toban

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

Rocketman

I do not believe the airmatic is available on E550's - certainly not on the Cab version as I just ordered one and specifically inquired about it.

CEB

If you are in the US Then your 550 won't have airmatic as standard.

BudC

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.

moorewr

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

Busta Riles

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.

BudC

Excuse my ignorance but what is ABC?

bigben320e

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....

bigben320e

A good article...http://gnnmotors.com/mercedes-benz-abc-suspension.html

BenzoBoi

Airmatic blows. Convert to coilovers.

bigben320e

Coilovers? How much would that run on a CLS?

moorewr

Amen to the ABC, I hold my breath everytime I start my 05 SL500, waiting for the dreaded red lights.
ron

hyperion667

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....

ngerstman

I just had the rear airshocks replaced on my one year old e550. The protocol for replacement is sinking by 20mm or more overnight. I've had the car back for a few days and so far so good. This is my first car with the airmatic and I have had mixed feelings from day one. I like the general ride and handling, but don't think that there is enough give when you hit rough roads, especially small potholes and up. There is a jarring thud in those circumstances and much increased risk of bent rims and blowouts. I live in the NY metro area where many of the roads are not great. I switched to 17 inch rims after a double blowout a year ago heading into the Lincoln Tunnel. Regards. Ned.

toban

Yes, I'm from Canada and the E550 does come standard with the AIRMATIC.

Toban

BenzoBoi

The biggest cost would come from which coilovers you choose to go with. Rest of it should be small pieces here and there.

D&G

You can buy coil overs for around $1500 and that already is cheaper than replacing one air suspension. As long as you can swap the airmatic out.

J.M.G.

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.

DG_Guy

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.

PeterUbers

$2700.00 -- wow.

shaytun

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.

Yosheego

Does the dealer know you have a the module installed? just curious. I assume you raise it to stock height when you bring it in to service?

shaytun

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.

Yosheego

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.

blackbullit

I have had no issues with Airmatic on my 2010 E550 in 63k miles

Love the flat cornering it provides