Review: Airmatic vs Standard Suspension
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
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From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
Review: Airmatic vs Standard Suspension
Yes, I bet many of you are thinking "No one cares about your opinion" lol, but I feel this will be helpful to those thinking about buying a W164 and are having the same debate.
My background:
I had the 2006 ML500 for a few years and it was loaded up the tail with options and fortunately it had Airmatic as well. I just recently bought an 08 ML550(like 2 weeks ago) and it has every option except for P3(which has Airmatic as a feature).
After driving the ML550 for a couple weeks now, I really have come to miss the Airmatic VERY MUCH. I've noticed that the non-Airmatic cars sit much higher(19s look like 17s), they tend to bounce and roll A LOT more, handling is not as crisp or balanced, and the ride is not nearly as smooth as an Airmatic car. I really feel it's unfortunate that this ML didn't have that option, but not much I can do as VERY LIMITED ML550's were made with the Airmatic option. The Airmatic option is quite common on ML500's though(pre 2008) as it was available separately from the P3 package.
I am actually going to try and map out the parts of an Airmatic car and see if it is feasible to retrofit Airmatic. I may just have to settle with some springs and shocks, but hopefully not.
I think it's ridiculous that the GL450 which costs LESS than the ML550 comes standard with Airmatic and the ML550 doesn't. I swear, Mercedes USA must be high on some good stuff when selecting the option packs for these cars. And what were they thinking with these plastic door panel inserts and this SUPER THIN steering wheel?
I would like to retrofit the wheel from the W221 into the ML as the wheel is MUCH thicker and feels much better. BUT, that's another thread.
My background:
I had the 2006 ML500 for a few years and it was loaded up the tail with options and fortunately it had Airmatic as well. I just recently bought an 08 ML550(like 2 weeks ago) and it has every option except for P3(which has Airmatic as a feature).
After driving the ML550 for a couple weeks now, I really have come to miss the Airmatic VERY MUCH. I've noticed that the non-Airmatic cars sit much higher(19s look like 17s), they tend to bounce and roll A LOT more, handling is not as crisp or balanced, and the ride is not nearly as smooth as an Airmatic car. I really feel it's unfortunate that this ML didn't have that option, but not much I can do as VERY LIMITED ML550's were made with the Airmatic option. The Airmatic option is quite common on ML500's though(pre 2008) as it was available separately from the P3 package.
I am actually going to try and map out the parts of an Airmatic car and see if it is feasible to retrofit Airmatic. I may just have to settle with some springs and shocks, but hopefully not.
I think it's ridiculous that the GL450 which costs LESS than the ML550 comes standard with Airmatic and the ML550 doesn't. I swear, Mercedes USA must be high on some good stuff when selecting the option packs for these cars. And what were they thinking with these plastic door panel inserts and this SUPER THIN steering wheel?
I would like to retrofit the wheel from the W221 into the ML as the wheel is MUCH thicker and feels much better. BUT, that's another thread.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
Well, I'm not expecting this to be done for $1,000 lol. This is going to cost at least 5k especially since I wont be buying parts from the dealer, but rather from salvage yards.
I feel that it's worth it, especially if I'm able to modify the controller and the air springs/shocks to handle similar to the ML63.
I feel that it's worth it, especially if I'm able to modify the controller and the air springs/shocks to handle similar to the ML63.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 2
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2011 GL450, '06 R500 traded, '08 ML350 sold
Yes, I bet many of you are thinking "No one cares about your opinion" lol, but I feel this will be helpful to those thinking about buying a W164 and are having the same debate.
My background:
I had the 2006 ML500 for a few years and it was loaded up the tail with options and fortunately it had Airmatic as well. I just recently bought an 08 ML550(like 2 weeks ago) and it has every option except for P3(which has Airmatic as a feature).
After driving the ML550 for a couple weeks now, I really have come to miss the Airmatic VERY MUCH. I've noticed that the non-Airmatic cars sit much higher(19s look like 17s), they tend to bounce and roll A LOT more, handling is not as crisp or balanced, and the ride is not nearly as smooth as an Airmatic car. I really feel it's unfortunate that this ML didn't have that option, but not much I can do as VERY LIMITED ML550's were made with the Airmatic option. The Airmatic option is quite common on ML500's though(pre 2008) as it was available separately from the P3 package.
