The Mercedes Airmatic system holds the ride height with air springs and electronically controlled dampers. The most common faults over time are the relay, the compressor and a leaking air spring or air line.
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The rear air springs of the 2003 to 2009 E-Class (W211) are particularly prone to leaking along the clamps. If the system leaks, the compressor runs continuously, overheats and fails, so an unrepaired leak takes the compressor with it.
Symptoms: one corner of the car sinks by morning, an "Air Suspension" or level control fault message, and compressor noise while standing. It was an option (or standard) across several generations from the W220 S-Class onwards; the estate E-Class often has air springs with level control on the rear axle as standard.
What to check
- In the morning, before setting off, look at all four corners: an uneven stance means a suspected leak
- With the car standing, listen to the compressor: continuous running indicates it is overworked
- Ask for a fault code read on the suspension controller (level and pressure sensor codes of the C1132 / C1144 kind)