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I’m in the process of hunting down the right 2014 E550 for myself. I missed an opportunity to buy a beautiful example this past weekend. The car had all the options I was looking for and it had only 29,000 miles. I was bummed out but I met the new owner on the lot and he was super excited so I know he’s going to enjoy it. I have found 2 other cars that I like even though they have more miles on them. The one car has airmatic, which I think I really want, but I’m not crazy about the exterior color, the wheels or the wood trim. The other car doesn’t have airmatic but I love the color and the interior. My question is whether the airmatic is really that much nicer than the steel spring suspension? I also have a C55 so I want this E550 for comfort. Any feedback would be appreciated!
I’ve had a W211 E500 and a W212 E550 with Airmatic. Both had very minor issues and I enjoyed the Airmatic system. I did have an issue with bending wheels in both of those cars. My current ‘14 E550 is on springs and the ride is both compliant and sporty. I have had a chance to ring it out on some back roads in Wisconsin over the years and the suspension is tuned very well. I have yet to bend a wheel with the ‘14. At this juncture, if I was looking for another MB I would avoid Airmatic. Good luck with your search. These E550 4M cars are amazing and check all of the boxes. High performance, efficient, and safety.
I just bought a 2014 e550 and it does not have the airmatic. The ride is plenty smooth and it corners well. I have also ridden in an e550 equipped with airmatic and the ride is slightly smoother, but it is already having airmatic issues that are costly.
I had a W211 E550 with airmatic and now have a W212 E550 without airmatic.
Airmatic pros:
Adjustable for comfort or sport
Static ride height can be adjusted via $150 aftermarket links
Can lift car to aid in performing oil changes without using jack stands (if you have long arms)
Airmatic cons:
Even in sport less stiff that non-airmatic
Prone to leaky bladders. Arnott rebuilts about $1,600, parts only (ask me how I know)
I don't see airmatic or non-airmatic as a deal breaker. The ability to adjust to comfort mode is offset by the time/cost/worry of repair. I thought I would miss airmatic but I don't.
I too have read that the airmatic equipped cars had issues with bent wheels. It’s reassuring that the steel spring suspension is still comfortable and that the lack of airmatic shouldn’t be a deal breaker. I appreciate everyone’s feedback and I’ll post pictures whenever I buy an E550.
I found the perfect E550 for me. It’s a one owner car and has very good service history. I just purchased the car sight unseen for I live on the east coast and the car is located in Washington. I’m a little nervous never having purchased a car without driving it let alone not inspecting it personally but I bought it from a Mercedes dealership where it has been serviced regularly. The dealership is an autonation dealership so I have a 90
day warranty. I am planning on having a PPI completed at my dealership once the car arrives. I can’t wait to drive this beauty!
Oh hell yeah. That car is a unicorn with some great options and good service records. Way to hang in there and find this very rare car!
I’m sure it will pan out to be a super car for you.
These were expensive cars when fully optioned.
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