I have a 2003 E55, after the front left went out while driving and countless issues with the rear leveling and compressor, I decided to convert to coils and never looked back. The car rides and handles way better with coils IMO. No need to worry about being stranded because off airmatic.
you're tempting me lol. What brand of coil-over kit are you using, and does it make sure to not throw any airmatic warning lights on the dash? And how stiff is it in normal driving? I personally love comfort mode in the air suspension, and it would be a shame giving it up.
@@WestVanGarage I did the standard suncore coil conversion. It is not adjustable but it was easier on the budget. The ride is smooth and not wobly as the air suspension was.
You should invest in a Xentry/STAR unit, it will give you troubleshooting options for the air suspension and a better chance of pinpointing the issue better than soapy water. They aren't cheap but mine has paid for itself.
I think this is one of the best AMG's - awsome. My x5 sometimes drops a little differet on one side overnight, but my only trusted authorized BMW mechanics cheked the enitre system, from compressor to airbags for about 80 euros 2 years ago. It still rides perfectly, except it needs new brakes, thinking about Brembo. Do you still got your 4.8is?
Thanks for your ownership update. Greetings from Ireland. I have 2006 CLS55AMG on original air suspension. After 2 years of ownership she has starled to drop at the rear if left for about 3 days (a little more on the left maybe an inch). On start up the car rises to correct level in about 9 seconds. I have not investigated yet as i guess it will be impossible to find leak???? I have access to pit. does engine have to be running to find leak???? Can leak be spotted on a lift with 4 wheels off the ground??? Not surprised you're finding diagnosis difficult. I have free access to MB star diagnostics. Any point plugging it in?
Thanks John! I honestly don't know if the engine needs to run or not to find the leak. My guess would be no, as the compressor might turn on to compensate the air loss. As for finding the leak with 4 wheels off, you might be able to do so, but its best to replicate the exact conditions. If car threw any error messages when it was low, it might be worth it to scan as there may be stored codes which could point you in the right direction. Hope that helps. If the car sags after 3 days, I wouldn't say its a huge issue. It would be worse if it was over the span of an hour.
@@WestVanGarage Thanks so much for your reply. No error message on display. Not bad enough yet I guess. Kent bergsma on Mercedessource has some good info on small leaks and reccomends look at valve body first. Was going to do coilover conversion but the air setup is great.
@@johndevenny6723 bro change the bag my car was doing the same thing when I strat it the rear driver side would raise back up then one day I was in the McDonald's drive through and it popped on me so get a new bag
Not just v12 cars had ABC hydraulic. Sadly m113k cars had them too. S55 CL55 and SL55 all have ABC hydraulic suspension. E55 and CLS55 have airmatic air suspension
I'd love to get my hands on one, but unfortunately I don't know anyone with an rcf. I drove one about 5 years ago, and I was honestly really happy with the car, despite other's opinions. The interior was top notch, the engine sounded amazing, and its handling was decent, despite what other journalists have to say.
Ok. I have a 500 SEL with a zender kit on it. Unfortunately the front bumper is damaged beyond repair. I am in need of one. Do you know of anyone who is selling one. I am from the UK but I don’t mind paying for shipping. If not I would like to put a AMG kit on it. Again does anyone know who is selling a AMG kit for a w126 SEL?
@@paullowell3342 No, but who needs their car raised for speed bumps?! I highly doubt most folks that have these cars slam them enough to get caught on them… If one did decide to slam their ride, they will have to learn to drive accordingly.
@@CNote825 lol I guess I’m one of those guys. I thought about coils but I like the adjustability. I’m not looking for it go handle on rails, it’s just a fwy bruiser.
@@paullowell3342 my car is lowered to the same height as sport 2 on 18”. It’s perfect imo. It handles better, but not “on rails” like ppl will want you to think coils do. It would take many more suspension upgrades to get it to “handle.” I just couldn’t imagine replacing those air struts repeatedly. They WILL go out again, coils won’t. That was the deciding factor for me
My 05’ will sag sometimes after 2 days of being parked, and other times will not sag at all after over a week being parked. I believe it is not a leak but an electronic fault with height sensors. Please let us know your findings. Thanks!
I have a buddy of mine who's selling his 2003 E55 AMG with a DTK600 kit and few other goodies as well. He told me that the rear sags a bit over night but raises again on startup. I'm tempted to just to go Coils if I were to pick it up. Thanks for all the information.
I have two 05 E55's and both have just 100k on them. One of the two cars will settle in the rear (both sides equally) after sitting 1 day and really settles after 3-4. The rear comes back to stock height after I start the car, only to repeat this process the next morning. I'm thinking it's a fairly simple job, I just don't know what the part is called where the leak is most likely coming from. THX!
One day. A pothole came my way,. that day ended up losing lower control arm air compressor and also air strut popped. Sad day for my wallet. But I still love my 09 E550 138k
I love my E55. One of mine failed completely so I pulled out the Airmatic system and did BC Racing coil overs. It handles like a modern sports sedan and still has a comfortable ride and I never have to worry about it ever again. My SBC was serviced under warranty when I first bought it so the major expensive issues have been addressed already. It was a 2 owner car with an extensive dealer service history and I do all of my own work on the car.
Man, the air suspension lasts 10-15 years before any repair is needed, and even then its like 3k to replace all struts. If you think the car is comfortable now, that's just cope. Coils never feel as good, and the noise from the road is substantial at high speed. Should have bought a regular e class with coils if that little money is too much for you. Wait until you need to do some engine work on that thing, will you put a 2.2 diesel in it? Lol.
