatic. Also comes with module to over ride system.

[@Novavon7]

I'm surprised it rode nice on yours. Most W221 owners ended up swapping back to Airmatic because of the harsh ride. I've personally always stayed with Airmatic because it wasn't too expensive to replace. Not cheap but definitely affordable for most people.

[@damirzanne]

Hell no lol

[@anthonybroomfield5162]

Very simple explanation and illustration of components. I will now fire my dishonest mechanic who tried to rip me off. He wanted to replace the entire system and not even telling me which component is faulty. I even suggest that the left rear bag is leaking since the front remain normal for about a week then it also deflates. Then I touch the wire connector sensor on the left rear and it would inflate again. This inflation would last for a day or two in the rear then the front would also deflate after a week

[@nicolescott9271]

WIZZ I LOVE THE WAY YOU EXPLAIN YOUR LOVE FOR CARS KEEP GOIN ❤❤❤❤

[@blackericdenice]

My compressor came on a lot in my 2001 Deville. I replaced both rear air shocks. I bought them off ebay for $65.

[@mpmike1972]

I had a 220 chassis with airmatic and I replaced both the front air struts my self. Very easy to do. There is nothing like driving a car with air suspension, like floating on a cloud.

[@joeclarke9782]

Great to see something new and interesting - Juniormint. Surprised to see that those Merc struts are only 500 to 600.

[@trennagreen3102]

This is exactly what I'm experiencing with my GL 450. Thank you very informative 👍

[@jackasmaryan1776]

As a long time Mercedes owner I can't stress enough how important it is to change both sides with Arnott but If u want to replace only 1 I strongly recommend putting a used 1 instead because the single new one will have issues within 3 months. That also applies to lower control arms that usually go bad on the SClass and those I only recommend Lemforder because no other brand can fit right or handle the weight of the car

[@jlnapoleon]

Arnott has a lifetime warranty on the part at least now. They are covering mine but to your point it may have already killed my pump playing around. These cars we’ll never know for sure way to many moving parts literally and figuratively.

[@ajw828]

Well said on it not being terribly complex. The E70 X5 (BMW, your favorite) also had ride leveling rear air suspension. The aftermarket for those "airbags" is very good, and fairly reasonable to replace.

[@Novavon7]

I think just on the 7-passenger model (My old E70). Mine had it for sure but I compared it with another E70 (Friend's car) and his is only the 5 passenger and didn't have airbags in the rear.

[@dewitteubanks7390]

Hello I just watched your documentary on the S550 suspension Minds has just completely went low you gave great information thank you so much I had to subscribe

[@thumperjdm]

Car Wizard: Maybe consider using a green laser pointer when you're trying to teach us about hard-to-reach parts of the car's underside?

[@ne2i]

Fixed my cheap Audi a8 air suspension pretty easily. Change the struts up front. Love the comfort!

[@eugeneriley2633]

Wonderful, so simplistic on his explanation in regards to the trouble shooting on the Airmatic system.

[@opuscat999]

Excellent info and we finally get to see Jr. Mint!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gk_filer]

Excellent Presentation Thanks! My Dads Cadillac Fleetwood had a similar rear system helped him repair that in 1998

[@josemanuel5749]

9:39 - Looks like Junior Mint is starting to like being on camera.

[@victorpenn7627]

Telling you all, replaced the rear strut left used the old air line fitting and it kept going back down. When back and put the new one on worked perfectly. Bought both so happy, think I'll do the other side. Never did anything like this before 🎉

[@nnggghhaa3709]

thank you for explaining, it really helps guys who want a car and want to work on it themselves

[@toolzshed]

Hey Wizard, you should get a pointing stick or a laser pointer for pointing out stuff like this, great job with the videos!

[@ArabDesertEagle]

Thank you so much very informative and explained easily greeting from Iraq

[@mmllmmll22]

I own 2006 Citroen C5 with Hydropneumatic suspension called Hydractive 3+ (this one, that You said that's doing mess, around 0:55), After 14 years and over 140k miles i had to replace... 1 gasket. 1 rubber gasket on passenger side due to rubber hardening. It wasn't leaking like a hose, more like a tap dripping, very slowly, It wasn't even doing mess under car. Overall those cars aren't avilable in US :(. They're so comfortable, way better than high class cars with conventional spring&strut, and even Mercedes is licensing this suspension for those cars like this one in Your vid Wizard! Keep up with great work! I'd like to see car that isn't avilable in US in Your "hands" :)

[@CrazyMrTim]

I have a '98 Mark Mark Mark Mark Mark Mark Mark Mark, and i'll eventually just replace the air suspension with a conventional suspension

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

A customer came to me (auto parts store) to ask me why his freshly bought used Lincoln rode so rough. I looked underneath and saw that someone had welded in flatbar to hold the car up.

[@CrazyMrTim]

ouch. my suspension works great, but I would like to tighten up the car a bit and add some performance

[@instasingingvids3529]

obsolete professor wow 😳

[@pfsantos007]

There should be reliable aftermarket parts at a decent price to keep the system. A Lincoln without it is just not its true self. Maybe Rockauto has stuff?

[@michaelporter3555]

@@pfsantos007 there are aftermarket parts available for most vehicles with air suspensions including ford. Arnott Industries in Florida is one and they make parts for a wide range of vehicle makes including ford and mercedes. In my experience they rarely last as long as the OEM parts but are also usually less expensive.

[@300DBenz]

My first car had rear air ride shocks...and a blown compressor. Had to air them up every morning with a tire inflator.

[@jweezywooden4378]

how?

[@300DBenz]

@@jweezywooden4378 I cut the plastic air line off the compressor, used some hose splicers/adapters and some epoxy to put a valve stem on the end of the hose.