I am actually going to try and map out the parts of an Airmatic car and see if it is feasible to retrofit Airmatic. I may just have to settle with some springs and shocks, but hopefully not.
I think it's ridiculous that the GL450 which costs LESS than the ML550 comes standard with Airmatic and the ML550 doesn't. I swear, Mercedes USA must be high on some good stuff when selecting the option packs for these cars. And what were they thinking with these plastic door panel inserts and this SUPER THIN steering wheel?
I would like to retrofit the wheel from the W221 into the ML as the wheel is MUCH thicker and feels much better. BUT, that's another thread.
My background:
I had the 2006 ML500 for a few years and it was loaded up the tail with options and fortunately it had Airmatic as well. I just recently bought an 08 ML550(like 2 weeks ago) and it has every option except for P3(which has Airmatic as a feature).
After driving the ML550 for a couple weeks now, I really have come to miss the Airmatic VERY MUCH. I've noticed that the non-Airmatic cars sit much higher(19s look like 17s), they tend to bounce and roll A LOT more, handling is not as crisp or balanced, and the ride is not nearly as smooth as an Airmatic car. I really feel it's unfortunate that this ML didn't have that option, but not much I can do as VERY LIMITED ML550's were made with the Airmatic option. The Airmatic option is quite common on ML500's though(pre 2008) as it was available separately from the P3 package.
I am actually going to try and map out the parts of an Airmatic car and see if it is feasible to retrofit Airmatic. I may just have to settle with some springs and shocks, but hopefully not.
I think it's ridiculous that the GL450 which costs LESS than the ML550 comes standard with Airmatic and the ML550 doesn't. I swear, Mercedes USA must be high on some good stuff when selecting the option packs for these cars. And what were they thinking with these plastic door panel inserts and this SUPER THIN steering wheel?
I would like to retrofit the wheel from the W221 into the ML as the wheel is MUCH thicker and feels much better. BUT, that's another thread.
In short, the airmatic is a must have IMO even though it costs a lot to replace when it break down. That's what warranty is for! I also second the above comments regarding the cost of retrofitting airmatic. The cost will be prohibitive. Much cheaper to trade even if you get a bad deal!
Last edited by aggst1; Feb 8, 2012 at 05:36 PM. Reason: Spelling
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
^^Okay let me correct that:
In 2008 the ML550 had a base price of ~$54,000 and the GL450 had a base price of ~$55,000. So yes I was incorrect, but a thousand dollars cannot add up to be the difference of Airmatic, better interior materials, power folding third row seats, and an additional 3-4ft of lengthening.
In 2008 the ML550 had a base price of ~$54,000 and the GL450 had a base price of ~$55,000. So yes I was incorrect, but a thousand dollars cannot add up to be the difference of Airmatic, better interior materials, power folding third row seats, and an additional 3-4ft of lengthening.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 2
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2011 GL450, '06 R500 traded, '08 ML350 sold
^^Okay let me correct that:
In 2008 the ML550 had a base price of ~$54,000 and the GL450 had a base price of ~$55,000. So yes I was incorrect, but a thousand dollars cannot add up to be the difference of Airmatic, better interior materials, power folding third row seats, and an additional 3-4ft of lengthening.
In 2008 the ML550 had a base price of ~$54,000 and the GL450 had a base price of ~$55,000. So yes I was incorrect, but a thousand dollars cannot add up to be the difference of Airmatic, better interior materials, power folding third row seats, and an additional 3-4ft of lengthening.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
I had a fully loaded GL450 for a few years and just in the last year switched it out for an S550. In 2008, FULLY LOADED it was $74,000 and now a fully loaded GL450 is ~$82,000. If you look at it, nothing has been added or changed to warrant the price difference aside from an updated command and some LEDs.
Sorry for going off topic here, but it deserved an explanation. Most people don't realize the price hikes.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Austria
Mercedes
Before taking the expensive route of retrofitting an Airmatic, you should try to simpy replace the standard springs for Eibach Pro Kit springs.
Pro Kit springs will lower your ride to the standard Airmatic level (~35mm) and will also reduce the body roll. And..., they're cheap (~300-400 USD).
