Transform the air matic to the air suspension
03-04-2010, 03:48 PM
#51
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+1. MBWorld is definitely not the forum for this type of mod. The tastes here are much different, which is relfected in the many negative replies. While I'm not into this look either, the work was well executed. The owner and I go to the same shop. It's obvious that this height is just for parking. The suspension was custom made for this car. The shop's owner is working on a coilover setup for the W211 as well.
03-04-2010, 06:34 PM
#52
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2004 E55
03-05-2010, 04:26 AM
#53
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Come on guys you're smarter than that.
03-05-2010, 06:26 AM
#54
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Have to say probably a very effective anti theft system as most people will think the car is broken.
03-05-2010, 12:55 PM
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07 E63. 07 STi limited #606/800
03-05-2010, 03:23 PM
#57
Well honestly, I dont know what else to say and what other benefits there are to this...
It doesnt look that great it looks like one of those lowrider trucks to be honest... and I aint a fan of lowriders.
It doesnt look that great it looks like one of those lowrider trucks to be honest... and I aint a fan of lowriders.
03-05-2010, 09:13 PM
#58
Guys, air suppension and airmatic are almost the same they both can raise the car up and down. His pictures shown with the car dropped (parked)
Have you been to the low rider show..? when he lift up, there are no different by the look with the airmatic. I'm thinking doing my because of soo many failer with the airmatic. Overall I'd like how the car look.
Have you been to the low rider show..? when he lift up, there are no different by the look with the airmatic. I'm thinking doing my because of soo many failer with the airmatic. Overall I'd like how the car look.
03-10-2010, 06:59 PM
#60
MBWorld Fanatic!
I don't get why anyone would want to do that to a vehicle like this? Lowering it a few centimeters, I can understand. But that low? I realize that you probably wouldn't drive it that low, but some do. Honestly, this is almost as bad as seeing those 90 Caprices with 22" or 24" wheels and hydraulics...
03-14-2010, 10:08 AM
#63
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I actually had the pleasure of watching a vehicle (S10 in this case) that was slammed to the ground get towed. The guy was clearly illegally parked in front of a state-owned building. Not only did the city tow the vehicle, they did NOT use a flat bed. The owner was also arrested because when he found out his vehicle was being towed, he assaulted the tow truck driver. I am sure that car was jacked, as the impound lot involved the use of a highway! I would have loved to have a camera with me that day and followed the tow truck driver and gotten pictures afterwards! Just because your vehicle is that low, don't mean you ain't gettin a tow!!!
05-09-2010, 02:30 PM
#64
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Back from the dead, but I found this thread as I am considering bagging an E55. I can't believe people so willing to express how ignorant and misinformed they are.
From my own experience and extensive research.
1. Air ride can have performance benefits. The airsprings have variable spring rates and perform at their desired level, especially when pared with a performance strut. Chances are, if you have experienced a poorly performing it was either riding outside of it's intended spec. More air = stiffer, but too much is bouncy. Also if it is too low, you effectively lower your shock travel and will wear the shock faster. The same is true with an excessively lowered coilover system.
2. You can align the car at your ride height. A digital system or manual system with digital guages allow for greater accuracy, this will save your tires.
3. You don't have to worry about speed bumps or scraping your lip on steep driveways. My (non-MBZ) on air ride goes higher then stock. Something you stupidly low guys on coilovers can't say.
4. Air ride will generally ride MUCH better then a coilover setup as you can effectively tune the load capacity to match the load of the car. Some higher end coilovers allow for this, but you typically can't adjust the ride height to match a loaded down trunk or more weight on one side.
5. Air ride technology is rapidly increasing. The classic muscle car and hot rod community has benefited greatly from its advancements.
Some of you guys might want to do some research before you flex your e-muscles. If your stance is "too each his own" why is there an incessant need to comment? Instead of looking stupid, simply hit the back button.
If anyone would like to discuss air ride intelligently, please feel free to comment. I've previously owned another car with a faulty factory air system (Range Rover) and if I buy an E55/E63 with airmatic, my first task will be ripping it out.
From my own experience and extensive research.
1. Air ride can have performance benefits. The airsprings have variable spring rates and perform at their desired level, especially when pared with a performance strut. Chances are, if you have experienced a poorly performing it was either riding outside of it's intended spec. More air = stiffer, but too much is bouncy. Also if it is too low, you effectively lower your shock travel and will wear the shock faster. The same is true with an excessively lowered coilover system.
2. You can align the car at your ride height. A digital system or manual system with digital guages allow for greater accuracy, this will save your tires.
3. You don't have to worry about speed bumps or scraping your lip on steep driveways. My (non-MBZ) on air ride goes higher then stock. Something you stupidly low guys on coilovers can't say.
4. Air ride will generally ride MUCH better then a coilover setup as you can effectively tune the load capacity to match the load of the car. Some higher end coilovers allow for this, but you typically can't adjust the ride height to match a loaded down trunk or more weight on one side.
5. Air ride technology is rapidly increasing. The classic muscle car and hot rod community has benefited greatly from its advancements.
