suspension setting
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The general drift of previous discussions on this topic is that the three Airmatic suspension settings have been recalibrated since their introduction with the '03. The sense is that they have been made somewhat softer, or more compliant, in the newest models, although I haven't seen that quantified or confirmed by any official source.
My wife and I both find that our '03 E500's ride is very firm - bordering on harsh - even in "Comfort", so we almost never put it in either "Sport" setting. That's our main disappointment with the car, actually. It doesn't ride like a luxury car should. We don't expect it to ride like a Lexus, either. We would be happy if it just rode as comfortably as our previous car, a BMW 528i.
Other folks (usually with newer W211s) have reported that they keep it in Sport I, or even Sport II, most of the time. That sure supports the theory that M-B softened the Airmatic settings along the way. If I kept our car in Sport II most of the time I wouldn't have any fillings left in my teeth.
My point, if there is one, is that the Airmatic setting that people use most of the time seems to be a function not only of personal preference but also of what model year they are driving.
My wife and I both find that our '03 E500's ride is very firm - bordering on harsh - even in "Comfort", so we almost never put it in either "Sport" setting. That's our main disappointment with the car, actually. It doesn't ride like a luxury car should. We don't expect it to ride like a Lexus, either. We would be happy if it just rode as comfortably as our previous car, a BMW 528i.
Other folks (usually with newer W211s) have reported that they keep it in Sport I, or even Sport II, most of the time. That sure supports the theory that M-B softened the Airmatic settings along the way. If I kept our car in Sport II most of the time I wouldn't have any fillings left in my teeth.
My point, if there is one, is that the Airmatic setting that people use most of the time seems to be a function not only of personal preference but also of what model year they are driving.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Just out of curiosity... Have you checked your tire pressures with a reliable tire pressure guage (or two)... not the one built in to many inflation hoses at the gas station.
My tires are inflated to 28F/30R (Cold parked overnight, not driven more than 1/4 mile to fill them). I keep my car in Sport 1 & like it fine. Check the gas tank filler door for proper inflation reccomendations. Do not use the "Maximum Inflation Pressure" specified on the tire sidewall.
My tires are inflated to 28F/30R (Cold parked overnight, not driven more than 1/4 mile to fill them). I keep my car in Sport 1 & like it fine. Check the gas tank filler door for proper inflation reccomendations. Do not use the "Maximum Inflation Pressure" specified on the tire sidewall.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
I keep the tires at around 30 psi front and rear, using a digital (electronic) pressure gauge.
To be fair, the ride on our car is improved to some degree since I replaced the original Contis with Toyos. The car still doesn't do a particularly good job of filtering out expansion cracks, potholes, and the like (either in terms of impact or noise) but it's better than it was. I was about ready to trade in that sucka on an M45 or something before we got the Toyos, so dissatisfied was I with the rough ride and road noise. I dunno. Maybe all cars with low-profile tires ride like that. I've read and collected several reviews of the '03 E500, and only some mention an overly-firm ride, so maybe it's just me.
To be fair, the ride on our car is improved to some degree since I replaced the original Contis with Toyos. The car still doesn't do a particularly good job of filtering out expansion cracks, potholes, and the like (either in terms of impact or noise) but it's better than it was. I was about ready to trade in that sucka on an M45 or something before we got the Toyos, so dissatisfied was I with the rough ride and road noise. I dunno. Maybe all cars with low-profile tires ride like that. I've read and collected several reviews of the '03 E500, and only some mention an overly-firm ride, so maybe it's just me.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
05 w211 w/appearance package and 19" presidentials
I have 19s on a I can really feel the difference from all three settings. I drive most of the time on Sport 1, but often Sport 2 when Im alone in the car, when Im with other people I place it on comfort so they can fall asleep so i dont have to deal with their ****, hahaha
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: From HK, Stay in South Africa now
Own by dad: 03 MB E320, 01 MB C180, 99 MB C180, 95 MB C180
Just got the '03 E320 two months ago, tried all three settings, now mostly sticks with sport 1, i don't really notice the differents between comfort and sport 1, so i choose sport 1 because it lowers the car a little. just to give the sporty look. and sometimes sport 2 when driving alone.
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