Hello guys,

I am planning to upgrade to a Mercedes benz. I wad initially looking to W204 anything 2010 and above but I've also read both about quality of ride of airmatic suspension and horror stories of same airmatic suspension. The C class is notorious for EIS failure and the 7 speed transmission is problematic.

Read that it's very expensive to repair and also fails very easily and regularly.
This suspension is not offered in the W204 C class, it's only offered on the latest W205 (damn too expensive for me). It's offered in the E class and above. I developed interest in the E class W212 (which I believe is 2010 -2012).

I would have ordinarily wanted the C class but it lacks the luxury airmatic, hence why I'm considering the class.


Kindly tell me the pros and cons of this ride, the reliability of the airmatic suspension and also transmission from users of these cars or people who've had contact with these cars.

Thanks guys.

Nobody here has used a car with airmatic before?

tsiriman:
Nobody here has used a car with airmatic before?

e fit be dem no get time for nairaland? even on the mercedes benz thread how many s-class owners de show?

good tinx come with a price. both d suspension and transmission r good but prone to failure.

tsiriman:
Nobody here has used a car with airmatic before?

just seeing this.... if you haven't bought the airmatic, better don't. its sweet and all o but the moment it gets bad or fails, get ready to spend a truckload of cash trying to replace. airmatic shocks can buy you at least 3-4 golf 4 cars

The airmatic suspension was a nightmare on the w211 V8, on the w212 though, it seems to be more durable, but it also fails and when the so called 'balloon' breaks, you are looking for about almost 200k each. So to be on the safe side i think you should trade power for ur peace of mind. as you've stated the w204 suffers from EIS failure but i havent seen or heard any horror stories about the transmission. Note that the airmatic suspension only comes with the v8 engines, that is E500 and E550. In my opinion i think those engines are too much for nigerian roads. I advice you to go with the E350 which comes with normal shocks and also enjoy that comfort and luxury. I'm planning on going that same route too.

king406:
The airmatic suspension was a nightmare on the w211 V8, on the w212 though, it seems to be more durable, but it also fails and when the so called 'balloon' breaks, you are looking for about almost 200k each. So to be on the safe side i think you should trade power for ur peace of mind. as you've stated the w204 suffers from EIS failure but i havent seen or heard any horror stories about the transmission. Note that the airmatic suspension only comes with the v8 engines, that is E500 and E550. In my opinion i think those engines are too much for nigerian roads. I advice you to go with the E350 which comes with normal shocks and also enjoy that comfort and luxury. I'm planning on going that same route too.

I agree with you. Just normal tear and wear failure, like any other auto tranny. But when it does fail, load up with $$$$$$