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Disappointed in this cars suspension qualities over rough roads.
#151
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Is the problem with the car or the road conditions in one's particular home area? If the roads in your NJ area were repaired or in not so bad condition, would have the same complaints? If the roads are so "crappy", wouldn't all cars have this problem, although I haven't driven every car in the E class segment, I doubt Lexus, BMW, Cadillac or Infiniti has the perfect combo of performance yet smooth ride over potholed roads. Plus, it's not MB's fault if ones local gov does not put road conditions a priority.
Also wondering if the 4matic rides differently from the RWD.
Also wondering if the 4matic rides differently from the RWD.
#152
Every area in the US is going to have some bad stretches of road - and no car is going to float over it so you wouldn't spill a sip of coffee out of a full mug with no cover.
The point is the E series becomes terribly unsettled over rough road conditions. The suspension bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car. IMO, it appears nervous, unsettling and twitchy. Someone else used the technical term - sh-tty. The point is that no car should do this - especially a $60K MB.
Please let me know if I have failed to clearly explain the difference.
#153
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
IMO you are completely missing the point.
Every area in the US is going to have some bad stretches of road - and no car is going to float over it so you wouldn't spill a sip of coffee out of a full mug with no cover.
The point is the E series becomes terribly unsettled over rough road conditions. The suspension bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car. IMO, it appears nervous, unsettling and twitchy. Someone else used the technical term - sh-tty. The point is that no car should do this - especially a $60K MB.
Please let me know if I have failed to clearly explain the difference.
Every area in the US is going to have some bad stretches of road - and no car is going to float over it so you wouldn't spill a sip of coffee out of a full mug with no cover.
The point is the E series becomes terribly unsettled over rough road conditions. The suspension bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car. IMO, it appears nervous, unsettling and twitchy. Someone else used the technical term - sh-tty. The point is that no car should do this - especially a $60K MB.
Please let me know if I have failed to clearly explain the difference.
#154
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'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
IMO you are completely missing the point.
Every area in the US is going to have some bad stretches of road - and no car is going to float over it so you wouldn't spill a sip of coffee out of a full mug with no cover.
The point is the E series becomes terribly unsettled over rough road conditions. The suspension bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car. IMO, it appears nervous, unsettling and twitchy. Someone else used the technical term - sh-tty. The point is that no car should do this - especially a $60K MB.
Please let me know if I have failed to clearly explain the difference.
Every area in the US is going to have some bad stretches of road - and no car is going to float over it so you wouldn't spill a sip of coffee out of a full mug with no cover.
The point is the E series becomes terribly unsettled over rough road conditions. The suspension bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car. IMO, it appears nervous, unsettling and twitchy. Someone else used the technical term - sh-tty. The point is that no car should do this - especially a $60K MB.
Please let me know if I have failed to clearly explain the difference.
As a side note, I feel the car rides fine, comfort mode is smooth and sport
mode gives the road feel and tighter handling, BUT, I am attributing my lack
of dissatisfaction to possibly better road conditions, which is completely subjective.
#155
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I'm now curious to feel how an E550 handles the rough roads in question.
And for the record, I'm NOT even talking about potholes, I'm talking about basic rough or un-smooth road. In the E350, on smooth road, it feels like your gliding smoothly, then over said rough road, you feel EVERYTHING in it, like the car is trying to do its best Ferrari impression, only failing miserably because it's a *Luxury Sedan*.
Now, if you want to talk about potholes.... the car feels like it's about to snap in half, and again, this is talking about the most advanced and possibly strongest body-shell used today, using the highest grade steels of any car in history, and more of it than any car in history. That says one thing: This suspension does absolutely nothing to absorb and coddle away harsh elements, and it leaves it up to the frame, which means the suspension sucks *over rough roads*.
I love my car immensely, I find it to be the best in Class without question, and I'd love to say that it's perfect, but there is one major flaw, and this is it. The 268 HP is fine, the barely decent MPG I can live with, but the handling of rough roads is enough to be a potential deal-breaker of an otherwise masterpiece of a car.
And for the record, I'm NOT even talking about potholes, I'm talking about basic rough or un-smooth road. In the E350, on smooth road, it feels like your gliding smoothly, then over said rough road, you feel EVERYTHING in it, like the car is trying to do its best Ferrari impression, only failing miserably because it's a *Luxury Sedan*.
