W124 with hydraulics

[NW_Merc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjnDh40PZs&mode=related&search=

 

[hitt]

Any idea what is required and how much something like that would cost to implement on a W124?

 

[twice]

There is another video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzgYCb6Jj50&mode=related&search=

Actually it is an air system. It looks like the car has a Hungarian numberplate.

 

[TonyVianoAmbiente]

I have only one question.

Why?

 

[hitt]

Maybe just an assumption . . but by using an air suspension system, the ride quality would be far better than the normal sprung system.
Not really interested in the ability to turn it from lowered to making it look like its on stilts . . I would be genuinely interested in knowing how feasible this is for a W124 . . Airmatic (almost) on a W124 would be great

 

[BTB 500]

The ADS (adaptive damping) on my R129 has a 'raise' switch that allows you to lift it right up for that rugged off-road look You also have to remember to lock the suspension (another switch) if you jack the car, otherwise the wheels hang right down.

It's a very complicated (and expensive) system, not a realistic retro-fit IMO.

 

[guydewdney]

you can buy a simple kit from the states for about 800 quid....

http://www.airride.com/

or the one i got for my filming truck:-

http://www.easystreetair.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=706

just replace the springs with air bags... plumb it in, job jobbed.

 

[grober]

Air suspension looks attractive on the face of it, and does offer some ride and ground clearance advantages when a car is relatively new. However when things go wrong AND THEY DO cos they're complex systems --they cost quite a lot to repair. Major problem as you can imagine are LEAKS Road grit inevitably finds its way into suspension units especially if the car is used off road. My mate still recovering from the major "wallet surgery" required when the combined suspension airpump/ valve manifold thingy expired on his Audi Allroad last year.

 

[guydewdney]

The air line is the same as a water cooler filler pipe. The air bags are mostly off the shelf. (the brackets are specialist). The air line to bag connectors are off trucks (as in scania, not navara.. ). The compressor is not that special (and the air IN is inside the truck on mine. The tanks isnt going to explode... hopefully.

I have a complex computer controlled system, but you dont need it - you can just have some switches.

But hey - its not for everone - and I did mine for work not play