Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC vs ABC Suspension Explained

A Mercedes-Benz can remain absolutely composed at highway speeds. Especially during those long inter-state runs. And with Indian roads, come uneven road surfaces. But a Merc’s ride quality is rarely affected.

The hero behind that smooth drive is Mercedes suspension technology: AIRMATIC and Active Body Control (ABC).

They’re not the same technologies, though. AIRMATIC is an air-suspension system with adaptive damping, while ABC is a hydraulically controlled active suspension system.

Let’s understand AIRMATIC vs ABC in detail and clear up any confusion you might have between the two.

TL;DR

• AIRMATIC uses air springs with adaptive dampers, while ABC uses hydraulics to actively control suspension movement.

• AIRMATIC adjusts ride height and damping, while ABC reduces body roll, pitch and vertical movement.

• Mercedes suspension systems vary by generation, variant, trim and market, even within the same model range.

• E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL combines electrohydraulic control with AIRMATIC on selected Mercedes-Benz models such as S-Class, GLE and GLS.

• Air suspension is a general term, while AIRMATIC is Mercedes-Benz specific, so confirm fitment using vehicle details.

AIRMATIC vs ABC: The Short Answer

The AIRMATIC suspension system combines air springs with electronically controlled adaptive dampers. Active Body Control (ABC) is a hydraulically controlled active suspension system.

In simple terms, AIRMATIC in Mercedes uses air bellows wrapped around an electronically controlled shock absorber. The electronically controlled dampers adjust oil flow through internal valves in response to sensor inputs and driving conditions.

When movement is detected, AIRMATIC adjusts damping to help control body movement and improve ride stability.

On the other hand, ABC contains Mercedes-Benz parts like hydraulically controlled bags stacked on top of a steel coil spring wrapped around a shock absorber. Control units and sensors operate hydraulic valves and a high-pressure pump, which directs fluid to the cylinders at each wheel. 

Mercedes ABC suspension generates enough force to push against a moment. For example, during cornering, ABC can adjust the suspension forces to reduce body roll and help keep the vehicle flatter.

On many older Mercedes models, AIRMATIC and ABC were alternative factory suspension options rather than combined systems. However, newer E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL applications combine AIRMATIC air-spring technology with electrohydraulic active control. 

AIRMATIC (Mercedes-Benz): Meaning and Features

The short answer to ‘what is AIRMATIC suspension’ would be that it is Mercedes-Benz's electronically controlled air-suspension system.

AIRMATIC was introduced on the W220 S-Class and has evolved across subsequent Mercedes-Benz generations. And since then, it has undergone many changes. 

Hence, components, system generations and fitment of the suspension system can vary by model, chassis, year and specification.

How Does AIRMATIC Suspension Work?

Instead of the traditional steel coil springs, AIRMATIC suspensions use air springs or rubber air bellows. They are wrapped around adaptive dampers (a fancy name for electronic shock absorbers). This combination is what makes up the strut.

The valves in AIRMATIC Mercedes shock absorbers are connected to sensors. They open and close in real-time according to your vehicle’s speed and movement. 

This regulates the oil flow through the damper, allowing the system to adjust damping as needed. Mercedes-Benz calls this ‘Adaptive Damping System’ or ADS.

The air springs help maintain ride height, while the adaptive dampers control spring movement and reduce oscillation.

Features of Mercedes Air Suspension

• Comfort and Sport modes: Depending on the version, drivers may be able to select different damping or suspension settings.

• Ride-Height Selection: On selected SUVs, drivers may be able to raise or lower the vehicle within system-defined limits.

• Automatic Levelling: At higher speeds, some systems lower the vehicle to improve aerodynamics, stability and efficiency.

But more than AIRMATIC suspension meaning, you might be interested in where to get its parts from in case it fails. AtoZ Auto Parts stocks Mercedes-Benz air-suspension struts and related components within its air-suspension parts collections.

ABC/Active Body Control (Mercedes-Benz): Meaning and Features

Active Body Control (ABC) is Mercedes-Benz's hydraulically controlled active suspension system.

ABC was introduced on the C215 CL-Class and has since been used on selected Mercedes-Benz models. And the feature that defines the ABC suspension’s actual meaning is how seamlessly it combines comfort and handling abilities. 

How Does ABC Suspension Work?

A steel coil spring and a shock absorber with a hydraulically controlled cylinder on top are what make up the strut of an Active Body Control suspension.

These cylinders are connected to a high-pressure hydraulic pump. When sensors detect changes in acceleration or body movement, the system adjusts hydraulic pressure to change the force applied by the cylinders. 

The system can increase or reduce the force at each wheel, helping to counteract body movement.

