toban

If this is true that Airmatic is going to be standard in Canada on the 2012's, can anyone tell me if there has been any sigificant problems with this system in the last few years? I understand they had problems with the system in the "S" series a few years ago with the sides dropping etc. My service Mgr has told me there has been little or no problems in the last few years in the "E" class E550. Can anyone tell me if this is true?

I buy my cars and keep them for 5-7 years. People who lease say Airmatic is okay if you are not going to keep the car long term. I've been waiting for months for info on the 2012 and was prepared not having the airmatic as everyone was saying it was going to be an option in Canada too. Now, if it's standard, I'm wondering if I'm going to be in for a headache in a few years with problems if it has a reputation of being problematic.

Opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Toban

toban

Maybe I should have asked these questions.

1) For anyone who has a car with the airmatic feature like the E550, have you had any problems with the system in the last 3 years?

2) Would you buy this feature if you intend to buy the car and keep it for 6-7 years?

This may have a bearing on my decision whether I buy a car with the airmatic feature on it or not.

Any opinons would be appreciated.

Toban

ttoE550

No problems in almost two years of ownership.

I like the airmatic. I like the car low for everyday driving. In snow and heavy rain I can set it about 1.3 inches higher, no issues. Feels floaty compared to the sports setting.

I personally would require something really extraordinary to give it up.

toban

I just had an e-mail from my dealer informing me he has been confirmed the 2012 E550 4matic will have Airmatic as standard in Canada.

So, having said this, I really would like more feed back if possible from owners who drive E550's with the Airmatic up to 4 years old and indicate if they have had any problems with this system. I really like the sounds of this new car but have to admit I'm nervous of the airmatic system being probematic? I buy my cars and keep them for a few years.

The responses could help sway me to buy this model or not.

Anyone who has already responded, thank you. I just would like as many responses as possible in order to make a decision.

Toban

YYZ-E55

Why such concern with the suspension? It is the same system that's been used in the 211 for almost a decade, not to mention all of the SUVs, S/CL (without ABC), CLS, etc.

There are lots of other parts of the car that could go wrong; this wouldn't be an area of concern for me.

In response to your question, I had a 2003 E55 with no problems, ML550 and GL350 also with AIRMATIC and no issues. I wouldn't buy a Benz without it, assuming it is available.

toban

YYZ-E55:

Thanks for your reply. The reason I'm asking about this is I have seen others stating on this website their nervousness about of the suspension. Some had problems with the air compressors and the car dropping on one side from defective shocks etc. Also other owners were saying the cost to fix the suspension is very expensive. As I said, I keep my car for a few years, I don't lease them.

My dealer recently told me they used to have problems with the suspension on the "S" class sides dropping but recently for the last couple of years they haven't had any issues on the "E" class at all. Since it's cold where I live, I also wonder how well the supension will hold up at -30 deg? I see you are from Toronto and I'm in Winnipeg.

I would rather have the opinions of owners rather than from the service manager.

Thanks

Toban

ngerstman

I appear to be in the minority, but I have a 2011 e550 4-matic with the airmatic and would prefer a well done standard type suspension. I find that the airmatic is to hard on rough roads and I also believe that there is not enough travel when you hit even a small pot hole. The latter issue results in more blowouts than should be the case. Regards. Ned.

RNBRAD

My sentiments exactly.

Wig

Why don't you buy the car you want and get an extended warranty, chief?