Now, if you want to talk about potholes.... the car feels like it's about to snap in half, and again, this is talking about the most advanced and possibly strongest body-shell used today, using the highest grade steels of any car in history, and more of it than any car in history. That says one thing: This suspension does absolutely nothing to absorb and coddle away harsh elements, and it leaves it up to the frame, which means the suspension sucks *over rough roads*.
I love my car immensely, I find it to be the best in Class without question, and I'd love to say that it's perfect, but there is one major flaw, and this is it. The 268 HP is fine, the barely decent MPG I can live with, but the handling of rough roads is enough to be a potential deal-breaker of an otherwise masterpiece of a car.
#156
In regards to the suspension...
The BMW 5 series for one. The Infiniti M, the Audi A6, the Jag XF, etc.
In my opinion EVERY car in the segment is more civilized over poor stretches of pavement than the E series sport.
What other car in this segment has a suspension that bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car by simply driiving over poor stretches of pavement?
#157
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In regards to the suspension...
The BMW 5 series for one. The Infiniti M, the Audi A6, the Jag XF, etc.
In my opinion EVERY car in the segment is more civilized over poor stretches of pavement than the E series sport.
What other car in this segment has a suspension that bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car by simply driiving over poor stretches of pavement?
The BMW 5 series for one. The Infiniti M, the Audi A6, the Jag XF, etc.
In my opinion EVERY car in the segment is more civilized over poor stretches of pavement than the E series sport.
What other car in this segment has a suspension that bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car by simply driiving over poor stretches of pavement?
#158
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I did get the ABC option suspension. I just figured that MB would have given their other lines of cars the option,not just the "s." I probably would have kept my "E" if it had this option.
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In regards to the suspension...
The BMW 5 series for one. The Infiniti M, the Audi A6, the Jag XF, etc.
In my opinion EVERY car in the segment is more civilized over poor stretches of pavement than the E series sport.
What other car in this segment has a suspension that bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car by simply driiving over poor stretches of pavement?
The BMW 5 series for one. The Infiniti M, the Audi A6, the Jag XF, etc.
In my opinion EVERY car in the segment is more civilized over poor stretches of pavement than the E series sport.
What other car in this segment has a suspension that bottoms out, thuds, and transmits shocks through the frame of the car by simply driiving over poor stretches of pavement?
As for other makes, I would only seriously consider the BMW 5, no way on an Infiniti, Audi or Jag (although the new XJ is nice), but a fully loaded 535i prices out at about the same as the E550 (I know, it includes full service).
#160
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I bought the new e because I've been a Mercedes customer for 25 years and the last thing I thought I needed to focus on when I test drove the car was the suspension. That, in addition to a well built state of the art luxury sedan, was what I thought I was getting. Whenever I would be speaking about cars with work associates and/or friends, I would always say that there was no better suspension in the auto industry than Mercedes, great balance between comfort and handling, the reason I never wanted a BMW, which had a much less forgiving ride. This suspension is not what I associate with the heritage of great Mercedes suspensions with great balance. Now you live in an area where the roads are not an issue and you can and should be grateful for that. But a great Mercedes suspension should perform well under a wider variety of surfaces. That is what is annoying those on this thread. We are happy for you that the suspension works great in your environment. But you might have empathy for those of us who feel differently. We are not nit pickers. We just expected a suspension that Mercedes have traditionally been known for not one that fails when the going gets rough. Regards. Ned.
#161
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
If your car rides as bad as you say, we may be beyond just a discussion on harsh road feel or an overzealous sport suspension, there may be an issue with the car, have you had it checked out? I assume when you and others say "bottom out", that means that you feel the undercarriage is actually touching or scrapping the pavement, is that possible?
As for other makes, I would only seriously consider the BMW 5, no way on an Infiniti, Audi or Jag (although the new XJ is nice), but a fully loaded 535i prices out at about the same as the E550 (I know, it includes full service).
As for other makes, I would only seriously consider the BMW 5, no way on an Infiniti, Audi or Jag (although the new XJ is nice), but a fully loaded 535i prices out at about the same as the E550 (I know, it includes full service).
Last edited by ngerstman; 05-01-2011 at 09:47 PM.
