I did and purchased airmatic. Its great and with it the ML rides like a sedan and gives you the alturnative of several different ride characterisics plus leveling and raising.No contest here.
Has anyone tested both cars, with and without airmatic?.
I appreciate any input.
Thank you in advance.
Obrax
I did one test drive with a steel-sprung ML--I went for the Airmatic, since my wife likes the ride soft and I prefer normally a sportier demeanor. The air suspension gives you those choices, or you can put it on Auto for a good compromise. The ability to raise the vehicle for deep snow or off road is a bonus. The steering system is also modified w/ Airmatic, though I can't say if it's better or not.
The only downside, other than cost, is potential maintenance issues after warranty expired.
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<B>Greg</B> Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
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<B>2006 ML350</b> - Pewter/Charcoal Alcantara/Aluminum; Packages: Comfort, Lighting, Entertainment, Appearance, Airmatic, Sunroof; Options: Nav, Sirius, hitch, heated seats, power liftgate, roof rack; Mods: ML500 skid plates, ML63 20" wheels.
<B>2001 BMW M3 Coupe</B> (5/01 prod.) - Titanium/Cinnamon w/ many mods.
I drove both and chose to go with standard suspension as I did not think I would get the value out of the additional expense for the airmatic. Plus I had heard of some early problems with the airmatic.
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Andy
2006 ML350
723 - Pewter, 104 - Macadamia Interior, H04 - Brown Birds Eye Maple Wood, 167 Standard Non-Sport Pkg, 317 Comfort Pkg, 318 - Trim Package, 319 - Lighting Package, 320 - Entertainment Pkg, 324 - Sunroof Pkg, 580 - Std. Climate Control, 873 - Heated Front Seats, 890 - Power Liftgate, Navigation System, iPod interface kit
Modifications:
Added: Chrome Door handle cups, MB Twin Spoke 5-Spoke 18" wheels and tires
I try both cars with and without airmatic. There is big diference with the airmatic the car is the BEST. If you like you can go to the Attart off road park and make a test drive there.
Definitely prefer the airmatic. Noticeable difference in smoothness of ride. I find the auto mode is a great compromise, with the comfort a little too floaty for my taste, and the sport setting just the thing for nice smooth high speed stabiliy on the highway. The sport setting is pretty good in the twistys as some lesser SUV's found out following me up Rt 23 on the way to Hunter mountain in upstate NY. My ML is on 18's. I can just imagine the stick that would be generated by some 19's with wider rubber. I'd hate to lose the nice cushy ride though. The steel sprung version is OK too, but if your spending this kind of money to begin with the option is well worth it. As for the problems down the road, I wouldn't sweat it too much. Air suspensions have been around in trucks for a long time, and TireRack even carries an air suspension retrofit under the "Praxis" brand that they sell for the E46 BMW 3 series that has gotten rave reviews in the car mags. GM has been using airsuspension in the rear of their trucks for the past few years. It really is an advantage if you tow because of the self-leveling feature.
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MikeK
1976 BMW 2002
1995 M3
2004 R1150RT
2006 ML500
1994 Grand Cherokee 5.2 V8
Linear Mode
