AIRMATIC

Instead of steel coil springs, a car with AIRMATIC rides on rubber air springs filled with compressed air. Because the amount of air can be changed, the suspension control unit can raise or lower the body and keep it level regardless of load.

How AIRMATIC works

AIRMATIC is a closed loop: sensors measure, the control unit decides, and the air supply adjusts.

• Air springs - one at each corner, usually combined with a damper in one strut. More air raises that corner, less air lowers it.
• Compressor and valve block - an electric compressor supplies the air, and the valve block routes it to or releases it from individual springs.
• Level sensors - linked to the suspension arms, they report how high the body sits. The control unit compares these values with its target height.

What it does in practice

• Self-leveling - the ride height stays the same with passengers or luggage.
• Height changes - on many models the car lowers itself at highway speed and can be raised for steep driveways or rough roads.
• Comfort and handling - together with adaptive damping, the suspension firms up or softens with the DYNAMIC SELECT drive program.

AIRMATIC and lowering

Because AIRMATIC sets the height electronically, the car can be lowered without new springs. There are two ways to do it. Lowering links replace the level-sensor linkages and change the height the sensors report. An electronic lowering module changes the height setting in the suspension control unit through the OBD-II port, so no parts under the car are replaced.

Not every Mercedes-Benz has AIRMATIC. Many models use steel springs as standard and offer air suspension as an option, so check your car's equipment and chassis code before choosing a suspension product.