Very well explained video. Highly recommended for anyone going the DIY route on these cars. Appreciated the content on those pesky electrical connectors which will point newcomers in the right direction from the start. Massive added value pointing out the most neglected aspect of this type of suspension - the compressor air filter. Well done Drew. Greetings from Mozambique. Pity you didn't own one of these and post this 4 years ago, it would have saved me a LOT of time on the learning curve :-)
Hello, many thanks for this very detailed video. I did the replacement to my ML W164 350 CDI 2010 alone. Nevertheless I have to change the valve block too. I was wondering if you are having also video on that topic. Best regards
Hi Mate, Glad it helped. Unfortunately I have not yet published a video on replacing the Valve Block, however if you have done the compressor you should be able to do the Valve Block. 1/ Lift the car 2/Remove the AIRMATIC fuse 3/replace the valve block ensuring the lines are not mixed up. Good luck. Cheers Drew
Hi Drew, Great videos and great channel. Very informative and I am very happy to have found your channel. May I ask if the procedure is/should be the same for the GL X164??? Thanks Buddy!
Hi Dane, if you have a look at the compressor listing: amzn.to/3POVNge it lists the GL series on the same compressor. Thus I suspect the procedure is very similar for the GL vehicles. The best thing to do (if you have time) would be to quickly take off the front right wheel off and inner plastic wheel arch and have a look. Cheers Drew
Great video mate, where are you getting that compressor from I cannot work out how to find the link. Also where do you get most of your Merc parts from that are not crap.
How has the compressor lasted? I ask because I will have to do mine soon. I installed Maxpeedingrods airmatic front struts in September and the socks on both failed within 1000km, so I’m a little unconvinced of the quality of their products.
Hi Scott, I have had this compressor fitted to my car for a few years now, I would guess that it had done about 50,000 kms in the vehicle with no issues! Cheers Drew
Mayyyyyyyyte - good on ya for posting this. I'm about to do the same job. Just gotta wait for it to get from USA to NZ. Any problems with this unit since you fitted it?
For the air line to the block. You just need to seat it while the nipple is screwed in already. Push hard until it stops fully. Then soft tug tug and push again and all set
Hi Darryl, I have seen people just push them in, however I personally just don't trust it and prefer to do it the way I showed in the video! Cheers Drew
Hi Drew, I have a 2010 ML300 which has been underwater, can you help please. the scan tool does not communicate, the windscreen wipers and windows work without switching them on. Could you advise please on steps to be taken to rectify.
Hi Ramesh, it sounds like you certainly have a moisture issue and I don’t think filling the inside of car with four cubic metres of rice will help!! All jokes aside I would love to help, where do you live? Cheers Drew
Hi drew great video mate. IV got the same year and model car as you .I'm getting the malfunction on the dash as you did but it raises up and down okay just wondering if you're car still lifted up and down okay when you're malfunction happened.
Hi Darren, it did lift up all the way. However the compressor was running pretty much all the time when the car was lifted. Even when it was in the standard ride height my old compressor was running an aweful lot so it was fairly obvious that my compressor had become weak! Let me know how you go with yours? Also, have you scanned your car for codes with a Mercedes Scan Tool? Cheers Drew
No mate just looking now to buy 1 IV only got a cheepy 1 doesn't seem to connect or read any codes so think I need a Merc 1 . Funny thing is my hose is spilt just the same as yours . Pump gets very hot you think that's I sign it weak
@@darrenrussell9307 certainly sounds very similar to how mine was when I had the weak compressor! I would certainly suggest getting a Mercedes compatible Scan Tool, this iCarsoft is a inexpensive unit: amzn.to/3p3NMYi
Great video! I need to replace mine. Is the Amazon compressor you bought still good? Local mechanic want to charge $1300 for the compressor. And $900 for valve block.
Hi Mate, my Amazon compressor is I believe just as good if not better than the original. I say this because not only is it as strong but it is far quieter than the original! What does your mechanic want to charge in labour? I would tell him he’s dreaming and do it myself personally 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt thanks for the reply! They want to charge 2.5hrs labour, $375. They also added a valve block($900), replay($50) and a filter($30). I assume this is the filter you mentioned in your video.
@@mnewgin hi mate, 2.5 hours they are having a laugh! I reckon you should just start with the amazon compressor and do it yourself as per my instructions! FYI - I have a whole playlist of Mercedes AIRMATIC videos 😆 Cheers Drew
Yes mate, the new pump is still running strong and geez … for the price Mercedes charge you could buy 10 of these ones anyway: amzn.to/420etjy 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers Drew
Well done mate. Did you get the pump for the 166 chassis as the 164 is showing it’s not available and the X166 is cheaper as a pose the x164 which is over $300. The x166 is $209 so I’m wondering if the X166 is the same as the X164? Can ya help with some ideas if they are the same? Thanks Drew.