Might be a good option to check out, before putting in 4-5k USD into retrofitting Airmatic.
One important thing to check before swapping springs though:
Make sure your standard shocks are 100% ok. If you already have a mileage of ~100,000 miles on your installed OEM shocks, they probably won't be able to handle the extra pressure put on them through the Pro Kit springs. In that case ride comfort would drop significantly.
EDIT: You may also want to check out Brabus springs. They are made by Eibach as well, but designed and engineered by BRABUS. Check out this link to read a report from some guy who bought the BRABUS springs for his ML 350: https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...xperience.html
The attached image shows the ride hide after the springs were installed (that's Flipsonic's car, not mine!). Guess I'll be going for the BRABUS springs as well. So you may want to wait a couple of weeks until I come up with my story.
Pro Kit springs will lower your ride to the standard Airmatic level (~35mm) and will also reduce the body roll. And..., they're cheap (~300-400 USD).
Might be a good option to check out, before putting in 4-5k USD into retrofitting Airmatic.
One important thing to check before swapping springs though:
Make sure your standard shocks are 100% ok. If you already have a mileage of ~100,000 miles on your installed OEM shocks, they probably won't be able to handle the extra pressure put on them through the Pro Kit springs. In that case ride comfort would drop significantly.
EDIT: You may also want to check out Brabus springs. They are made by Eibach as well, but designed and engineered by BRABUS. Check out this link to read a report from some guy who bought the BRABUS springs for his ML 350: https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...xperience.html
The attached image shows the ride hide after the springs were installed (that's Flipsonic's car, not mine!). Guess I'll be going for the BRABUS springs as well. So you may want to wait a couple of weeks until I come up with my story.
Last edited by Sharkster; Feb 9, 2012 at 06:48 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Have Airmatic and have also had it on 2 of my 3 prior ML's. My current 10 ML550 rides great with it as did the others. Would not have an ML without Airmatic. Think you will find that no matter what aftermarket spring/shock set up you use it won't come close to Airmatic. Retrofit will be out of the question due to cost. Perhaps you should sell what you have and purchase an Airmatic equipped ML. By the way I have never had any sort of an Airmatic failure on any of my ML's.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
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From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
Have Airmatic and have also had it on 2 of my 3 prior ML's. My current 10 ML550 rides great with it as did the others. Would not have an ML without Airmatic. Think you will find that no matter what aftermarket spring/shock set up you use it won't come close to Airmatic. Retrofit will be out of the question due to cost. Perhaps you should sell what you have and purchase an Airmatic equipped ML. By the way I have never had any sort of an Airmatic failure on any of my ML's.
I need to start the research and see the cost of a retrofit.
I actually know that springs/shocks will handle better than any car equipped with air suspension.
The only loss is adjustability of height and ride.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
Before taking the expensive route of retrofitting an Airmatic, you should try to simpy replace the standard springs for Eibach Pro Kit springs.
Pro Kit springs will lower your ride to the standard Airmatic level (~35mm) and will also reduce the body roll. And..., they're cheap (~300-400 USD).
Might be a good option to check out, before putting in 4-5k USD into retrofitting Airmatic.
One important thing to check before swapping springs though:
Make sure your standard shocks are 100% ok. If you already have a mileage of ~100,000 miles on your installed OEM shocks, they probably won't be able to handle the extra pressure put on them through the Pro Kit springs. In that case ride comfort would drop significantly.
EDIT: You may also want to check out Brabus springs. They are made by Eibach as well, but designed and engineered by BRABUS. Check out this link to read a report from some guy who bought the BRABUS springs for his ML 350: https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...xperience.html
The attached image shows the ride hide after the springs were installed (that's Flipsonic's car, not mine!). Guess I'll be going for the BRABUS springs as well. So you may want to wait a couple of weeks until I come up with my story.
Pro Kit springs will lower your ride to the standard Airmatic level (~35mm) and will also reduce the body roll. And..., they're cheap (~300-400 USD).
Might be a good option to check out, before putting in 4-5k USD into retrofitting Airmatic.
One important thing to check before swapping springs though:
Make sure your standard shocks are 100% ok. If you already have a mileage of ~100,000 miles on your installed OEM shocks, they probably won't be able to handle the extra pressure put on them through the Pro Kit springs. In that case ride comfort would drop significantly.
