Mercedes-Benz Coilovers and Airmatic: Keep, Convert or Cancel
On a Mercedes, the factory suspension decides your coilover options before any brand does. This guide covers Mercedes coilovers on cars with Airmatic air suspension, electronic dampers and 4MATIC: what you can keep, what you can convert, what you can cancel, and how to set the car up after.
Our Mercedes car pages list the kits model by model. This guide covers the choices you need to make before you pick from those lists.
Mercedes kit lists by model
Find your Mercedes here:
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 190E coilovers: C-Class generations and the C43 to C63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class coilovers: E-Class and E-Class AMG
- Mercedes-Benz CLK and CLS coilovers: the coupes and four-door coupes
- Mercedes-Benz CLA, GLA, A-Class and GLB coilovers: the compact cars
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class, GLC, ML and more: the big sedans and SUVs
The BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 2008 to 2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Photo: BC Racing.
Start With Your Factory Suspension
Three questions narrow the list fast.
Does it have Airmatic? Airmatic is Mercedes' air suspension. Many kits exclude it outright. A few BC Racing kits are built to convert it to coilovers.
Does it have electronic dampers? Some KW kits come in two versions, with and without electronic dampers. Many of the "with" versions say a cancellation kit is included, but not all do, so call us to confirm what your car needs. Several Bilstein B14 PSS kits exclude cars with electronic or self-leveling suspension.
RWD or 4MATIC? Many kits split by drivetrain. Ksport, KW and BC Racing all list 4MATIC cars separately on several generations.
Your VIN answers all three. That is why we ask for it on every Mercedes call. Once you know the factory system, the right coilover kit usually comes down to one or two choices, not twenty.
Airmatic: Exclusions and Conversions
Airmatic shows up most on the E-Class. Here is how the kits we sell handle it.
Excluded. BC Racing's 2003 to 2009 E-Class sedan kit excludes Airmatic. KW's W211 and W212 sedan kits exclude air suspension. Several Ksport E-Class, CLK and CLS kits exclude Airmatic too.
Converted. The BC Racing 2002 to 2009 E-Class Airmatic kit is RWD. Its product page says the conversion requires OEM rear steel spring lower control arms. BC Racing's 2004 to 2009 E-Class wagons, RWD and AWD, also say OEM rear steel spring lower control arms are required. Their product pages do not mention Airmatic, so call us to confirm what your wagon needs.
Partly covered. BC Racing's 2010 to 2016 E-Class sedan RWD excludes Airmatic front. The wagon includes Airmatic rear and excludes Airmatic front. Read those product pages closely.
Newer cars. BC Racing lists 2017 to 2023 E-Class kits for the W213 and C238 with Airmatic, in RWD and AWD versions.
An Airmatic coilover conversion kit is more work than a straight swap. Plan time for the extra parts the product page names, and expect an alignment at the end.
Electronic Dampers and Adaptive Damping
Many later C-Class and E-Class cars came with electronic dampers. A passive coilover suspension has no wiring, so it cannot work with that system. The kit has to account for it.
KW coilovers handle this with separate kits. The KW W204 C-Class sedan kit with electronic dampers includes an EDC cancellation kit. A matching KW kit covers cars without electronic dampers. KW also lists with and without versions for the W204 C350 coupe, the C207 and A207 E-Class, and several W205 C-Class versions. Some W205 "with" versions do not mention a cancellation kit, so confirm what is included before you order.
Bilstein coilovers go the other way. Most B14 PSS kits for these cars name cars without electronic or self-leveling suspension. Some W203 B14 PSS product pages also say wheel spacers may be required.
If you are not sure what your car has, do not guess. Our guide on coilovers and electronics explains how passive kits and factory systems interact. Then call us with your VIN.
Swift Springs, Setup and Brand Fit
Many BC Racing Mercedes kits carry a Swift note. Swift Springs SPEC-R springs are an upgrade option on most BC Racing fitments. On these cars, many product pages say Swift Front Only. A few say Swift Springs Not Available, including the 2000 to 2002 E55 and the 2010 to 2016 E-Class coupe, convertible, sedan and wagon.
On a Mercedes, set the car up to ride well, not just to sit low. Keep the drop modest. There is no single safe drop for every car; it depends on wheels, tires and travel. On full-length kits like BC Racing and Fortune Auto, ride height is set at the lower mount and the spring perch sets preload. Tighten every locking collar and recheck after a few hundred miles. Get an alignment after any height change. Start damping from the kit's manual setting, and remember spring rate and damping both shape comfort. Our guide on how coilovers affect ride quality goes deeper.
A coilover kit does not automatically cut unsprung weight. The wheel, tire, brakes and hub make up most of it, and big AMG brakes and wheels are a large share.
The right brand depends on how you use the car. KW is German, carries TÜV certification on most kits and is an OE supplier through its Mercedes-AMG program. Bilstein put the first monotube gas pressure shock absorber into series production in 1957 and supplies OE dampers to Mercedes-AMG. BC Racing uses nitrogen-charged monotube dampers, with 30-click simultaneous compression and rebound on the BR Series. Fortune Auto hand-builds in Virginia with custom valving. If you are new to coilovers, start with what are coilovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put coilovers on a Mercedes with Airmatic?
On some cars, yes. BC Racing lists E-Class kits that convert Airmatic, and its 2002 to 2009 sedan conversion requires OEM rear steel spring lower control arms. Many other kits exclude Airmatic. Check the product page, then call us with your VIN.
What if my Mercedes has electronic dampers?
Order a kit built for it. KW lists versions for cars with and without electronic dampers. Many "with" versions say a cancellation kit is included, but not all, so call us to confirm what your car needs. Several Bilstein B14 PSS kits exclude electronic suspension.
Are there Mercedes coilovers for 4MATIC cars?
Yes, on many generations. KW lists 4MATIC versions of the W204, W205, W212 and W213. BC Racing lists AWD C-Class and E-Class kits. RWD and 4MATIC kits are listed separately, so match your drivetrain.
Do Swift Springs fit BC Racing Mercedes kits?
Often front only. Many BC Racing Mercedes product pages say Swift Front Only, and a few say Swift Springs Not Available. Check the product page for your car.
Do I need an alignment after fitting coilovers to my Mercedes?
Yes. Any ride height change alters camber and toe. On an Airmatic conversion, plan for it from the start.
Do you list coilovers for the Mercedes 190E?
Yes. BC Racing lists the 190E for 1984 to 1996. KW lists the 190 E and 190 D for 1984 to 1993. Feal lists the W201 190E. Confirm your year on the product page.
Questions About Mercedes Coilovers?
Get the factory system right first, whether that is Airmatic, electronic dampers or 4MATIC. The rest is easy after that.
Call 1-800-460-9106 with your VIN. We will confirm the right kit and talk performance suspension setup with you. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US. Shipping for other brands is shown at checkout.
1-800-460-9106Browse Coilover Kits