Yes sir, both on and off airmatic on both 350 and 500 airmatic optioned and non optioned, I prefer airmatic.
The way they designed the curves and turns with sand on corner or slippery water corner, I could do better turns with sports mode. The car itself is a great handling vehicle without airmatic compared to the last generation. This car turns and rides like an E-class and not at all like a truck without airmatic. But with it on, wow. X5 should really work hard on their redesign.
Plus, I could raise the car with airmatic on obstacle course.
Darn. You're making me want the air. I'm sure I could still add it, and I like the idea of active damping on turns. BUT... the reliability factor that makes me pause. It's a lot simpler to just go with standard shocks.
Darn. You're making me want the air. I'm sure I could still add it, and I like the idea of active damping on turns. BUT... the reliability factor that makes me pause. It's a lot simpler to just go with standard shocks.
I had air on a different car, not a MB and once it broke it was big bucks to fix. If you didn't fix it, you drove around bouncing like boyz in the hood...
I perfer to have non air from now on.
I have Airmatic on my 2003 E 320 Sport and have not had any problems at all with it. I would highly recommend it. I have ordered it on my R500 and would certainly order it on the ML350 or 500.
__________________ 2008 SL550. Black on Black. AMG Pkg., Parktronic, P1 Pkg.
Having just spent $65 to fill up, I can't even imagine the rate at which the ML500 would go through a tank of gas. On the other hand, if you don't care about spending the extra $5-10k to get the ML500, you probably don't care about the price of gas [:p]
The 350 hasn't disappointed me and has delivered, especially with the help of the 7 gear transmission. Acceleration is smooth and although I agree, there may be a hint of a hesitation, it's smooth sailing after that. The few times I've had the open road to make use of, the new v6 has produced. The car feels solid and you don't even notice that you're driving (way) over the speed limit [:I].
I personally would have a hard time justifying the purchase of any car with more than a 3.5 liter engine. You will never use all the power you get and even if you have the chance, you better have the driving ability to go with it.
I agree with this. I had a 6.0 liter Escalade before my ML350 and it never justified the power and gas consumption based on what I use it for. It was basically a commute vehicle. Yes it had lots of power, but never really needed it. So it's all based on what you use it for. In addition to the comment above regarding better driving ability, consider the traffic tickets you may accumulate just to use all that power. Also, not to mention your raised insurance premium.
Just drove a loaner ML350 while my ML500 was in for its first inspection. Honestly, I just did not like the 350 at all. It seemed like the engine was just to strained and it felt lethargic. I know there is always a trade off between costs and benenfit.But I am so glad I got the V8, its hands down a better vehicle.
The discussion goes on! I first got a drivers license in August of 1955. My only speeding ticket was in October of 1956 in a 303 ci 49 Olds. How ironic a 500 is 303 ci. I've owned 396 chevelles, 409 chevys, and 327 El Caminos. I've said in other messages that this vehicle is not for entry level drivers, not only for driving ability, but attitude and respect for the power. Power in the mountains, power to pass on 2 lane roads, and power to get up to speed on short on-ramps, is prudent and sensible use of the power a 430, 500, or 55 has! I got 18.5 MPG this summer on a 6000 mile trip, all at legal speeds. You drive a 350 wrong and you'll get less than that! I suppose it's like owning a gun. You can target shoot, or you can kill people with it! Once more, each to their own!! [8D]
If you drive 350 wrong with heavyfoot, you will get less mpg than a 500.
I have 320 and when I get loaners C240 or 230, acceleration to merge freeway is much less than norm and I floor them. As a result, I never get as good a mpg as my 320.
So, the debate goes on... it just depends on how fast you want it as a matter of individual's opinion.
[:D] Mercedes transmissions are driver adaptive. That means that they change gears according to the input that comes from your foot. With these transmissions, if you mash the gas pedal always, then you can be guaranteed poor or below average mpg rating, poor engine life and a shorter time frame of when your car's oil needs to be changed.
However, at standstill, if you let off the gas and brakes, let the car coast for three to five seconds and then normally press the gas pedal, you'll receive better mpg figures, burn less oil and most likely have better engine performance. Going fast on the freeway does contribute to your mpg rating, only if you start off smooth and treat the engine right.
The key is all in how gracefully you let the car go from standstill to acceleration. Take care of her and she'll take care of you. [;)] [:D]
Linear Mode