EDIT: You may also want to check out Brabus springs. They are made by Eibach as well, but designed and engineered by BRABUS. Check out this link to read a report from some guy who bought the BRABUS springs for his ML 350: https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...xperience.html
The attached image shows the ride hide after the springs were installed (that's Flipsonic's car, not mine!). Guess I'll be going for the BRABUS springs as well. So you may want to wait a couple of weeks until I come up with my story.
I only have 49,000 miles on it so the shocks should be cherry. I would personally opt for the full kit to prevent any future problems.
I look forward to seeing your thread and review.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Austria
Mercedes
I was told that the setup loses a lot of comfort when going with the BRABUS shocks and springs. And my OEM shocks are brandnew. So I'll be going with the springs only.
Will report back in a new thread once the springs are installed.
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,291
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From: N.Jersey and New York, stationed in Germany
W164 ML500,SMART For two,1994 C280(5speed manual) 1999 C230k station wagon
I have had H&R springs in mine since September 2010 and with the stock shocks, I am very happy with them and have had no problems so far, I may still go with Bilstein shocks sometime in the future, we will see.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 359
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From: Kelowna, BC
'09 ML550
I question that, unless you go for a really radical setup. With Airmatic set to Sport, the ride is quite stiff and quite comparable to my wife's M3. On the twisties you still know you are in a 5,000 lb vehicle, but it takes the corners extremely well.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
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From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
I'm not talking about the W164 specifically. I meant that a vehicle equipped with properly balanced coilovers will handle much better than the same vehicle on air ride. Mercedes has perfected the Airmatic system, but if a company like Bilstein or Ohlins sat down and made a proper coilover kit for the W164, it would be no comparison.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
If you have a standard suspension, the rule for better handling is usually heavier sway bars front and rear first. This might be all you have to do.
Then, I would look into Shocks - I prefer Bilsteins - one click up in damping characteristics than stock. Tthis will improve the ride. You may wish to stop here.
If you then go to lowering springs from a reputable firm such as H&R then make sure the shock travel and damping is compatible with the springs.
Then, I would look into Shocks - I prefer Bilsteins - one click up in damping characteristics than stock. Tthis will improve the ride. You may wish to stop here.
If you then go to lowering springs from a reputable firm such as H&R then make sure the shock travel and damping is compatible with the springs.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
If you have a standard suspension, the rule for better handling is usually heavier sway bars front and rear first. This might be all you have to do.
Then, I would look into Shocks - I prefer Bilsteins - one click up in damping characteristics than stock. Tthis will improve the ride. You may wish to stop here.
If you then go to lowering springs from a reputable firm such as H&R then make sure the shock travel and damping is compatible with the springs.
Then, I would look into Shocks - I prefer Bilsteins - one click up in damping characteristics than stock. Tthis will improve the ride. You may wish to stop here.
If you then go to lowering springs from a reputable firm such as H&R then make sure the shock travel and damping is compatible with the springs.
I have Hotchkis sway bars on my Audi, and while they do dramatically improve the handling characteristics, they equally reduce ride comfort. I know i can't have it all, something has to give.
Anyone have leads to sway bars?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
From: Kelowna, BC
'09 ML550
Two things:
1. If "a vehicle equipped with properly balanced coilovers will handle much better than the same vehicle on air ride", why did Mercedes/AMG opt for Airmatic on the ML63, where presumably the only issue was performance? Or are you saying the rule doesn't apply to Mercedes because they have perfected air ride? Hmmm...
2. Why would a sway bar "reduce ride comfort"? OK, if, say, the left front wheel hits a bump and the right one doesn't, you will feel it more with a sway bar, but if both wheels hit the same bump at the same time there will be no difference to ride comfort regardless of how stiff or weak the sway bar is. Am I missing something here?
Not being argumentative, just curious.
1. If "a vehicle equipped with properly balanced coilovers will handle much better than the same vehicle on air ride", why did Mercedes/AMG opt for Airmatic on the ML63, where presumably the only issue was performance? Or are you saying the rule doesn't apply to Mercedes because they have perfected air ride? Hmmm...