Hi, Thanks for the feedback! I got the pump for the 164 chassis. This is the exact pump that I purchased: amzn.to/3fg8DmB What I suggest doing is taking your inner fender well off (it's not that hard) and checking the part number of the pump installed in your vehicle, which you can then check against in the MaxpeedingRod listing as they show all of the compatible OEM part numbers. This is what I actually did prior to purchase. I trust this helps? Cheers Drew
I think X164 and X166 use the same model compressor. The OEM maker is AMK (as shown in this video as the original factory part), and they are more than $500. All the others are Chinese Knock off's, either on Amazon or ebay. Arnott is also made in China.
Hi Drew. I found a big split in the hose as yours. Would it be the reason why the car (especially the rear) is dropping? I just wanted to check before I order a new compressor as you did. Messages come as: 1. Malfunction and 2. Compressor is cooling down. Thanks for the video anyway; it helps me a lot diagnosing the problem.
Hi Mohammed, you should fix the split as it will be sucking dirty air, however without seeing your car myself… I would suggest if the rear is dropping that the compressor is getting hot because it’s working overtime due to something in the “rear” leaking! Have a look at this video I did changing the rear air spring ruclips.net/video/9OKqid4F_WI/видео.html it’s quite an easy job really and the parts are inexpensive: amzn.to/3KaNveV. Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Thanks for the reply! I fixed the split. However, the car actually dropped front and rear now. The compressor sounds like it's not building pressure so I sprayed it with soapy water for a quick leak check but nothing. I guess I will have to order the compressor now. I will use your video as a guide:) Thanks again
@@mohammedalghamdy1094 Hi Mohammed, I like to be truly certain wrt the exact problem before I fire the parts cannon. Have you scanned the car for codes? Here is a video which I did which confirmed the compressor was at fault: ruclips.net/video/xrmuMfLsqYM/видео.html I would like to truly understand if it is your compressor at fault, thus i you could send me your DTC codes I would be interested in looking them up? Cheers Drew
Hi my ml 500 wdc164ml was normal i removed rear height sensors to check and put the sensors on again start vehicle rear doesn't lift what is the problem
@@yunustrevormahomed1215 If you buy a fancy scan tool (around $1000), you can get live data on those height sensors. voltage and height measuments (in inches in USA, but probably metric in other countries). the scan tool can draw graphs too, so you can tell if the sensor is functioning properly. also, scan tool can actuate each valves in the valve block, etc.
Hi ! I have a problem with my Ml w164 from 2007. When I press the lift button to rise the car. The car shut down immediately. All compressor system is new. Suspension , fuse , relai. Can you help me with that ? I didn’t find any help on internet. Thanks a lot !
Hi Luckie, a couple of questions if I may? What brand of compressor did you install? Have you replaced the AIRMATIC distribution valve block? Have you scanned the car for codes with a Mercedes compatible scanner tool? Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt well i don’t know what brand but must be the same as the original. All changes were made by Mercedes’ garage. Valve is change yes. To be honest, the problem started when I did remove the negative cable from the battery to change a lightbulb. Oh and also I got a message battery on the board. I did change the battery (big one) and the small one too. But after 3-4 months the message showed up again. I’m lost now. I couldn’t find anyone that could help me with that. Hope you will !
@@DrewFixIt i did scan too. I had a message like « control system for the tired pression something » but removed it. Oh and yeah. When I drive and get to 50km per hour the car shut down. I think it’s a problem with the airmatic system. Like I said, the car shut down when I press the lift button. Never happened before.
@@DrewFixIt yes it is. Saw all your videos about the ml w164 hehe. But yeah everything is all well connected. I just think the small battery is almost dead. But could it be that ? The battery just have 10 months and it’s already almost dead…
Perfect description and solution to the replacement and split hose fix. Well done and thanks. New pump on the way for me.
Thanks for the feedback! Cheers Drew
Very well explained video. Highly recommended for anyone going the DIY route on these cars. Appreciated the content on those pesky electrical connectors which will point newcomers in the right direction from the start. Massive added value pointing out the most neglected aspect of this type of suspension - the compressor air filter. Well done Drew. Greetings from Mozambique. Pity you didn't own one of these and post this 4 years ago, it would have saved me a LOT of time on the learning curve :-)
So thankful that you posted this video! About to try this on my 2011 ML 63. Hoping it’s as easy for me as it was for you.
No problems, I’m sure you will be fine!!! Cheers Drew
Vous êtes excellent continuer bon travaille vous êtes expert en réparation Mercedes.
