not sure how many people here with the newer mercedes with the air suspension frequent this board, but thought i would post this as an information only thread. if you ever need to raise these cars either on a hoist or with a jack, before you do you need to remove the key and be sure the instrument cluster is off. if you do not the system may become damaged. i guess this would also apply to changing a flat?? if anyone knows more about this please post. i know that when i was at ther dealer it was specifically stated on the PDI sheet to do remove the key and ensure the cluster is off to avoid damaging the system.

I routinely lift Air-Matic equipped MB's ( 220's, 211's, and 164's ) with no problem. Sometimes you have to raise a car with the key on or engine running to perform certain tasks. The only problem I've ever come across is on the 220's. When the sealer used to leak-proof the tops of the front struts get old and brittle the air leaks out of the front struts as soon as the wheels leave the ground. Other than that, I've never had a problem.

when you get a chance look at the pdi sheet for a car with airmatic they can be found in wis.
usually if i have to raise it with the engine on, i use the drive on lift

When I went to MB W220 training (late 1999) I remember being told about the lifting/jacking issue, so following your advice, I checked out the PDI checklist. The list for model year 2000-01 says (exactly as you stated) to make sure the instrument cluster turns off before raising the car. The checklist for subsequent years doesn't include this warning. I checked WIS-net for work instructions concerning Air-Matic equipped MB's and found no warnings or recommendations with regard to lifting/jacking these cars. After speaking with an MB rep, I learned that when the 220 was launched, there was some concern that the air-struts could leak if the car was lifted while CAN was awake. This could result in strut damage if the car were to be lowered with no air pressure in the struts. This concern (leaking when raised) was later proven to be unfounded, hence the change in the PDI checklist, WIS instructions, etc.

it is amazing how quickly things change, i was last at the dealer in 2002,

Yeah, I know what you mean. Sometimes I think the only thing that's for certain is CHANGE. Nowadays, I consider any 2004 model a dinosaur!