4Matic vs. ABC vs. None on W222
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
4Matic vs. ABC vs. None on W222
I am trying to figure out what are the difference between the three options above in the following category:
1. Drive quality in terms of smoothness
2. Drive quality in terms of performance (cornering, lane changing, quick launch and stops)
3. Maintenance and cost: long term reliability and cost of repair. Frequency of break down.
4. Cost of the option.
What kind of suspension does the S class have if it does not have ABC or 4matic? Is it just normal spring and coil and no air?
Your technical knowledge on this subject matter is greatly appreciated. I have read several threads and sources, but I have not seen a comparison between them that is in-depth.
1. Drive quality in terms of smoothness
2. Drive quality in terms of performance (cornering, lane changing, quick launch and stops)
3. Maintenance and cost: long term reliability and cost of repair. Frequency of break down.
4. Cost of the option.
What kind of suspension does the S class have if it does not have ABC or 4matic? Is it just normal spring and coil and no air?
Your technical knowledge on this subject matter is greatly appreciated. I have read several threads and sources, but I have not seen a comparison between them that is in-depth.
#2
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I am trying to figure out what are the difference between the three options above in the following category:
1. Drive quality in terms of smoothness
2. Drive quality in terms of performance (cornering, lane changing, quick launch and stops)
3. Maintenance and cost: long term reliability and cost of repair. Frequency of break down.
4. Cost of the option.
What kind of suspension does the S class have if it does not have ABC or 4matic? Is it just normal spring and coil and no air?
Your technical knowledge on this subject matter is greatly appreciated. I have read several threads and sources, but I have not seen a comparison between them that is in-depth.
1. Drive quality in terms of smoothness
2. Drive quality in terms of performance (cornering, lane changing, quick launch and stops)
3. Maintenance and cost: long term reliability and cost of repair. Frequency of break down.
4. Cost of the option.
What kind of suspension does the S class have if it does not have ABC or 4matic? Is it just normal spring and coil and no air?
Your technical knowledge on this subject matter is greatly appreciated. I have read several threads and sources, but I have not seen a comparison between them that is in-depth.
The w222's suspension is controlled by air with two modes, and if weren't for the cement mixer ROF tires sport mode would be my daily choice (I have a coupe and 20"s). The air suspension also affords one the ability to raise or lower the cars height...this has come in quite handy while navigating sharp in/declines.
This is all standard on the 222.
Hope this helped.
Last edited by RJC; 07-10-2016 at 11:29 PM.
#3
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2014 S550
My RWD is almost always set in Sport and still plenty soft, even with Run Flats. My 2005 A8L was always in Dynamic. I'm 62 and not a wild man. Would be neat to try Magic Control but certainly not necessary. Probably would prefer a Limited slip Diff before the magic. Dave
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Nice Ride (07-17-2016)
#6
[QUOTE=MB37;6858287]How reliable is the ABC versus the 4matic? [/QUOE]
We really won't know for another 5 years.
4Matic is a Power delivery thing, Magic Body is a suspension system thing.
Apples versus oranges.
But no, 4Matic does not limit body roll; springs and shocks do that.
Nor does Magic Body deliver power to the front wheels.
We really won't know for another 5 years.
As for performance, does the 4matic limit the body roll like the ABC?
Apples versus oranges.
But no, 4Matic does not limit body roll; springs and shocks do that.
Nor does Magic Body deliver power to the front wheels.
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MB37 (07-16-2016)
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have read that ABC is a very complex system compared to the 4matic. This is based on the older MB models. I wonder if the technology is any different on the w222. Being in the south, I guess I have no need for a 4matic, but I like the sporty ride. While BMW's ARS (similar to ABC but not as complex) decreases the body roll, it is also a very reliable system (based on my internet research).
Has anyone gone from a BMW with dynamic drive (ARS) to a MB without ABC with no regret? My 11' e350 is quite floaty even in sports mode.
Has anyone gone from a BMW with dynamic drive (ARS) to a MB without ABC with no regret? My 11' e350 is quite floaty even in sports mode.
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#8
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2014 S550
Am I correct in assuming that the two suspension modes are basically the same whether the s550 is RWD or AWD, and only the Magic differs? I find the regular to be floaty and the sport to be a little soft but not floaty. Seems to stiffen up around corners. Hard to completely judge due to runflats and 20" wheels. Dave
#9
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Thread Starter
What kind of suspension does a s63 have? I do not see ABC on the s63. Does that mean that all s63 comes with ABC? What about MBC?
Is there a difference between the 4matic of a s63 vs. a s550?
Is there a difference between the 4matic of a s63 vs. a s550?
#10
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I have read that ABC is a very complex system compared to the 4matic. This is based on the older MB models. I wonder if the technology is any different on the w222. Being in the south, I guess I have no need for a 4matic, but I like the sporty ride. While BMW's ARS (similar to ABC but not as complex) decreases the body roll, it is also a very reliable system (based on my internet research).
Has anyone gone from a BMW with dynamic drive (ARS) to a MB without ABC with no regret? My 11' e350 is quite floaty even in sports mode.
Has anyone gone from a BMW with dynamic drive (ARS) to a MB without ABC with no regret? My 11' e350 is quite floaty even in sports mode.
Both ABC and Airmatic can develop issues over time and require proper maintenance but a lot of the problem occur on older 1st/2nd gen. systems.
This is partially due to MB not even having a proper maintenance protocol in place (ABC).
Over 16 years driving cars with ABC & Airmatic, we had one issue with ABC (pump failure - out of warranty but paid by MB and one Airmatic pump failure).
I'll take ABC anytime over Airmatic
#11
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