Steel chassis replace defective Airmatic and ABC systems

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Youngtimers of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) and the CL-Class Coupé (C215) are very popular with many drivers, but complex repairs to air or ABC suspension can be expensive.

Youngtimer der Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse (W220) und des Coupés CL-Klasse (C215) stehen bei vielen Autofahrern hoch im Kurs, doch aufwändige Reparaturen von Luft- oder ABC-Fahrwerken können ins Geld gehen.
Bilstein offers steel chassis as a cost-effective alternative for repairing Mercedes classic cars (source: Bilstein 2025).

Steel chassis replace defective Airmatic and ABC systems

While Airmatic chassis often suffer from leaks and compressor damage, the complex ABC systems suffer from oil leaks and electronic malfunctions. In order to get the badge, there must be no safety-related defects.

Bilstein and R-Customs, in collaboration with the customer special request program, have developed a repair solution that replaces the original chassis components with steel or mechanical components. Comfort and driving characteristics remain at the S-Class level and expensive repairs are no longer necessary. The conversion kits offered include Bilstein B12 complete chassis, mechanical stabilizers, coupling rods and decommissioning modules for the on-board electronics for Airmatic and ABC variants.

The conversion has several advantages: It corresponds to the standard at the time with a steel chassis, enables problem-free registration thanks to the parts certificate and ensures the long-term preservation of the classic car's value.