This helps reduce body movement over uneven roads, although it does not eliminate all suspension movement. Active Body Control in Mercedes actively reduces body roll during cornering and also counteracts pitch and vertical body movement.

Features of ABC Suspension

• Curve Function: Selected E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL applications can lean the vehicle into corners to reduce lateral body movement. 

• Road Scanning: Selected ABC-equipped models may include Magic Body Control, which uses a road-scanning camera to prepare the suspension for detected road irregularities.

• Height Control: Depending on the system and driving conditions, the driver may be able to adjust ride height within system-defined limits.

AIRMATIC vs ABC: What Is the Difference?

Which Mercedes-Benz Models Uses AIRMATIC or ABC?

There’s no direct answer for which Mercedes models have which Mercedes suspension types. 

The suspension system varies by generation, variant, trim and market. Sometimes, even the same model range uses different suspension versions.

For example, ABC was standard on the C215 CL-Class and was also fitted to selected S-Class variants, while other W220 S-Class applications used AIRMATIC. Always confirm the exact chassis, model year and option specification.

Hence, a simple ‘S-Class’ is not enough to determine the suspension system. 

Mercedes models with AIRMATIC examples include:

• S-Class, beginning with the W220 generation

• E-Class

• CLS

• M-Class / GLE

• GL-Class / GLS

• Other Mercedes-Benz models, depending on generation and specification

Mercedes models with ABC suspension examples include:

• CL-Class C215

• Selected S-Class variants

• SL-Class R230 and later related applications

How to know if my car has AIRMATIC suspension or ABC?

• Check the Centre-Console Button: A button marked ‘ABC Sport’ means ABC, and a button with a picture of a spring with arrows means Airmatic. On Airmatic cars with ADS, the button shows an AIRMATIC shock absorber with ‘SPORT’ and ‘COMFORT.’ 

• Check the Option Code or VIN: Option codes of your VIN differ by the suspension system. For example, the W220's ABC code is 487 indicating it has Mercedes Active Body Control (ABC). A Mercedes dealer can read the spec from the VIN or the car's data card. 

• Inspect the Strut Area: AIRMATIC struts may have air lines connected to the air springs, while ABC struts may have hydraulic lines and electrical connectors. Visual identification alone is not sufficient, so confirm with the vehicle data card or OE reference.

What About E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL?

Mercedes-Benz's modern E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL works together with an AIRMATIC air-suspension foundation. It can control spring and damper forces at individual wheels.

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL is not simply a renamed version of traditional ABC. It combines AIRMATIC air-spring technology with electrohydraulic active control. 

Earlier, Mercedes cars either had AIRMATIC or ABC. But the modern Mercedes E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL is combined with AIRMATIC. 

Therefore, the idea that AIRMATIC and active body control can never be used together does not apply to newer E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL applications. 

A Word of Caution on AIRMATIC Naming

When you’re buying parts for your AIRMATIC suspension, do not simply use ‘air suspension.’ That term refers to the air suspension technology in general and not specific Mercedes Benz parts. 

For example, AtoZ Auto Parts ‘AIRMATIC Shockers’ collection also contains suspension products for Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Porsche and other manufacturers.

Hence, while searching for replacement parts, specifically look for ‘AIRMATIC’ Mercedes and also verify the vehicle model, chassis code, year and OE/part number.

At AtoZ Auto Parts, we help you confirm compatibility from vehicle details before you make your purchase. This makes the whole process easier and also makes sure you get the right part. 

Conclusion

Do not mistake ABC for an upgraded or sportier version of AIRMATIC suspension. Mercedes AIRMATIC vs ABC are completely different technologies. 

Replacement parts for the two systems differ significantly because their core technologies are different.

If a suspension fault occurs, first identify whether the vehicle has AIRMATIC, ABC or another system, then proceed with the appropriate diagnosis. When buying Mercedes suspension parts, use the correct system name and verify the chassis code, model year and OE or part reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is AIRMATIC the same as ABC?

No, they are different systems. Airmatic is an adaptive air suspension that uses air-filled bellows in place of steel springs. ABC is an active Mercedes suspension system that uses hydraulic servomechanisms.

2. Can a Mercedes-Benz have both AIRMATIC and ABC?

No, Mercedes-Benz can either have AIRMATIC vs ABC. Both are completely different suspension systems. 

3. What is the main difference between AIRMATIC and ABC suspension?

The main difference between AIRMATIC and ABC is air suspension vs hydraulic suspension. Air bellows are wrapped around electronic shock absorbers in AIRMATIC. While in ABC, hydraulically connected bags are arranged above shock absorbers and steel soil springs. 

4. How do I know if my Mercedes has AIRMATIC or ABC?

An ABC Sport button on the centre console points to Active Body Control suspension. For a definitive answer, an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer can confirm Airmatic or ABC from your VIN or data card.