Salut Amor, merci tu es trop roi ! Bravo Drew
Thanks! It worked very well! W164 2009
Awesome! I am glad the video was helpful! Cheers Drew
Hello,
many thanks for this very detailed video. I did the replacement to my ML W164 350 CDI 2010 alone. Nevertheless I have to change the valve block too. I was wondering if you are having also video on that topic.
Best regards
Hi Mate, Glad it helped. Unfortunately I have not yet published a video on replacing the Valve Block, however if you have done the compressor you should be able to do the Valve Block. 1/ Lift the car 2/Remove the AIRMATIC fuse 3/replace the valve block ensuring the lines are not mixed up. Good luck. Cheers Drew
Well explained, thanks very much :)
👌
Thank you for the video.
No problems, I'm glad you found it useful! Cheers Drew
Hi Drew, Great videos and great channel. Very informative and I am very happy to have found your channel. May I ask if the procedure is/should be the same for the GL X164??? Thanks Buddy!
Hi Dane, if you have a look at the compressor listing: amzn.to/3POVNge it lists the GL series on the same compressor. Thus I suspect the procedure is very similar for the GL vehicles. The best thing to do (if you have time) would be to quickly take off the front right wheel off and inner plastic wheel arch and have a look. Cheers Drew
Great video mate, where are you getting that compressor from I cannot work out how to find the link. Also where do you get most of your Merc parts from that are not crap.
Hi Brett, this is the compressor that I am currently recommending: amzn.to/420etjy Cheers Drew
How has the compressor lasted? I ask because I will have to do mine soon. I installed Maxpeedingrods airmatic front struts in September and the socks on both failed within 1000km, so I’m a little unconvinced of the quality of their products.
Hi Scott, I have had this compressor fitted to my car for a few years now, I would guess that it had done about 50,000 kms in the vehicle with no issues! Cheers Drew
Mayyyyyyyyte - good on ya for posting this. I'm about to do the same job. Just gotta wait for it to get from USA to NZ. Any problems with this unit since you fitted it?
Hi Luvin, I have had no issues at all with my AIRMATIC since I installed this unit! Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Good to hear - thanks for the quick reply, Drew. Nice one mate. David
Hey mate, do these compressors have oil in them? If so can the oil be changed?
For the air line to the block. You just need to seat it while the nipple is screwed in already. Push hard until it stops fully. Then soft tug tug and push again and all set
Hi Darryl, I have seen people just push them in, however I personally just don't trust it and prefer to do it the way I showed in the video! Cheers Drew
Hi Drew, I have a 2010 ML300 which has been underwater, can you help please. the scan tool does not communicate, the windscreen wipers and windows work without switching them on. Could you advise please on steps to be taken to rectify.
Hi Ramesh, it sounds like you certainly have a moisture issue and I don’t think filling the inside of car with four cubic metres of rice will help!! All jokes aside I would love to help, where do you live? Cheers Drew
Hi drew great video mate. IV got the same year and model car as you .I'm getting the malfunction on the dash as you did but it raises up and down okay just wondering if you're car still lifted up and down okay when you're malfunction happened.
Hi Darren, it did lift up all the way. However the compressor was running pretty much all the time when the car was lifted. Even when it was in the standard ride height my old compressor was running an aweful lot so it was fairly obvious that my compressor had become weak! Let me know how you go with yours? Also, have you scanned your car for codes with a Mercedes Scan Tool? Cheers Drew
No mate just looking now to buy 1 IV only got a cheepy 1 doesn't seem to connect or read any codes so think I need a Merc 1 . Funny thing is my hose is spilt just the same as yours . Pump gets very hot you think that's I sign it weak
@@darrenrussell9307 certainly sounds very similar to how mine was when I had the weak compressor! I would certainly suggest getting a Mercedes compatible Scan Tool, this iCarsoft is a inexpensive unit: amzn.to/3p3NMYi
Here is a video where I used the iCarsoft Scanner to scan this exact issue: ruclips.net/video/xrmuMfLsqYM/видео.html
Great video! I need to replace mine. Is the Amazon compressor you bought still good? Local mechanic want to charge $1300 for the compressor. And $900 for valve block.
Hi Mate, my Amazon compressor is I believe just as good if not better than the original. I say this because not only is it as strong but it is far quieter than the original! What does your mechanic want to charge in labour? I would tell him he’s dreaming and do it myself personally 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt thanks for the reply! They want to charge 2.5hrs labour, $375. They also added a valve block($900), replay($50) and a filter($30). I assume this is the filter you mentioned in your video.
