Self Levelling Suspension

[lyonsfin]

I have owned a 2009 E350 4matic wagon for about 4 years. Purchased with 130k miles now 157k miles. The rear end has always sunken down evenly after a week or so and now sometimes drops overnight. Always evenly and always back up with 1.5 minutes (or less). Are the bags leaking, a hose leaking or a valve? Replace everything or convert to coil springs?

[engatwork]

Plan on replacing air struts, compressor and control valve system. If you dont want to keep it stock check Arnott to see what kind of conversion kit is available.

[Sugar Bear]

Is that an air or hydraulic system? Is it similar to W123 and 124?

[engatwork]

Pneumatic system on that application.

[lyonsfin]

Yes, it is air for the rear end. Simpler than my wifes GL, but still a bit foreign to me. I am a good mechanic and have a lift, is this a job I can undertake? Will it need any re-programming?

[engatwork]

No reprogramming required. They are pretty easy to swap out if you keep stock suspension. I put Arnott springs on the rear of a 2005 E320 wagon I had and it was not really much to the job. No programming required if you go with the Arnott springs either. I don't remember specifics but their instructions tell you what to do to prevent a fault code if you go with their springs.

If you go back with the air bags go with the Arnott air bags and not the MB OEM units. Interestingly enough when you go to the MB dealer I deal with they sell the Arnott units, not the MB OEM units.

[lyonsfin]

So the airbag replacement is not difficult. Yes, I was going to use Arnott. The independent shop I deal with in Savannah uses Arnott. Unfortunately, the car is now in CT and I don't foresee it returning to Savannah for several months. My independent mechanic here in CT does not want to deal with the air suspension so its up to me or go to the dealership.