I'm looking into purchasing either a 2006 or 2007 ML (350 or 500 depending on which is a better $ deal) and wanted to see what are the must have options?
The car will be for the MRS. and she isn't too picky, but I don't want to have any resale issues with the car not having certain desirable options.
The must have for us are:
NAVIGATION
HEATED SEATS
XENON
FULL LEATHER
SUNROOF
The preferably options are:
AMG PACKAGE
ALUMINUM TRIM
REAR CAMERA
PDC
Any input would be helpful and if you see a Black or White ML w/ Black interior please let me know
Location: Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 215
Quote:
Originally Posted by sosh
Airmatic is a must have for me.
Agreed sosh. I would not have the ML without it either. Also add the heated steering wheel on my list! I thought that it was gimmicky, but it turns out that I use it every single day.
Here in sunny California, a sunroof is a must. The one in the ML works very well.
I have seen very few airmatic problems posted here and on other sites. As for mine, about 2 and a half years and no problems what so ever. As for the sunroof, its quite rare to see one without it and I never have. In addition I would also suggest the FACTORY Xenon lights.
An active suspension driven by computer controlled air pumps
is a lot of complexity in addition to the traditional springs and shocks.
Why, the ride and handling are much better than the std suspension and you have a choice of rides dependent upon your likes and the conditions. It also allows the raising of the vehicle if necessary in deep snow or even water. Having had 2 ML's prior without it I can tell you its well worth it and now having it it would be difficult to go back to one without it. Its been trouble free to date. Oh yes there is far less vehicle "lean" on turns and ramps. Its really quite a simple system.
Why, the ride and handling are much better than the std suspension and you have a choice of rides dependent upon your likes and the conditions. It also allows the raising of the vehicle if necessary in deep snow or even water. Having had 2 ML's prior without it I can tell you its well worth it and now having it it would be difficult to go back to one without it. Its been trouble free to date. Oh yes there is far less vehicle "lean" on turns and ramps. Its really quite a simple system.
Handling should be better with an active suspension. Does that make airmatic
a must have ? A lot of people are satisfied with the traditional suspension systems.
My doubts are related to
1. Reliability. Having a high pressure "air"(Nitrogen) system
constantly pumped in and out of sealed rubber bellows and add to that the constant movement of the strut. What is the mean time to failure on these ?
2. Maintenance costs
Wear and tear items. How long does the air reservoir lasts ?
The air will leak out eventually since it is physically impossible to
have a 100% seal.
3. Safety
Is there a back up system if the airmatic fails, does the vehicle become a go-kart ?
Handling should be better with an active suspension.
My doubts are related to
1. Reliability. Having a high pressure "air"(Nitrogen?) system
constantly pumped in and out of sealed rubber bellows and add to that the constant movement of the strut. What is the mean time to failure on these ?
2. Maintenance costs
Wear and tear items. How long does the air reservoir lasts ?
The air will leak out eventually since it is physically impossible to
have a 100% seal.
3. Safety
Is there a back up system if the airmatic fails, does the vehicle become a go-kart ?
I believe Airmatic was available as early as 1997-1998 in the W220 S-Class. I don't think anybody has died from Airmatic failure in the last 10 years.
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