What's the bottom line on AIRMATIC?
#1
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What's the bottom line on AIRMATIC?
After all the conversation and discussion on airmatic, I would like to know what is the bottom line on airmatic really is? What's the verdict?
I have a 2012 E550 on order. Is there a minimum leakdown from the air suspension which is "normal" or should there not be any leakdown at all? Many air suspension systems in motorhome buses etc have a minimum acceptable leakdown on the supension over time at rest. I assume this is different as there's no air adjustments at each wheel as a bus has. I own a air suspension motorhome and there is an acceptable leakdown over time of air.
So, what's the bottom line on the E550 Airmatic suspension in terms of air leakdown, some or non?
Toban
I have a 2012 E550 on order. Is there a minimum leakdown from the air suspension which is "normal" or should there not be any leakdown at all? Many air suspension systems in motorhome buses etc have a minimum acceptable leakdown on the supension over time at rest. I assume this is different as there's no air adjustments at each wheel as a bus has. I own a air suspension motorhome and there is an acceptable leakdown over time of air.
So, what's the bottom line on the E550 Airmatic suspension in terms of air leakdown, some or non?
Toban
#4
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
When I heard that and that they were going to turbo-charging, I quickly ordered a 2011 E550.
As for the reliability of AirMatic, both my salesman and SA advised me not to keep it beyond the warranty. However, I have a theory that the cars with the Sport suspension beat the system more than the Luxury would so I ordered a Luxury version.
As for the reliability of AirMatic, both my salesman and SA advised me not to keep it beyond the warranty. However, I have a theory that the cars with the Sport suspension beat the system more than the Luxury would so I ordered a Luxury version.
#5
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E550 Airmatic
I had an 04 E500 and never had any problems, a friend bought it and has about 110k with not problems with it. I ordered a 10 E550 and now have 22K on it, it has been in the shop 3 times for leak down and about to go again. The ride and handling are great, the leak down is only a pain until it pumps up.
ron
ron
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1969 280S, 1991 300E
I would be hesitant to own an Airmatic car off warranty, but it's still worth it. Buy extended warranty if your car is older, & what's the issue?
Having a car off warranty with ABC is another story.
Having a car off warranty with ABC is another story.
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#8
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You got that right, Arnott saves you quite a bit on Airmatic repairs. You can easily get airmatic replacements done for under $600 on just a strut. ABC knocks you to your knees in some cases....
#9
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A good article...http://gnnmotors.com/mercedes-benz-abc-suspension.html
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2012 CLS63
I've heard a few stories as well about it being very expensive to fix.....
but hey..........guess it's part of the deal......
get an extended warranty as suggested..
I myself have not gotten one, but don't know if I'll keep it past warranty or not...
do really love the car and would hate to let it go.....
guess it is something to consider though....
but hey..........guess it's part of the deal......
get an extended warranty as suggested..
I myself have not gotten one, but don't know if I'll keep it past warranty or not...
do really love the car and would hate to let it go.....
guess it is something to consider though....
#14
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
After all the conversation and discussion on airmatic, I would like to know what is the bottom line on airmatic really is? What's the verdict?
I have a 2012 E550 on order. Is there a minimum leakdown from the air suspension which is "normal" or should there not be any leakdown at all? Many air suspension systems in motorhome buses etc have a minimum acceptable leakdown on the supension over time at rest. I assume this is different as there's no air adjustments at each wheel as a bus has. I own a air suspension motorhome and there is an acceptable leakdown over time of air.
So, what's the bottom line on the E550 Airmatic suspension in terms of air leakdown, some or non?
Toban
I have a 2012 E550 on order. Is there a minimum leakdown from the air suspension which is "normal" or should there not be any leakdown at all? Many air suspension systems in motorhome buses etc have a minimum acceptable leakdown on the supension over time at rest. I assume this is different as there's no air adjustments at each wheel as a bus has. I own a air suspension motorhome and there is an acceptable leakdown over time of air.
So, what's the bottom line on the E550 Airmatic suspension in terms of air leakdown, some or non?
Toban
#16
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#18
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AIRmatic is more or less as reliable as a conventional suspension. However, at the point where an AIRmatic component fails, the costs explode. We are talking about ~2.500 € for replacing both front damping-units - just to give you an example. In Germany most owners tend to get problems with the AIRmatic at approximately 100,000-150,000mls.
The 207 (coupe and convertible) is basically a C-Class 204. So that car comes with the 204 suspension - AIRmatic is not available. On the other hand, we've got the 212 sedan and station wagon. Both come with optional AIRmatic (standard in some markets).
Mercedes did have a bunch of problems with the 212 AIRmatic. The most significant one was already described in this thread: The rear shocks can have a leak and loose pressure. However, Mercedes is not only aware of this issue, but also changed the construction. Actually only cars from 2009-2011 were affected. At least in Germany, cars with the old system are being retrofitted at no additional cost.
The 207 (coupe and convertible) is basically a C-Class 204. So that car comes with the 204 suspension - AIRmatic is not available. On the other hand, we've got the 212 sedan and station wagon. Both come with optional AIRmatic (standard in some markets).
Mercedes did have a bunch of problems with the 212 AIRmatic. The most significant one was already described in this thread: The rear shocks can have a leak and loose pressure. However, Mercedes is not only aware of this issue, but also changed the construction. Actually only cars from 2009-2011 were affected. At least in Germany, cars with the old system are being retrofitted at no additional cost.
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2010 E550, 2007 R350
Not sure if the E class suspension is the same as the R butI just had the compressor and air shocks replaced on my 2007 R350 with 75,000miles. USD $2700 for just the rearaxles. Then the dealer said "Oh andyou're up for scheduled maintenance too." That was another $700.
#20
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
$2700.00 -- wow.
#21
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2010 E550 4MATIC
I have Airmatic on my car. I was worried about potential problems, but it has been problem free after nearly 3years. I have the Renntech lowering module and still not a single problem. The nice thing is if you ever decide to lower the car, it's easy to adjust the height and even return it to stock.
#22
Senior Member
I have Airmatic on my car. I was worried about potential problems, but it has been problem free after nearly 3years. I have the Renntech lowering module and still not a single problem. The nice thing is if you ever decide to lower the car, it's easy to adjust the height and even return it to stock.
#23
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2010 E550 4MATIC
Initially I would raise it to stock height, but I later stopped. They never said anything. If I have any problems with the suspension, then I'd definitely raise it before taking it in.
#24
Senior Member
I see. I have done the same. I'm using links on mine. Now I have a "aftermarket suspension equipped" stamped on my work order when I get it back. Haha sounds bad or the service rep has no idea I have air suspension.