@@mnewgin hi mate, 2.5 hours they are having a laugh! I reckon you should just start with the amazon compressor and do it yourself as per my instructions! FYI - I have a whole playlist of Mercedes AIRMATIC videos 😆 Cheers Drew
Drew,Has the New pump lasted!
Yes mate, the new pump is still running strong and geez … for the price Mercedes charge you could buy 10 of these ones anyway: amzn.to/420etjy 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers Drew
Well done mate. Did you get the pump for the 166 chassis as the 164 is showing it’s not available and the X166 is cheaper as a pose the x164 which is over $300. The x166 is $209 so I’m wondering if the X166 is the same as the X164? Can ya help with some ideas if they are the same? Thanks Drew.
Hi, Thanks for the feedback! I got the pump for the 164 chassis. This is the exact pump that I purchased:
amzn.to/3fg8DmB
What I suggest doing is taking your inner fender well off (it's not that hard) and checking the part number of the pump installed in your vehicle, which you can then check against in the MaxpeedingRod listing as they show all of the compatible OEM part numbers. This is what I actually did prior to purchase.
I trust this helps? Cheers Drew
I think X164 and X166 use the same model compressor.
The OEM maker is AMK (as shown in this video as the original factory part), and they are more than $500.
All the others are Chinese Knock off's, either on Amazon or ebay.
Arnott is also made in China.
Hi Drew. I found a big split in the hose as yours. Would it be the reason why the car (especially the rear) is dropping? I just wanted to check before I order a new compressor as you did. Messages come as: 1. Malfunction and 2. Compressor is cooling down. Thanks for the video anyway; it helps me a lot diagnosing the problem.
Hi Mohammed, you should fix the split as it will be sucking dirty air, however without seeing your car myself… I would suggest if the rear is dropping that the compressor is getting hot because it’s working overtime due to something in the “rear” leaking! Have a look at this video I did changing the rear air spring ruclips.net/video/9OKqid4F_WI/видео.html it’s quite an easy job really and the parts are inexpensive: amzn.to/3KaNveV. Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Thanks for the reply! I fixed the split. However, the car actually dropped front and rear now. The compressor sounds like it's not building pressure so I sprayed it with soapy water for a quick leak check but nothing. I guess I will have to order the compressor now. I will use your video as a guide:) Thanks again
@@mohammedalghamdy1094 Hi Mohammed, I like to be truly certain wrt the exact problem before I fire the parts cannon. Have you scanned the car for codes? Here is a video which I did which confirmed the compressor was at fault: ruclips.net/video/xrmuMfLsqYM/видео.html
I would like to truly understand if it is your compressor at fault, thus i you could send me your DTC codes I would be interested in looking them up? Cheers Drew
Hi my ml 500 wdc164ml was normal i removed rear height sensors to check and put the sensors on again start vehicle rear doesn't lift what is the problem
Hi Yunus, did you reinstall them correctly? Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt hi yes there is left and right stamp ed the front suspension is 100 percent checked all fuses and the relay all good
@@yunustrevormahomed1215 If you buy a fancy scan tool (around $1000), you can get live data on those height sensors.
voltage and height measuments (in inches in USA, but probably metric in other countries).
the scan tool can draw graphs too, so you can tell if the sensor is functioning properly.
also, scan tool can actuate each valves in the valve block, etc.
Hi ! I have a problem with my Ml w164 from 2007. When I press the lift button to rise the car. The car shut down immediately. All compressor system is new. Suspension , fuse , relai. Can you help me with that ? I didn’t find any help on internet. Thanks a lot !
Hi Luckie, a couple of questions if I may? What brand of compressor did you install? Have you replaced the AIRMATIC distribution valve block? Have you scanned the car for codes with a Mercedes compatible scanner tool? Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt well i don’t know what brand but must be the same as the original. All changes were made by Mercedes’ garage. Valve is change yes. To be honest, the problem started when I did remove the negative cable from the battery to change a lightbulb. Oh and also I got a message battery on the board. I did change the battery (big one) and the small one too. But after 3-4 months the message showed up again. I’m lost now. I couldn’t find anyone that could help me with that. Hope you will !
@@DrewFixIt i did scan too. I had a message like « control system for the tired pression something » but removed it. Oh and yeah. When I drive and get to 50km per hour the car shut down. I think it’s a problem with the airmatic system. Like I said, the car shut down when I press the lift button. Never happened before.
@@luckie_5245 is the small battery connected properly? I have a video on that:
ruclips.net/video/yfXxijeUb64/видео.html
@@DrewFixIt yes it is. Saw all your videos about the ml w164 hehe. But yeah everything is all well connected. I just think the small battery is almost dead. But could it be that ? The battery just have 10 months and it’s already almost dead…