Airmatic retrofitting

[TonyB100]

Hi, I've just joined this forum as I'm interested in buying a used C Class Coupe, but I have a question about Mercedes' Airmatic air suspension system which I can't find an answer to yet. The question is - can this be retrofitted? From various reviews it seems that the Airmatic system is well worth having otherwise the ride may be too hard, but there don't seem to be many used coupes with it installed. With BMW's air suspension the system is already there, and activating it is just a simple software download for the additional cost, which can be done any time. Is that the case with Mercedes?

 

[KennyN]

With BMW's air suspension the system is already there, and activating it is just a simple software download for the additional cost, which can be done any time. Is that the case with Mercedes?

What do you mean by the "system is already there" ?

Air struts are fitted instead of springs + shocks , pipework / compressor / level sensors / controllers etc wont be fitted unless specified from the factory at point of order.

What BM`s have it as that is something i have never heard of ?

K

 

[LostKiwi]

Any car can be retrofitted with air suspension if you throw enough money at it.
Companies like Air Ride do kits for example and whilst not factory can provide air suspension.
The factory Mercedes system will be more problematic as it requires the pump, sensors, control module, pump and pipework to be sourced and installed and the car coded so it knows it's there and how to use it. The factory pipework likely will require subframe removal to make fit.
Can it be done? Sure. Is it a realistic proposition? Probably not.

 

[TonyB100]

Thanks for the replies. Retrofitting seems like a bad idea, so I'll look for a car with it already fitted.

 

[TonyB100]

What do you mean by the "system is already there" ?

Air struts are fitted instead of springs + shocks , pipework / compressor / level sensors / controllers etc wont be fitted unless specified from the factory at point of order.

What BM`s have it as that is something i have never heard of ?

K

I was under the impression that newer BMWs had what they call adaptive suspension already fitted and could be activated optionally for an extra cost.

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/shop/ls/dp/VDC_Offer_gb

"The hardware required for this feature comes ready-installed in your vehicle when it leaves the factory. This gives you even more flexibility when it comes to configuring your vehicle after it has left the production line."

 

[KennyN]

I was under the impression that newer BMWs had what they call adaptive suspension already fitted and could be activated optionally for an extra cost.

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/shop/ls/dp/VDC_Offer_gb

"The hardware required for this feature comes ready-installed in your vehicle when it leaves the factory. This gives you even more flexibility when it comes to configuring your vehicle after it has left the production line."

I believe the BM system described in the link is standard steel springs with adaptive shocks , not air suspension.

K

 

[TonyB100]

I believe the BM system described in the link is standard steel springs with adaptive shocks , not air suspension.

K

Thanks Kenny.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

There are many issues that can cause a hard ride, wheel size and low profile tyres, choice of tyre (runflats or conventional tyres), spring and damper settings and hardness of suspension bushes etc and the list goes on. I wouldn’t be overly concerned with the airmatic hype I have it on my E estate and wouldn’t go out of my way to find another it has some characteristics I like (levelling the rear of the car) and some I don’t especially the pneumatic bounce that you get from very uneven surfaces.

Just to add - all airmatic components are expensive; front struts £1k ea, rear airbags £300 ea, adaptive rear dampers £250 ea, air pump £400 these are the prices for replacements on my car which is an estate and a rarity with full airmatic