did all w211/s211 E63's come with AIRMATIC?

[Lenny63]

As above....

Is this basically an ABC system? are earlier cars around 2006 prone to any more niggles than say a 2008 car ?

 

[AMGeed]

Yes they did. Airmatic having air suspension and ABC having fluid. I doubt a 2006 car will have any more issues than a 2008 other than age related suspension wear.

Just bear in mind the head bolt issue on the M156 engine up to engine #50568.
Its pretty well documented on here.

I'll be honest and controversial and say a good E55 is the better car.

 

[Lenny63]

I am aware of the head bolt issue ....but it is a small number of cars

is the Airmatic a more reliable system than ABC ?

What are the common failure points

 

[AMGeed]

I am aware of the head bolt issue ....but it is a small number of cars

is the Airmatic a more reliable system than ABC ?

What are the common failure points

I think more ABC faults are reported on the two UK forums. They certainly appear more expensive to fix. £1k a corner compared to £400ish with airmatic.

Airmatic is usually either a leaking airbag, leaking valves or the pump needs replacing. Neither is hugely expensive now thanks to aftermarket parts.

 

[Lenny63]

Great help matey

Thanks

 

[texasjohn]

Happy shopping.

I had a W211 facelift with Airmatic (the E500) and it was a wonderful car. One that I very much regret selling. The new owner is on here I think but I forget his username now.

The Airmatic system is very good indeed and the ride quality is as you would expect. I understand the AMG cars are a bit firmer (the comfort setting on the AMG is about the same as the sport1 setting on the E500) but they are still very comfortable.

All eight cylinder 211s have the Airmatic system.

 

[Mr Kripling]

Just to clarify, Airmatic and ABC are quite different in operation.

ABC has a conventional steel spring and fixed rate damper but also has a hydraulic "plunger" that can control the damping and compression of the steel spring.

Airmatic DC has an air spring instead of a steel spring and an adaptive damper. The system can vary the air chamber volume between two levels (thereby changing the spring rate) and can also adjust the damper settings - hence the Dual Control moniker.

In terms of practical benefits, ABC dials out most of the roll, squat and dive of the car body and also sharpens up the steering a bit. However, the low speed ride suffers slightly due to the fixed damper and there's a slightly "synthetic" feel to the ride as you can feel a very slight delay in it reacting to conditions.

 

[texasjohn]

In terms of practical benefits, ABC dials out most of the roll, squat and dive of the car body and also sharpens up the steering a bit. However, the low speed ride suffers slightly due to the fixed damper and there's a slightly "synthetic" feel to the ride as you can feel a very slight delay in it reacting to conditions.

Airmatic is very different to this. On the E500 at least it is a little wallowy particularly in comfort. Squat and dive is certainly not dialled out.

Swings and roundabouts...

 

[Lenny63]

The Big question though - what's the worst case scenario of Airmatic goes wrong (cost wise)

Have to say there are some lovely e63's for sale out there in facelift w211 guise

The estates are an awesome car

We also have Billy s awesome saloon for sale from our very own forum

 

[Mr Kripling]

In terms of maintenance, Airmatic is almost certainly going to be cheaper. It operates at a maximum pressure of about 145psi compared to ABC which goes up to about 2,900psi and results in higher costs for most of the components. I paid £1,400 for my ABC pump to be replaced which is pretty much the ballpark for most ABC-related faults.

 

[John]

Having driven a 2010 facelift W221, I have to say I was mightily unimpressed with the ride quality compared to my car.

I can well imagine a late E500 with airmatic and 18s (or less if possible) is sublime.

I wish I had room for a second car.

 

[Lenny63]

Big eyed facelift 211 John ??

That's he model
I'm looking at - not the later square eyed

 

[texasjohn]

Big eyed facelift 211 John ??

That's he model
I'm looking at - not the later square eyed

Yes, mine was an 07 plate.

 

[texasjohn]

Having driven a 2010 facelift W221, I have to say I was mightily unimpressed with the ride quality compared to my car.

I can well imagine a late E500 with airmatic and 18s (or less if possible) is sublime.

I wish I had room for a second car.

The E500 Elegance and Avantgarde came with 17s of course

 

[John]

The E500 Elegance and Avantgarde came with 17s of course

Even better then...

I did wonder if they did but presumed 18 would be standard on the AG.