#162
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Why not get the shop foreman and/or your service manager in the car with you and take them on some of the roads that you know will create the issues you're describing? Get them to drive it with you and discuss what's going on while it's happening.
Plus you can ask for a loaner and try to compare your ride against it. Even ask your salesperson who sold you the car to let you test drive a new car.
I think you need to do some comparisons and not just let the dealer try to check what's wrong. They can't get debited (at least not very easily) on a customer's complaint unless something appears that can be determined as a fault.
I'm sorry that you're experiencing this. It's unusual only in that the majority find Airmatic with ADSII to be a comfortable ride over all kinds of road conditions. Granted, the roads in Southern California might be better (but only because of weather; infrastructure is falling apart here, too), and I've driven on really crappy roads with the suspension being solid and yet smooth. Anyone who is in the car with me always comments about the smooth ride.
Whatever the issue I hope it works out. Although there will always be some subjectivity as to what is the "perfect" ride (Goldilocks phenomenon.) p.s., also go drive the S Class with ABC.....
#163
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Ironically I hopped into and drove my car for the first time in one week today, and it was incredibly smooth and plush, simply outstanding of a drive. I think it's pissed at me, and is on its A-Game (err, I was fortunate to not hit many rough patches).
On smooth roads, I'll take the balance and characteristics of the E350 Sport over the 5-Series, and even S-Class. It's perfect in that aspect, IMO. I wish M-B could have carried those characteristics into handling and absorbing harshness.
On smooth roads, I'll take the balance and characteristics of the E350 Sport over the 5-Series, and even S-Class. It's perfect in that aspect, IMO. I wish M-B could have carried those characteristics into handling and absorbing harshness.
#164
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2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
As I read these posts, I have to wonder what type of roads you guys are driving on. I am in central PA, where they regularly pave over boulders rather than move them. Potholes? We invented them. I test drove both the Luxury and Sport versions of the Blutec prior to purchasing. I drove my normal commute route in both. While I definitely noticed a difference between the sport and luxury setups, I did not find the Sport objectionable in any way. I simply found the ride more plush with the Luxury and it fit what I was after in ride. I did not drive the E550, as I was not interested in a gasser. I did drive the E350 gasser just for comparison with acceleration between gas and Bluetec. I generally do a pretty thorough test drive (always in the actual vehicle I will drive off the lot). When I read some of these posts, I wonder if these are the same cars. I really feel for you folks that are unhappy with the ride. Maybe a set of Bilstiens will fix you up. Not sure if there is anything that can be done for the Airmatic. I have a co-worker with a 2010 E550 and he tells me it is the best riding car he has ever owned. I would get the service techs involved, as I am wondering if there could be something wrong with the few folks posting dissatisfaction.
#165
Having said that, I am definitely disappointed in my E350. It's more of a personal preference thing than a rebuke of the series. The E has several desirable attributes.
However, I'm not afraid to admit that I think I made a mistake in choosing this car. After 6 months and 7,500 miles I know it's not the best car for me.
I have never been a overzealous fanboy of anything I have owned. I praise the things I like, but I'm not shy about being critical of what I feel are shortcomings, or design flaws.
YMMV.
#166
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I am sure this has been covered before, but is there a difference in the stiffness in the E550's airmatic suspension between the Sport and Luxury versions?
This is a moot point for we Canadians as we can't get a luxury model in either E350 or E550. It's a shame because our roads can be very bad. Maybe this will change for 2012 and beyond, but I'm not holding my breath.
This is a moot point for we Canadians as we can't get a luxury model in either E350 or E550. It's a shame because our roads can be very bad. Maybe this will change for 2012 and beyond, but I'm not holding my breath.
#167
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I recently upgraded from 18's to 20's and I can't feel the difference so I suspect that it might be the same for 17's and 18's.
#168
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I am sure this has been covered before, but is there a difference in the stiffness in the E550's airmatic suspension between the Sport and Luxury versions?
This is a moot point for we Canadians as we can't get a luxury model in either E350 or E550. It's a shame because our roads can be very bad. Maybe this will change for 2012 and beyond, but I'm not holding my breath.
This is a moot point for we Canadians as we can't get a luxury model in either E350 or E550. It's a shame because our roads can be very bad. Maybe this will change for 2012 and beyond, but I'm not holding my breath.
