MajorVery commonSuspension

Mercedes-Benz ML: Airmatic Air Suspension Strut Leak and Compressor Failure

Airmatic Air Suspension Strut Leak and Compressor Failure is a very common suspension fault on the Mercedes-Benz ML on the 2005–2011 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $1,500 to $6,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 10 documented faults on the Mercedes-Benz ML.

Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz ML
Years: 2005–2011
System: Suspension

This page covers the Mercedes-Benz ML as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Mercedes-Benz ML faults10 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Air suspension strut or Shock absorber / strut yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The W164 Airmatic system is prone to air spring and strut leaks at the upper crimp rings and top seals as rubber perishes with age. The compressor runs excessively to compensate for leaking struts and eventually burns out, often blowing the 40-amp Airmatic fuse. Valve block solenoids also develop internal leaks. Ride height sensor rods become brittle and snap, causing persistent ride height fault messages.

What you would notice

Vehicle sagging at one or more corners after sitting overnight
Airmatic malfunction warning on instrument cluster
Audible compressor running continuously or repeatedly
Uneven ride height or excessively harsh ride

How to check it

Where to look. All four corners; compressor typically front right engine bay

Park on level ground overnight and check all four corners for sag in the morning.
Inspect air spring rubber sleeves on each strut for cracking or perishing.
Listen for compressor cycling frequency — excessive cycling indicates a leak.
Scan for Airmatic fault codes.
Check all four ride height sensor linkage rods for brittleness or breakage.
Inspect the 40-amp Airmatic fuse for signs of past burnout.

Parts involved: Air suspension strut, Shock absorber / strut.

What it costs to put right

$1,500 to $6,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Has the Airmatic compressor or any air struts been replaced?”
“Does the vehicle hold its ride height overnight without sagging?”
“Have there been any Airmatic warning messages?”

Now check the Mercedes-Benz ML you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Mercedes-Benz ML buyer questions

Is airmatic air suspension strut leak and compressor failure serious on a Mercedes-Benz ML?

We rate it major and very common on the Mercedes-Benz ML. The W164 Airmatic system is prone to air spring and strut leaks at the upper crimp rings and top seals as rubber perishes with age. The compressor runs excessively to compensate for leaking struts and eventually burns out, often blowing the 40-amp Airmatic fuse. Valve block solenoids also develop internal leaks. Ride height sensor rods become brittle and snap, causing persistent ride height fault messages.

How much does it cost to fix on a Mercedes-Benz ML?

$1,500 to $6,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Mercedes-Benz ML years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2005–2011 Mercedes-Benz ML. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Park on level ground overnight and check all four corners for sag in the morning. Inspect air spring rubber sleeves on each strut for cracking or perishing. Listen for compressor cycling frequency — excessive cycling indicates a leak. Scan for Airmatic fault codes. Check all four ride height sensor linkage rods for brittleness or breakage. Inspect the 40-amp Airmatic fuse for signs of past burnout. Look here: All four corners; compressor typically front right engine bay