Mercedes S-Class W221

Any Mercedes is considered a high-quality vehicle that is extremely comfortable for both driver and passengers. The suspension of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a major role for that comfort.

How Does the Airmatic System Work?

The Mercedes W221 was equipped with Airmatic air suspension with 4matic all-wheel drive as standard. Static and dynamic support is carried out in it using four air suspension struts. Each of them consists of an air spring and a shock absorber. Air is supplied from the compressor to the air suspension struts, and the pressure is regulated by a valve block. In accordance with the pressure indicators, the tilt of the car body and its height are regulated.

Here are some of the advantages of the Airmatic suspension:

• high level of safety of driving;
• adaptation of air suspension stiffness depending on road conditions and driving style;
• automatic clearance reduction at speeds above 70 km/h;
• fuel economy by reducing drag;
• the functionality to manually control the position of the car body.

Although the Airmatic system in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is undoubtedly comfortable, the ABC suspension is considered to be more advanced.

ABC: Comfort to the Maximum

In contrast to the previous version, ABC (active suspension) is considered to be a smart system. Air bags are electronically controlled to provide maximum comfort in the car.

The ABC system monitors the change in weight in different parts of the vehicle and analyzes the speed in real time. Based on that information, the computer changes the stiffness of a given air spring, and, as a result, the clearance changes. With the proper operation of such an air suspension, tilting of the car during an abrupt stop and banking when cornering are rare events.

There is, however, one significant drawback of the updated system - its frequent breakdowns. ABC is less durable than Airmatic, and its repair is much more expensive. Air bags, hydraulic reservoirs, sensors, pump, shock absorbers and other elements can fail with a mileage of only 30-100 000 km. Luckily, air springs and other elements can always be replaced.

Buying Spare Parts for the ABC System from the Aerosus Online Store

When the car is driven in poor road conditions, malfunction of air springs and other parts can occur much faster than the manufacturer indicates. However, you can always buy quality suspension parts in the Aerosus online store.

Order products online without getting off the couch. Detailed descriptions of the technical specifications of the parts will help you make the right choice. Aerosus guarantees affordable prices and prompt delivery in the US.