2012 E550 4Matic with Standard Airmatic?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
2012 E550 4Matic with Standard Airmatic?
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
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
Last edited by toban; Oct 1, 2011 at 10:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
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
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
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
Likes: 6
2015 GL450
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
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
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
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
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
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
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
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
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
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.
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.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
