Tires, Brakes and Suspension

It's cold and rainy here in NY, weather to browse the web rather than work outside. So I found one of these on the local craig's list. The "99$ and CLS55" in the same sentence made me click on it; I figured it was a pretty badge or maybe a rim.





I keep seeing 1,000$ W221 parts cars and similar littering craig's list; never a nice 108/109/111 car. So the picture gets me to thinking if there is a benz-centric solution to bringing air or hydraulic suspension to an older benz that didn't come with one.

After all, things like this TRUCK FRONT AXLE AIR PNEUMATIC SUSPENSION SPRING PILLOW are also available (says the shouters on ebay). https://www.ebay.ie/itm/222755264912

-CTH

I think that if there is a modern solution that could be found for a W109 suspension at ~$1000, it would be great to know about it. Too many of these cars are getting scrapped before people are not thinking out of the box.

With best regards

Al

In theory, after a proper refurbishment the air suspension system with subsequent proper maintenance will most likely last longer than any of us. After 7 years and about 10,000 miles, 4632 stays up with no pressure warning light beyond 3 weeks. When we are in Germany for about 6 months, upon return the suspension is completely down. The relative humidity in the garage is kept at a constant 43%.

Cleanliness is critical along with a functioning alcohol reservoir. I did substitute a modern AirMatic air filter which is a direct replacement (about $20).

Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Niederheimbach, Germany
300SEL 6.3
E55K AMG
CLK63 AMG Gone
Ferrari 400GTC4 Gone
ML400CDI BiTurbo
ML350 CDI BT
9146GT

0405, not familiar with that co's product but worth looking into as air suspension systems have come a long way. Moreover, parts would be readily available.

Aaron, I'm totally with you in the originality dept. However, it may be possible to do this without sacrificing the original ride quality, if done properly. I think leaving the factory air springs would be necessary, but the compressor and valves might be able to be modernized....actually, maybe leave the compressor air tank as is, it's still a reliable supply system, as are the springs/bags. The pricey, problematic area tends to be the valves, so why not figure out a way to use modern level valves and a control system to control ride height.

I know, sacrilege. I am of the opinion that when the OEM system is properly sorted out, they work just fine for a very long time....certainly more reliable than the newer Airmatic systems from MB.

Chris

Whether it's a 600 or any variant of a W109, you'll likely spend just as much, if not more, to do a conversion. It's not a plug and play set up, and many modifications would have to be done. The existing plumbing/pipework will be useless, so you'd have to run new lines/electrics. When you're done, you'll not have anything that rides any better...it'll probably ride worse. You're better off keeping it as is, both cost wise and for authenticity purposes.

This is probably sacrilege ,but has anyone ever thought of Wabco ECAS [electronically controlled air suspension]on a 600 instead of $10,000 for all new airbag valves and raising and lowering controls.This would eliminate all future air suspension problems.Regards Keith.