W212 Airmatic Information

[mbenz1]

Hi All

My dad is insterested in a W212 E350 CDI V6 Saloon (2009) with over 65,ooo miles that has the Airmatic option.

Could anyone shed some light on any reliability issues or problems with this system in this particular model. What are the general problems in this system and their general costs to repair.

Also, does this system require special tyres and shock absorbers and what are the general costs of replacing these if they fail.

All advice appreciated.

 

[whitenemesis]

AIRMatic is generally very reliable (more so than the hydraulic ABC found on the SL etc..)

No special tyres, no shock absorbers as the struts have air bladders. Approx £800 (rear) - £1000 (front) each to replace. If there is a "weakness" it's in the compressor/pump, approx £500 to replace..

The ride is sublime and easily adjusted to suit one's mood...

 

[developer]

What he said ^^^.

Mine (2008) was faultless. It also lets you increase wheel/tyre size with negligible loss of ride quality.

 

[mbenz1]

AIRMatic is generally very reliable (more so than the hydraulic ABC found on the SL etc..)

No special tyres, no shock absorbers as the struts have air bladders. Approx £800 (rear) - £1000 (front) each to replace. If there is a "weakness" it's in the compressor/pump, approx £500 to replace..

The ride is sublime and easily adjusted to suit one's mood...

What are the typical lifetimes of the air bladders and the compressors in this set up? Are the air bladders required to be changed at a certain milleage or developed to last a long time?

Many thanks.

 

[Terry_]

They can last for years or fail at five years. You never can tell

 

[mbenz1]

They can last for years or fail at five years. You never can tell

That is a shame. It would have been helpful if they were cheaper to replace

 

[mbenz1]

No special tyres, no shock absorbers

I was watching an MB USA Airmatic presentation that was added in 2012 and it mentioned that shock absorbers and air springs work as a team in Airmatic. Did MB add shock absorbers to the new Airmatic system?

 

[Terry_]

Unfortunately they are not. But on the bright side when it's up and running its very good suspension

 

[mbenz1]

Unfortunately they are not. But on the bright side when it's up and running its very good suspension

Indeed

 

[Terry_]

I was watching an MB USA Airmatic presentation that was added in 2012 and it mentioned that shock absorbers and air springs work as a team in Airmatic. Did MB add shock absorbers to the new Airmatic system?

Airmatic uses air struts. The struts act as both springs and dampers

 

[mbenz1]

Also, what are the signs to look out for whilst doing a test drive of the vehicle, that could indicate that the Airmatic system is not functioning correctly?

Am I correct in knowing that there is only one compressor / pump in this system?

Thanks.

 

[whitenemesis]

The system self-checks constantly, so there should be no warnings in the cluster. Also quite normal for the car to sink a couple of inches when locked but no more. If front or rear sink significantly the system may well recover on IGN on but it's only time before a malfunction registers..