M100 6.3 air suspension accumulator spheres - sourcing now - is Bilstein still doing them

Started by Hugo_Darlinghurst, 10-02-2025 09:48 AM. 22 replies. 3,847 views.

10-02-2025 09:48 AM

Hugo_Darlinghurst Senior Member

★ Gold

Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darlinghurst NSW
Posts: 524
Club: Mercedes Classic Drivers Australia (MCDA) - chapter committee
Car: 1968 W108 280SE 5.0 Coupe

this is annoying me now.

Friend of mine in Mosman has a 1971 300SEL 6.3 (M100). Rear sphere pressure has dropped. The front pair next on the list - they last about 6 years before pressure loss starts.

Bilstein discontinued the 6.3-specific accumulator sphere in 2019. Stuttgart Classic Centre stock was exhausted 2017. What are members using now.

I am aware of the Citroen-derived recharge service in Germany (Citroen DS spheres are pressure-charged similarly) but dimensions and threading dont match the M100.

Has anyone fitted the reproduction spheres from the small Slovenian outfit (Pneumatik-Erna). Their 2019 advertising claims dimensional and pressure-spec compliance to the original Mercedes part.

10-02-2025 11:18 AM

Vasilios_Billy

Lifetime Benzer

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Campbelltown NSW
Posts: 2,031
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 2020 AMG GT C

Hugo..

I have fitted Pneumatik-Erna reproduction spheres to two 6.3s since 2018.. one was a daily-driver level usage car, one is a static collection car. Both have held pressure to original specification at the 24-month and 12-month inspections respectively.

Pneumatik-Erna spheres are externally identical to the Bilstein originals. The internal diaphragm is a different rubber compound (modern PA-66 nitrile blend versus original natural rubber). The pressure-fill specification is the same (28 bar at 20 degrees C nominal).

Price now about EUR 380 per sphere, four required for a full set, plus shipping which is significant because they ship by air-freight on dangerous-goods documentation (pressurised vessel). Allow EUR 250 shipping to Sydney.

Order direct from Pneumatik-Erna. There is no Australian distributor. Their English is limited but their German is precise; if you draft your enquiry in German they respond within 48 hours.

10-02-2025 02:18 PM

Banksia_Park_Berny ★ Silver - Unaffiliated

★ Silver

Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Banksia Park NSW
Posts: 1,847
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 1985 W126 380SEL

EUR 380 each x 4 = $2,800 just for parts. Plus $400 shipping. Plus install. The 6.3 is a beautiful car but Christ.

Steve woulda said the M100 cost what it cost and that was the deal you made when you bought it.

10-02-2025 03:48 PM

Chris_K ★ Gold - M.A.L.A.K.A.S.

★ Gold

Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brighton-Le-Sands NSW
Posts: 1,063
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Auto

Berny - the 6.3 was the fastest production sedan in the world in 1968. The pricing of its replacement parts now is just maths catching up.

Hugo - Pneumatik-Erna is the right answer. Vasilios has done two, I have done one (a 1972 300SEL 6.3 in Brilliantsilber for a client of Johnny Mav's, ironically). All three are still holding pressure. Order them.

10-02-2025 04:18 PM

Cousin_Johnny_M Luxury Car Sales

Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Earlwood NSW
Posts: 1,392
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 1981 W123 280CE

BRO. Chris that 6.3 you did for my vlient is still parked at his Vaucluse address. He has not driven it in 14 months. He texts me about every 6 weeks asking if I can value it. I keep telling him to drive it. He keeps not driving it. The Pneumatik-Erna spheres will outlive his ownership of that car at this rate.

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