2. Why would a sway bar "reduce ride comfort"? OK, if, say, the left front wheel hits a bump and the right one doesn't, you will feel it more with a sway bar, but if both wheels hit the same bump at the same time there will be no difference to ride comfort regardless of how stiff or weak the sway bar is. Am I missing something here?
Not being argumentative, just curious.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
Two things:
1. If "a vehicle equipped with properly balanced coilovers will handle much better than the same vehicle on air ride", why did Mercedes/AMG opt for Airmatic on the ML63, where presumably the only issue was performance? Or are you saying the rule doesn't apply to Mercedes because they have perfected air ride? Hmmm...
2. Why would a sway bar "reduce ride comfort"? OK, if, say, the left front wheel hits a bump and the right one doesn't, you will feel it more with a sway bar, but if both wheels hit the same bump at the same time there will be no difference to ride comfort regardless of how stiff or weak the sway bar is. Am I missing something here?
Not being argumentative, just curious.
1. If "a vehicle equipped with properly balanced coilovers will handle much better than the same vehicle on air ride", why did Mercedes/AMG opt for Airmatic on the ML63, where presumably the only issue was performance? Or are you saying the rule doesn't apply to Mercedes because they have perfected air ride? Hmmm...
2. Why would a sway bar "reduce ride comfort"? OK, if, say, the left front wheel hits a bump and the right one doesn't, you will feel it more with a sway bar, but if both wheels hit the same bump at the same time there will be no difference to ride comfort regardless of how stiff or weak the sway bar is. Am I missing something here?
Not being argumentative, just curious.
2. Sway bars connect opposing wheels together to control body roll on turn-ins. The thicker and stiffer the sway bar, the less the body roll, but the amount of travel at each of the wheels is reduced significantly. The way cars are able to dampen bumps and rough roads is by allowing the wheels and suspension to compress allowing the shocks to dampen the bounce caused by the bump and springs. If the shock is not able to compress the proper amount, more of the road is transferred through the cabin and steering rack. If you removed the sway bars from your ML and drove for a day you would see that it rides like a cloud, but your handling would be similar to that of a boat.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Two things:
1. If "a vehicle equipped with properly balanced coilovers will handle much better than the same vehicle on air ride", why did Mercedes/AMG opt for Airmatic on the ML63, where presumably the only issue was performance? Or are you saying the rule doesn't apply to Mercedes because they have perfected air ride? Hmmm...
2. Why would a sway bar "reduce ride comfort"? OK, if, say, the left front wheel hits a bump and the right one doesn't, you will feel it more with a sway bar, but if both wheels hit the same bump at the same time there will be no difference to ride comfort regardless of how stiff or weak the sway bar is. Am I missing something here?
Not being argumentative, just curious.
1. If "a vehicle equipped with properly balanced coilovers will handle much better than the same vehicle on air ride", why did Mercedes/AMG opt for Airmatic on the ML63, where presumably the only issue was performance? Or are you saying the rule doesn't apply to Mercedes because they have perfected air ride? Hmmm...
2. Why would a sway bar "reduce ride comfort"? OK, if, say, the left front wheel hits a bump and the right one doesn't, you will feel it more with a sway bar, but if both wheels hit the same bump at the same time there will be no difference to ride comfort regardless of how stiff or weak the sway bar is. Am I missing something here?
Not being argumentative, just curious.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 313
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
'03 A4 2.0 Stroker, '14 E63 S AMG, '10 E550, '10 S550, '03 C240
Believe you are absolutly correct. Its my take that Airmatic improves not just the handling but also the ride comfort. Performance suspension just will improve the handling and will effect in most cases the ride comfort in a negative manner. Airmatic also adjusts the suspension for the road characteristics at hand which the performance suspension is unable to do.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Austria
Mercedes
I have the BRABUS springs on my ML now. One word: AWESOME! 
A huge improvement both visually and handling-wise. The ride height comes down to a little lower than the standard Airmatic setting. And the handling feels really great IMO. A little firmer and more sporty, but not stiff or hard.
I will post all info and pics early next week.
A huge improvement both visually and handling-wise. The ride height comes down to a little lower than the standard Airmatic setting. And the handling feels really great IMO. A little firmer and more sporty, but not stiff or hard.
I will post all info and pics early next week.
