Hey guys,

I have a 2000 S500. On my way back from the store this weekend (Saturday) I had the infamous "Airmatic malfunction - visit workshop" display come on. The passenger side rear was drooped about two inches.

I called MB and they dispatched a tow truck on Sunday to pick up the car. (Light was still on) Wouldn't you know it...I received a call this morning from the dealer saying "no problem found". I can't figure this out though because SURELY it would have stored a fault code, right??

The car drops out of warranty in 30 days and I know this problem is very expensive.

Any advice on how I should approach this with the dealer?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Brian

not to play lawyer - but, did you get a reciept ( for other than the tow ) that states problem that you have and the dealers find that nothing was wrong?

The car is actually still in the shop. I have not agreed to take it back yet. I will definitely get a receipt.

I guess that is my only recourse....

I would read about the system in the service manual, then make sure the they follow the complete test procedure in the manual.

Sometimes, they just replace a fuse and start working on the next car.

__________________
Zafar
94 E320 58000 Miles

The infamous internal workings of the dealership are far too complex then what can be written about here. It is a crap shoot; you either get an individual that is willing to examine your problem or you get one of the many individuals that simply write "Vehicle operating to factory specifications at this time!” and moves on to the next service. The technicians do not get paid to investigate and or research intermittent problems therefore they can simply move on to repairs that put money in their pockets. There is little, if any, incentive for them to go the extra step for you, the vehicle owner.

The proof is with the experiences that the vehicle owners have to contend with, oh so

Thanks fpr the responses so far.....

Here is where we are at. The service writer tried twice to get me to pick up the car. No way, not until it is FIXED!

Anyhow, after I insisted he keep trying he said he spoke to the shop foreman and the foreman said that they had seen this problem before. He tells me that the "body acceleration sensors" are the culprit and that they will be replacing all four under warranty. Has anyone ever heard of this and if so how in the heck do acceleration sensors have anything to do with how the car the sits in park? He tells me that this was a TSB and my VIN number was in the "affected range".

Any comments?

Thanks!!!

What kind a warranty? Do you have an option to extend it?

Personally, I would speak directly with the foreman and firmly but politely let him know that you're asking for his help and expect him to take care of your situation. Ask him if he's able to do that... yes or no. If not, go above his head and, if necessary, raise a polite furry.

The bottom line is something failed, that something is covered by the warranty you purchased, and it's on the company underwriting that warranty, Mercedes Benz USA, to live up to their end of the warranty contract. If some dealership is getting in the way of that, you have a major issue with MBUSA.

Good luck.

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

I would think given the nature of your complaint "While driving the vehicle lowered itself at one rear wheel" would be sufficient for any person to check the "Air System" for leaks. I would also think to inspect the electrical connections at the strut sensors for moisture penetration.

It may be possible for the accelleration sensors to contribute to your complaint, I would need to study the logic tree for that sytem to comprehend how.

MrCjames,

They say they have pressure tested the hoses and struts. They also tell me that the car has the "updated" part number for the rear struts even though I can find no mention of it in the VMI. Thanks again for the comments.

Brian

Have they made any mention about checking the level sensor connections for corrosion and or moisture penetration? Moisture penetration into the connectors was an issue on the early 220's.

if your at the newstand checkout the June 2004 issue of MERCEDES ENTHUSIAST magazine, U.K. publication

page 74 has a BUYER"S Guide to the 220 S-class and they mention the sagging suspension, plus a few other items - not sure if they apply to U.S. version

95s420


Keep a detailed log book as to:

1. when the incident occurred
2. description of problem
3. light warnings
4. memo of all conversations and I mean detailed incl
dates , times and full names of who you talked to, who said what, all representations made to you
5. all receipts