Some of you guys might want to do some research before you flex your e-muscles. If your stance is "too each his own" why is there an incessant need to comment? Instead of looking stupid, simply hit the back button.
If anyone would like to discuss air ride intelligently, please feel free to comment. I've previously owned another car with a faulty factory air system (Range Rover) and if I buy an E55/E63 with airmatic, my first task will be ripping it out.
05-09-2010, 02:37 PM
#65
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Back from the dead, but I found this thread as I am considering bagging an E55. I can't believe people so willing to express how ignorant and misinformed they are.
From my own experience and extensive research.
1. Air ride can have performance benefits. The airsprings have variable spring rates and perform at their desired level, especially when pared with a performance strut. Chances are, if you have experienced a poorly performing it was either riding outside of it's intended spec. More air = stiffer, but too much is bouncy. Also if it is too low, you effectively lower your shock travel and will wear the shock faster. The same is true with an excessively lowered coilover system.
2. You can align the car at your ride height. A digital system or manual system with digital guages allow for greater accuracy, this will save your tires.
3. You don't have to worry about speed bumps or scraping your lip on steep driveways. My (non-MBZ) on air ride goes higher then stock. Something you stupidly low guys on coilovers can't say.
4. Air ride will generally ride MUCH better then a coilover setup as you can effectively tune the load capacity to match the load of the car. Some higher end coilovers allow for this, but you typically can't adjust the ride height to match a loaded down trunk or more weight on one side.
5. Air ride technology is rapidly increasing. The classic muscle car and hot rod community has benefited greatly from its advancements.
Some of you guys might want to do some research before you flex your e-muscles. If your stance is "too each his own" why is there an incessant need to comment? Instead of looking stupid, simply hit the back button.
If anyone would like to discuss air ride intelligently, please feel free to comment. I've previously owned another car with a faulty factory air system (Range Rover) and if I buy an E55/E63 with airmatic, my first task will be ripping it out.
From my own experience and extensive research.
1. Air ride can have performance benefits. The airsprings have variable spring rates and perform at their desired level, especially when pared with a performance strut. Chances are, if you have experienced a poorly performing it was either riding outside of it's intended spec. More air = stiffer, but too much is bouncy. Also if it is too low, you effectively lower your shock travel and will wear the shock faster. The same is true with an excessively lowered coilover system.
2. You can align the car at your ride height. A digital system or manual system with digital guages allow for greater accuracy, this will save your tires.
3. You don't have to worry about speed bumps or scraping your lip on steep driveways. My (non-MBZ) on air ride goes higher then stock. Something you stupidly low guys on coilovers can't say.
4. Air ride will generally ride MUCH better then a coilover setup as you can effectively tune the load capacity to match the load of the car. Some higher end coilovers allow for this, but you typically can't adjust the ride height to match a loaded down trunk or more weight on one side.
5. Air ride technology is rapidly increasing. The classic muscle car and hot rod community has benefited greatly from its advancements.
Some of you guys might want to do some research before you flex your e-muscles. If your stance is "too each his own" why is there an incessant need to comment? Instead of looking stupid, simply hit the back button.
If anyone would like to discuss air ride intelligently, please feel free to comment. I've previously owned another car with a faulty factory air system (Range Rover) and if I buy an E55/E63 with airmatic, my first task will be ripping it out.
05-09-2010, 02:45 PM
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05-09-2010, 04:21 PM
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E55, Supercharged Z4 (sold)
I agree with Ducky. You basically have 0 options for your suspension other then lowering it and the built in adjustments. I think it's worth exploring, not demonizing.
05-09-2010, 04:58 PM
#69
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
fwiw, I noticed that Arnott has been designing steel suspensions to replace air systems on the Range Rover, Audi Allroad, and some GM cars. I called them and they said they were looking into doing the same for E55/63 suspensions. But no time line or commitment or anything. But since the new W212 no longer has an air front, maybe they won't bother(?)
05-10-2010, 01:25 AM
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You can either stick with a faulty/expensive OEM system or explore alternatives that potentially offer more functionality, performance and reliability.
My very first aftermarket air setup used Aerosport bags over an adjustable strut I borrowed from a previous set of coils.
Several companies have now produced bagged struts at reasonable prices, the advantage of my first setup was that the aerosport bags were cheap and if I had any issues, it was a simple swap to replace the new one.
With the bagged strut, which typically uses a Bilstein or Koni adjustable strut, the replacement process is a little more extensive.
Here are two different applications side by side.
05-10-2010, 07:53 AM
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E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Ducky,
So what is your point?
Most of us here don't have Camaros, Mustangs, old trucks, ect.
Do you have a system that is better than the AirMatic for the E55?
BTW here is how to fix airmatic for $399 a side,
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...there-any.html
So what is your point?
Most of us here don't have Camaros, Mustangs, old trucks, ect.
Do you have a system that is better than the AirMatic for the E55?
BTW here is how to fix airmatic for $399 a side,
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...there-any.html
Last edited by Yacht Master; 05-11-2010 at 12:04 AM.