#169
We don't mean that the car bottoms out, but the suspension runs out of "travel" and the shock bottoms out with a thud that transmits through the frame to the passengers(I'm speaking from the airmatic perspective). Jarring. It takes moderately bad roads to get that affect. On "average" rough roads, the ride is plain hard, not at all forgiving, like BMW's of yesteryear. I have taken my car to two dealerships and both say that they can't find anything wrong nor are any codes being tripped. That of course doesn't mean something isn't wrong but certainly reduces the odds. Regards. Ned.
#170
I have same problem
I have a 2011 e550 and really don't like the suspension on rough roads as well. It works perfectly fine on decent roads but is hard and even bottoms out easily when one hits a medium size pot hole, which I find truly annoying. I was so surprised by the mediocre performance of the suspension, in both the sport or comfort modes, that I complained to my dealership, not believing that there was not a problem. They checked it for me and said nothing was wrong. I took the car to a second dealership to get checked by someone else and they also said that there was no problem. My feeling is that there is not enough travel with the airmatic shocks(the front airmatics are both shock and spring, no front springs!!). My body actually stiffens up when I am approaching rough roads to gird for the impact of the suspension bottoming out and getting truly jarred to the bone. This is not what Mercedes suspensions have historically been all about. I always felt that they had the state of the art balance between good handling and the proper amount of road isolation. I even bought a set of 17 inch rims(my 550 is a sport) and to be quite honest, that didn't change the comfort of the ride that much(I'm still glad to have them to lesson the chance of blowouts, which I had a double one of earlier this year). I'm convinced that the lack of travel in the airmatic is responsible for many of the blowouts that people have had, as the suspension is not absorbing enough energy. I personally like the feel of the c class suspension and would prefer a version of that in my e550. The c suspension is more of a classic Mercedes suspension than my airmatic. Regards. Ned.
Would love to hear from other owners who have this problem and what the outcome was for them. I wonder, can anything be done? Kind of outrageous that an almost $80,000 car would have this problem.
#171
You are spreading so many lies that you are starting to sound like Donald Trump.I would seriously like to know what car you were driving before the E, and what car you think is would glide over potholes.
If you dont have a car in mind then here is my suggestion.
No it doesnt but it handles different.
If you dont have a car in mind then here is my suggestion.
No it doesnt but it handles different.
#172
Senior Member
This 'bottoming out' shouldn't even happen in sport mode, never mind comfort mode.
#173
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I have the same problem with front suspension bottoming out even when going over a speed bump in a parking lot at just 5 MPH. Called dealer and they said maybe a bubble in air suspension system but if you have had it looked at by 2 dealers I am not wasting my time (40 miles to closest dealer) just so they can put in a claim for warranty work on my car.
Would love to hear from other owners who have this problem and what the outcome was for them. I wonder, can anything be done? Kind of outrageous that an almost $80,000 car would have this problem.
Would love to hear from other owners who have this problem and what the outcome was for them. I wonder, can anything be done? Kind of outrageous that an almost $80,000 car would have this problem.
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Keep us posted ngerstman, I'm curious to know whether your car is an "unlucky" one, or if it's a problem plaguing all Airmatics. IMO, the ONLY benefit of Airmatic should be a doubtlessly cozy and isolating ride from rough imperfections, as if it doesn't provide that, I wouldn't personally have a necessity for such a complex and ultra expensive-to-fix suspension.
Also, don't be afraid to tell MBUSA that you were looking for a Luxury Model, and couldn't find one, hence you having to deal with certain things you would have rather not have.
Also, don't be afraid to tell MBUSA that you were looking for a Luxury Model, and couldn't find one, hence you having to deal with certain things you would have rather not have.
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Keep us posted ngerstman, I'm curious to know whether your car is an "unlucky" one, or if it's a problem plaguing all Airmatics. IMO, the ONLY benefit of Airmatic should be a doubtlessly cozy and isolating ride from rough imperfections, as if it doesn't provide that, I wouldn't personally have a necessity for such a complex and ultra expensive-to-fix suspension.
Also, don't be afraid to tell MBUSA that you were looking for a Luxury Model, and couldn't find one, hence you having to deal with certain things you would have rather not have.
Also, don't be afraid to tell MBUSA that you were looking for a Luxury Model, and couldn't find one, hence you having to deal with certain things you would have rather not have.