W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

Magnetic Suspension Replacement for E55

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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 10:49 AM
  #1  
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1998 Chevy Astro, 2003 Mercedes E55
Magnetic Suspension Replacement for E55

My right rear shock just went out and I'd like to keep this car for awhile but the air suspension sucks. The air suspension seems good for cruising but not at all for cornering.

Im wondering if there are any companies in the works making a magnetic suspension that can fit our platform. I have considered coil overs but it may be too stiff for my liking. I think magnetic suspension would be perfect. I would even consider an aftermarket air suspension that may be better. Any thoughts?

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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 12:49 PM
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You can get coilovers. Don't think there is a.magnetic suspension retrofit available.
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 02:49 PM
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Arnott is an after market supplier of air suspension for the w211 platform.
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 04:10 PM
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If your good hacking and cutting, pick up a set of shocks from a ctsv.

Probably easier to buy a ctsv however
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Old Sep 18, 2016 | 05:20 AM
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Arnotts, modify sway bars, castor mod, 275 front 285 rear tyres 9.5" CLS55 rims all around.

Handles good.

Last edited by austingtir; Sep 18, 2016 at 05:44 AM.
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Old Sep 18, 2016 | 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by austingtir
Arnotts, modify sway bars, castor mod, 275 front 285 rear tyres 9.5" CLS55 rims all around.

Handles good.


If you want ultimate handling/cornering get a Caterham 7.

For me, the overall advantages of Airmatic far outweigh any small compromise to ultimate cornering gained by conventional steel springs.
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Old Sep 19, 2016 | 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by austingtir
Arnotts, modify sway bars, castor mod, 275 front 285 rear tyres 9.5" CLS55 rims all around.

Handles good.
what is this sway bar mod you talk about?
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Old Sep 19, 2016 | 11:27 AM
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I uploaded the document

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qptcb1dqy6...eaks.docx?dl=0
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Old Sep 19, 2016 | 11:26 PM
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you're not going to be able to install a magnaride on any car that didn't come with it from the factory. Even models that did come with it from the factory, but had it as a factory option would cost an arm and leg to convert over as you would need to rewire a large part of the car and swap all sorts of computer components.

The magnaride suspension system is extremely sophisticated and requires the suspension computer to have access to all sorts of sensors. No aftermarket company is going to pay the cost to R&D a magnaride system for retrofit as it would cost a fortune. Even if they did no one would likely buy it as it would cost a crapload of money.
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Old Sep 20, 2016 | 01:49 AM
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This guy has done an Accuair upgrade on his 2004 CL55 and says it "runs a million times better" than the Active Body Control hydraulic suspension which the CL comes with. This is in turn a step up from our Airmatic so I imagine the ride here must be pretty damn good - and the bonus is you can bounce the car around by remote control when you wanna show off at car shows - or if ya wanna get the attention of a victim while waiting at the lights haha.

It's a custom kit so price will be well into $3000 I would say.

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Old Sep 20, 2016 | 02:19 AM
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2004 W211 E55 AMG >>gone but not forgotten > W123 280E > W124 E280 > W126 380SE
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Old Sep 20, 2016 | 04:03 AM
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Originally Posted by shardul

Well done.

Just a note to add CHECK the brake line clearance in particular on the USA passenger side. I had a mark on my drivers side brake line. The sway bar got a tad to close to it after doing this mod. Ensure the brake line is pressed hard against the body of the car and try to position it away from the sway bar positioning as moving the bolt forwards as shown moves it closer to the location of this brake line!

Other than that issue these mods as a far as im concerned are THE thing to do to these cars.

Anybody considering coilovers with working airmatic should try this first.


The accuair setup while possibly worthwhile on something like that cl600 due to the even worse reliability of ABC im not so convinced when our cars already have what is a pretty decent air suspension setup. Mine has Arnotts and never drops even if left for months. The key is getting rid of those factory rear airbags and chambers imo. The Arnott design cant leak as long as your connections are good and your compressor is good.

Last edited by austingtir; Sep 20, 2016 at 04:11 AM.
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Old Sep 20, 2016 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by carguyshu
you're not going to be able to install a magnaride on any car that didn't come with it from the factory. Even models that did come with it from the factory, but had it as a factory option would cost an arm and leg to convert over as you would need to rewire a large part of the car and swap all sorts of computer components.

The magnaride suspension system is extremely sophisticated and requires the suspension computer to have access to all sorts of sensors. No aftermarket company is going to pay the cost to R&D a magnaride system for retrofit as it would cost a fortune. Even if they did no one would likely buy it as it would cost a crapload of money.
Actually, I read an article recently that a company is looking to provide an aftermarket magnaride suspension (currently in development). Unfortunately, I can't recall the company name right now.
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Old Sep 20, 2016 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by austingtir
The accuair setup while possibly worthwhile on something like that cl600 due to the even worse reliability of ABC im not so convinced when our cars already have what is a pretty decent air suspension setup. Mine has Arnotts and never drops even if left for months. The key is getting rid of those factory rear airbags and chambers imo. The Arnott design cant leak as long as your connections are good and your compressor is good.
I'm inclined to agree, especially considering the exorbitant costs associated with the accuair install. It's good to be aware of all available options though. I'm also running Arnotts all round and think they offer excellent value. For anyone who isn't already aware the front shocks are re-manufactured using the original Bilstein cores but with new Goodyear bladders etc and a slightly modified design which improves on the original - and for a quarter of the price. The rears are equally well priced and are Arnott designed. Unlike the original shocks they do not rely on the Mercedes air cells which are located in the trunk lining and subsequently disconnected.
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Old Sep 20, 2016 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by HeissRod
Actually, I read an article recently that a company is looking to provide an aftermarket magnaride suspension (currently in development). Unfortunately, I can't recall the company name right now.
Looks like I stand corrected and that the GM exclusivity from Delphi is no more. Looks lke mangeshocks does make an aftermarket system for streetrods, dragsters, and road course cars. Looks like the base price is $7,600. Perhaps they could fabricate something to work on an E. You would need to contact them.

http://www.magneshocks.com/Documents...treet-Rods.pdf

http://www.magneshocks.com/Documents...treet-Rods.pdf
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