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Well after 2,600 mile round trip to Orlando , Florida I noticed a sound coming from the front end. I drove it to my mechanic and he confirmed the sway bar links are shot. I watched a few YouTube videos showing this repair but there is seems to be different size sockets people used to remove the nuts that attached the links to the sway bar. One person says 17mm for top nut and 18mm for the lower nut. Another person on YouTube says to use 21mm for both nuts. Anyone can clear this up for me?
Do these cars have attachments and part numbers for sway bars in case someone wants to switch from ABC (that doesn't use sway bars) to standard static coil suspension?
Do these cars have attachments and part numbers for sway bars in case someone wants to switch from ABC (that doesn't use sway bars) to standard static coil suspension?
If it doesn't already have the lower mount provision, you may need to change out the control arm to the appropriate airmatic style. The control arm and link also differs between RWD and 4matic.
If it doesn't already have the lower mount provision, you may need to change out the control arm to the appropriate airmatic style. The control arm and link also differs between RWD and 4matic.
Cool.
I love my ABC suspension but the reason that I ask is that I'm planning on keeping this car a while and I'm wondering what my suspension options are.
On a related note, I converted my 2003 E55 from Airmatic to coilovers last year before I sold it. It made a world of difference for that car. The airmatic was just too disconnected and floaty for a 500hp torque monster. Compared to the E55's Airmatic, the ABC in my S63 is a huge leap in performance and comfort.
I know that the YT streamer Tavarish converted his SL55 from ABC to coilovers and getting a sway bar installed was a bear and I think it had to be aftermarket.
Have you heard of anyone converting a W221 from ABC to a static setup?
I know that the YT streamer Tavarish converted his SL55 from ABC to coilovers and getting a sway bar installed was a bear and I think it had to be aftermarket.
I think he sold it before he finished it. Just make sure the kit you get is for ABC so it comes with the right module to fool the computer.
I think he sold it before he finished it. Just make sure the kit you get is for ABC so it comes with the right module to fool the computer.
Oh, that sucks.
The E55 conversion was pretty straightforward being that coil spring E-classes existed and the parts were easy to find new or used. I guess that's not the case for these cars.
ARNOTT C3271 might be the right kit for ABC cars but it's really hard to get that confirmed. Not a lot of detail. Rockauto sells it for $1600 and it includes the electronic bypass.
ARNOTT C3271 might be the right kit for ABC cars but it's really hard to get that confirmed. Not a lot of detail. Rockauto sells it for $1600 and it includes the electronic bypass.
I think D2 sells a kit, too (according to their website). They are a more performance oriented company competing with H&R and KW. I had a set on my LS430 and the E55 mentioned above and they were nicer than the H&R sets that I had on two Audis previous.
My biggest concern is about the sway bars.
Regarding the computer, I had Blue Ridge MB code-out the Airmatic via STAR so, no need to trick the car. I even installed OEM blanks where the ride height adjustment and electronic dampening buttons were. It was a really clean install. The only thing that I didn't do was pull out all of the Airmatic pump, lines, etc... I left that stuff in there in case I (or the next owner) ever wanted to go back.
Basically, the Arnott coilovers amount to basic/budget coilovers for people who are just trying to get out of adjustable suspenion on a budget.
The KW or D2 kits will be nice...
Here was the D2 kit that I installed on my E55. Note the external reservoir and they were adjustable a crazy number of ways. This is what I'd want on a S-class and especially an AMG S-class.
ARNOTT C3271 might be the right kit for ABC cars but it's really hard to get that confirmed. Not a lot of detail. Rockauto sells it for $1600 and it includes the electronic bypass.
all their ads say for cars with air suspension ( so I guess its never been for ABC)
Arnott Real Springs and posh dampers kit 2000 US$
Arnott budget nasty real springs and dampers kit 1300 US$
I don't get why they don't do the right idea of real springs and retain a bit of the old set up to support the rear of the car when heavily loaded ?
My Omega's both had the idea of real springs and a compressor with air support for heavy loads - they were actually both really a MUCH better car's with it decommissioned - as it sat 30mm lower and the ride and handling was transformed from stilted jittery mess of incompetence, to fun, secure and vastly improved ride and handling when the air was missing. Except if you put more than 80kg in the back and then it needed help (drove safe and secure but scraped its bum on steep inclines like some driveways etc.) .
My father's E class w211 is the similar. But his becomes a dangerous wayward death trap wandering about two lanes of the highway if you get 100kg in the boot / or rear seats. Magically empty it out and it returns to being a safe fun car that rides 200% better than my air tragic S W221.
Why would anyone accept zero support for loads on the E class (and there will be zero support on the S class with Arnott's real spring kit) . How they were allowed to built a 4 to 5 seat car with a large boot that behaves like this (or for Arnott to convert the S), its extraordinary ?
Its also bonkers rebuilt old strut reman Arnott air struts - cost $100 more each corner on USA ebay site, than the complete current tech, better made Arnott copies using a vastly superior damper and overall design ?
07-19-2022, 10:59 PM
