Has anyone actually attempted this?
Will removing the system entirely make the vehicle undriveable ie: limp mode, constant beeping and warning, other features refusing to work because of it?
I have seen kits for conversion but usually they are from aftermarket manufacturers and I doubt there will be continued support in spare parts from them.
I am basically looking for a OEM way to do this.
I don't want to lower it, make it sportier or anything like that.
I doubt that there would be an issue with the parts fitting though I have not confirmed it yet. Main problem will be finding the correct springs for it as it is heavier than most other versions.
I have heard of people just getting the struts, springs and all other related components + rear lower control arms from a E350 and that it all fits but sags as the springs are just not meant for the weight.
Is it possible to maybe get a complete swap from a facelifted W212 E550 where the airmatic suspension was optional and not standard and is possibly the closest in weight?

 

I believe the consensus is that it's worth keeping. It's a pretty simple system, and not that hard to work. Speaking from recent and current personal experience.

 

I don't know yet, I am most scared that it will leave me stranded somewhere far from home since that is what I intend to use it for.
Plus for some reason the bags are insanely expensive here, 1000 euro for each front strut and about 400 fo the rear air springs. And that is not the price for a brand new OE part, thats the price for refurbished parts. I have read here about people finding entire sets for about 1800 USD and for the life of me I can't.

 

It's about the same here. Maybe a little less depending on exchange rates (dollar is pretty weak lately for obvious reasons). Arnott seems to be the main supplier, and I spoke with them a few months ago. They're no longer doing rebuilt, and now they're just doing new. At the time of that conversation, there was no change in price. Not sure where you are, so not sure what the local fauna looks like on that front.

It's not likely to leave you stranded without substantial warning. I had a leak in my distribution block, and it warned me a good 6 months at least before anything else bad happened. I was beyond busy during that time frame, and couldn't find time to do with it. As a result it took out the pump and the pre-fuse box as well. 100% on me though, and zero blame goes to the car for that. It told me nicely, told me sternly, and screamed in my face. The last 3 months of that I worked straight without time off for more than eating or sleeping.

Get yourself a proper scan tool (Autel or similar), and let it keep you informed. Be surgical. There's no need to replace more than one strut or bag at a time unless you want to.