We're considering both models, and were wondering whether the Adaptive Damping option on the 500 can get us to the softness of the 350 ride (w/o option).
By way of background, San Francisco's streets are more or less rubble due to years of neglect, so smooth ride is essential and a big reason for the upgrade from our 2000 ML320.
In testdrives the 350 has the smoother/softer ride than the 500 (probably mainly due to the differences in wheels and tires), but we like the 500 better (engine, key less go option handy w/ screaming kids hanging off of you).
Welcome, with the AIRMATIC you'll get a much better ride than the ML350 and ML500 without the option, the AIRMATIC is very much recomended, i have it and i love it. Also, if your kids are getting to loud you can set it to sport for more quick manuvers, just kidding LOL!
__________________
2008 GL450 Black/Macadamia, Premium 2 package, Full leather package, DVD entertainment system, Running boards, Voice Control, Trailer Hitch, 6 Disc CD-changer, Illuminated Door Sills, Ipod Integration, Keyless-Go, SLEEK TRUCK! HAULS ASS!
Welcome, with the AIRMATIC you'll get a much better ride than the ML350 and ML500 without the option, the AIRMATIC is very much recomended, i have it and i love it. Also, if your kids are getting to loud you can set it to sport for more quick manuvers, just kidding LOL!
Agree on the Airmatic. The 3 settings are very distinct. My wife likes Comfort, we often compromise on Auto, but I choose Sport if I'm doing anything other than leisurely cruising. A very good system. The only downside, other than cost, is potential fuiture maintenance.
__________________
<HTML>
<B>Greg</B> Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
<HR>
<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.
Agree on the Airmatic. The 3 settings are very distinct. My wife likes Comfort, we often compromise on Auto, but I choose Sport if I'm doing anything other than leisurely cruising. A very good system. The only downside, other than cost, is potential fuiture maintenance.
Thank you both. I talked to the shop foreman at Mercedes Service in San Francisco. He (like the dealer) said the "Comfort" setting is basically the standard suspension (on both models) and that the Airmatic basically gives you two tighter settings. But neither had extensive driving experience with the model.
Seems like both of you are disagreeing, and I trust owner feedback more than dealer. Let me know if I misunderstood the point your were making, that Airmatic Comfort mode gives you a more comfortable ride than the standard suspension.
Thanks again. And Greg I'm a Lakeridge graduate ('86).
Ride quality: ML 350 vs ML 500 
Linear Mode
