W211 Airmatic - Repace with Springs?

[Aussie Jamie]

Welcome any thoughts. I’ve got a 2005 W211 E280 estate. Airmatic has failed and I’m loathe to spend the £1500 it would cost to get both rear airbags done. Is it possible to simply replace the, with conventional Springs? Bound to be cheaper. The car has nearly 200k on it, so no point spending a fortune, but I’d like to keep her going if possible. Appreciate any views.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Not simple I'm afraid. The 211 rear setup (rear arms, floorpan etc) is specific for airmatic, so you won't be able to fit springs from a saloon version.

 

[EmilysDad]

There are alternative air springs/bags than using MB parts. I've replaced both rear bags of my R Class with pattern (Arnott) parts, done at a MB indie, £365 each side fitted.

 

[alexanderfoti]

There are alternative air springs/bags than using MB parts. I've replaced both rear bags of my R Class with pattern (Arnott) parts, done at a MB indie, £365 each side fitted.

+1 for Arnott if you want to save some cash.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Or Aerosus - certainly isn’t going to cost £1500!
Frankly the cars designed with a Airmatic and it’s a good system I wouldn’t change it

 

[Westheath]

Welcome any thoughts. I’ve got a 2005 W211 E280 estate. Airmatic has failed and I’m loathe to spend the £1500 it would cost to get both rear airbags done. Is it possible to simply replace the, with conventional Springs? Bound to be cheaper. The car has nearly 200k on it, so no point spending a fortune, but I’d like to keep her going if possible. Appreciate any views.

https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4...KDWYxCM3klsCw4XV82w3sDM_iNTSrihQaAnWZEALw_wcB





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[Aussie Jamie]

Thanks guys. Some good thoughts there. I think I’m going to have a crack at doing it myself. Reasonably capable (famous last words) mechanically so should be ok!

 

[ashford charlie]

Thanks guys. Some good thoughts there. I think I’m going to have a crack at doing it myself. Reasonably capable (famous last words) mechanically so should be ok!

Hi Aussie Jamie,
Did you have a go at doing it yourself and if so did it work out OK ?
Cheers.
Charlie

 

[Aussie Jamie]

Hi Charlie,

Yes I did, lets just say if I'd been doing it on flat rate I wouldn't have made much, but it was done! Good learning experience.

Thanks for asking