[@PresidentEvil]

I have an 2018 GLS with airmatic and it like riding on a cloud, i love it

[@12tallod]

The car wizard must be getting ready for September 19th, International Talk like a Pirate Day. Can't wait for that episode 😉.....

[@frasermitchell9183]

From Fraser Mitchell, husband of Leslie I had two Jaguar saloons with the air suspension, and by and large it works OK, but it is very expensive if things like struts need replacing. This expense is what puts people off this type of suspension. With steel coils, they fail, and you fit another one and carry on for not much money. If a strut fails, like here, its nearly £800 for the Bilstein replacement. It should be possible to just replace the air bag, but there are very few shops around that do this. On the other hand, the compressors cost half that and are easy to swap out.

[@OvidiuFloca282]

I like how Missis Wizzard has all the good questions

[@Ram14250]

was hoping your show us changing the strut out and testing the air suspension? Enjoyed the premise but would of like to see the work and the result.

[@jweezywooden4378]

Yessss my Benz is doing that exactly the same an yes I like how you explained it people think the world is over when it’s low !! Yes I rather fix my air matic than. Do the swop idk why people do that ! The air ride is amazing an it saves you when you out speeding or doing an type of spin out or peal out on the road !

[@nattyp7801]

I have a E500 and only the passenger rear was flat… ❤️your link,very informative!!!!

[@Max47340]

Excellent explanation of air suspension, thank you car wizard!

[@Bruningable]

The last good looking S-Klasse.

[@poisonouspython1410]

It is aging well. I liked it less new than I do now that the w222 has been out and looks so bland in comparison. A clean w221 is still classy

[@az7378]

@@poisonouspython1410 Agreed.

[@Schnorbitz]

Wizard’s voice lulls me to sleep. Very handy sometimes.

[@619guy202]

I touch myself to his voice

[@joeimbesi99]

Given me some confidence on buying airmatic now

[@xenia5101]

Great explanation. You suggest that the car is drive able with flat struts but my E550 manual says not to drive after the warning light comes on. Do the tires rub the chassis or is it just the loss of the suspension function which would mean to drive very slowly?

[@Julian-do7bv]

Air suspension is getting better and becoming more common and hopefully more cost effective

[@tommykh1949]

Great video, 100% agree with all of it. I’ve a P38 & L322...so I know air suspension well...

[@brianjohnson4722]

Good information , I have a 2009 CLS 550 with a slow leak. Around three weeks of sitting the rear is flat and the front is still at the correct height. I didn't know if this was common that one end could be flat and the other end be at the right height now I know.

[@alanthomas3531]

Extremely well done. Keep up the good work!

[@ELWIN225]

On E-class the rear consists of two parts: an air bag and a strut. It is not one unit unlike the fronts. I replaced my front air struts using arnot remanufactored OEM struts. It took me 45 mins. It is been 3 years and no leaks whatsoever. Ideally they should be replaced in pairs according to MB.

[@ChainBaker]

Lol it’s Marge Simpson 😄 Jr Mint is killing the hair game at Omega for sure 😄

[@tomphillips8938]

Why did junior mint dye hid hair purple?? Did he lose a bet ??

[@justcallmevlad4218]

Probably a millennial thing

[@Mattrusin]

Probably antifa initiation lol

[@justcallmevlad4218]

@@Mattrusin lol

[@wurly164]

Trump Trump 2020

[@thecykotik1]

We get it, Trump isn't his president.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

I owned 2 Lincoln Mark VIII’s. I have forever sworn off air-ride suspensions. My X6 xDrive5.0i is a conventional and very responsive suspension.

[@LEGENDERYSTATIC]

My cls just did it thanks for the knowledge wizard!!

[@alexvassiliou8097]

This video is so damn helpful, tryna fix a 08 airmatic system. Thank god for wizard bruh

[@Twopplgreyjackets]

This is beyond a great video👌🏽👌🏽🎖️ thanks from all of us !!

[@Behemoth66]

I picked up a 2008 s550 with 81k miles and service records for $6000 today lol. Just finished the PPI here at Mercedes in Salt Lake and the service advisor told me I scored a very great deal. So that’s why I’m here haha

[@bmwman1029]

I have the same problem as this customer does on my S550. Thank you car wizard! 😁

[@oldschoolpizza4480]

The excitement is on the yacht .... just a friendly reminder ✌️

[@fergushand7509]

what a brilliant communication on the subject!

[@PeterJMery-1]

I love you brother and your wife. You saved me again. Thanks !

[@whitetruck03]

I really wish there was a "car wizard" in my area.... Someone that could work on a old ford and a lambo. Maybe I should move to kansas.....

[@drugzie]

Or in another country 😊

[@danr1920]

Yet air suspension on heavy truck lasts a 750k miles.

[@samuelgarcia9969]

Very informative thanks so much 👍🏻 Can you please tell me where can I find charts for repairs or to buy a manual for my 2012 CLS550 MB , looking for diagrams for air suspension I got the same problem the need to fix. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@locthebard]

Sir Wizard, the 2 post lift seems to jiggle/raise unevenly at 1:35 when the car is lifted. Probably nothing, but thought it might be worth mentioning.

[@kimberlypearson2018]

I have a 2005 e320 4 matic, 87k miles, no rust. Love the car. Just got the warning light “car too low”. Trying to decide whether to fix it or scrap it.

[@JESUS_IS_GOD]

FYI You can get the air compressor aftermarket Ebay $80, & the air shocks for $180 each and yes they hold up just as good as OEM. German Engineers have them made to better than OEM spec out in Asia where material & labor is dirt cheap! 👌

[@a1phamalestud]

I’m gonna do that when mine go

[@edlee8838]

Thank you so much Wizard!! Fantastic presentation