Chazz Michaels

So I’ve got an 09 s550 4matic. It has a new left front air strut and the two rears look to be good shape. However, the right front has a boot in rough shape, and after about a week, the car starts to settle a bit. It’s not bad yet, but I know it will need addressed pretty soon. My question is, for any of you that have done the coil over conversion, what do you think, would you do it again or opt to fix the air ride? I believe both strut masters and arnott both make kits now.

I have a friend with a Range Rover who did the swap a few years ago but dislikes the ride compared to the air. However I’d like to hear from any s-class owners how much or how little it affected the ride. I do love the simplicity in never having to worry about the car dumping to the ground, paying once and being done with it.....but I don’t wanna sacrifice the beautiful s class ride quality either.

BOTUS

animatic is awful, a mess that is both unreliable uncomfortable and often fails dangerous

I have never read a review, nor have any idea how these guys set up the spring and damper rates.... but it could hardly be worse

https://www.arnotteurope.com/product...-w-4matic.html

Chazz Michaels

Airmatic is uncomfortable huh. Lol...this guy again. 🤦‍♂️

COUPCONNOISSEUR

hahaha! I know..anyway. Airmatic is excellent and remarkably easy to repair. Refer to this video, ken is talking about a 220 in the video but the system is almost identical to the 221

George993

I've converted SL500 from ABC to coilover and I'm very happy with the results. The ride is more rough, but good for a sporty car and infinitely more reliable. But converting W221 from Airmatic to coilvers sounds like a terrible idea. This is a large luxury car, the ride will be bad and inappropriate for the type of car. Plus W221 Airmatic is reliable, simple, cheap and easy to repair (at least when compared to ABC).

COUPCONNOISSEUR

ABC to coilover is understandable, airmatic to coilover, not so much. While not recommended I couldn’t resist the price of the replacement airbags from China..I replaced both front bags for under $500

Chazz Michaels

Thats interesting to hear. I’ve heard some horror storys about Chinese ones....but it’s always from a guy that knew someone. Nice to get a first hand review. You notice any drawbacks? Ride quality identical?

COUPCONNOISSEUR

I replaced them in June of last year so around 8 months and they have been fine, ride quality is identical. Raise, and comfort/sport modes work as they should. The only drawback is the knowledge that they aren’t bilsteins 😄