Mercedes-Benz has three main suspension systems in use today. It is always useful to know what system your vehicle uses or to know in advance when in the market of buying a new or used vehicle.
Steel Suspension
The most commonly used is the normal steel suspension, which consists of hydraulic sealed shock absorber and a steel spring. In this system the steel spring sets the height of the vehicle and can only adjust by replacing or modifying the steel spring. This is the most in-expensive system of the three different suspension system you get.
Air Suspension
We see this system mostly in Mercedes Benz SUV vehicles, which consists of a Hydraulic Sealed Shock Absorber and a Multi Layer Cast Aluminium and Rubber Bellow. In this System the Multi Layer Bellow sets the height of the vehicle, and is fully adjustable by the Airmatic Control Unit, with the help of Front and Rear Level Sensors. The vehicle is lifted by filling the Multi Layer Bellows with compressed air from the Airmatic Pump, and lowered by releasing the compressed air from the Multi Layer Bellows. This System works slower than the Hydraulic System but not so expensive.
Hydraulic Suspension (ABC – Active Body Control)
We see this system, reserved for Mercedes Benz Flag Ship Models, which consists of a Hydraulic Adjustable Shock Absorber and a Steel Spring. In this System the Hydraulic Adjustable Shock Absorber sets the height of the vehicle, and is fully adjustable by the ABC (Active Bode Control) Control Unit, with the help of Front and Rear Level Sensors. The vehicle is lifted by filling the Hydraulic Shocks with pressurized hydraulic fluid from the ABC Belt-Driven Pump, and lowered by releasing the Hydraulic pressure from the Hydraulic Shocks. This system lifts and lowers the vehicle instantly, but is the most expensive of the three systems.