ADS (Adaptive Damping System) Impressions
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
2008 GL450 / 1999 ML320
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) Impressions
Wondering if anyone has opinions/impressions regarding the GL's ADS.
Generally, I've had my GL450 ADS set to the "COMF" setting.. If I switch it to SPORT setting the ride seems to become bumpier and harsher. (Although that's somewhat subjective). According to the manual the vehicle actually lowers its height and Centre of Gravity in SPORT mode .. and conversely rides higher in COMF mode.
A couple of comments/questions:
1) What the heck is the difference between the AUTO setting and the COMF setting. When I read the manual, it appears that both settings do the same thing.
2) The manual implies that the ADS adjusts to your individual driving style. Anyone know what it analyzes to do this?
3) Anyone have any other pro or con points to make about the ADS?
Generally, I've had my GL450 ADS set to the "COMF" setting.. If I switch it to SPORT setting the ride seems to become bumpier and harsher. (Although that's somewhat subjective). According to the manual the vehicle actually lowers its height and Centre of Gravity in SPORT mode .. and conversely rides higher in COMF mode.
A couple of comments/questions:
1) What the heck is the difference between the AUTO setting and the COMF setting. When I read the manual, it appears that both settings do the same thing.
2) The manual implies that the ADS adjusts to your individual driving style. Anyone know what it analyzes to do this?
3) Anyone have any other pro or con points to make about the ADS?
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: S. FL & MI
Currently Driving a BMW 325 Sport Wagon
I have driven several GL's both with and with out ADS though I do not own a GL one key reason being that I can no longer get ADS on a 2008 GL 320.
I love the ADS system and think with a SUV as big as the GL it is great to have the sport feature when you are driving a little more agressive or on the highway in fast moving heavy traffic.
The key is having the option sporty or comfy I would bet that 75% of the time I would be on comfort.
I love the ADS system and think with a SUV as big as the GL it is great to have the sport feature when you are driving a little more agressive or on the highway in fast moving heavy traffic.
The key is having the option sporty or comfy I would bet that 75% of the time I would be on comfort.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
2001 BMW 540i/6-speed, 2008 GL550
Only driven the GL about 1000 miles, mostly highway. So far I've found the Comfort and Auto settings to be pretty similar. Sport is a little stiff, but it's good to know I can firm up the suspension when we go up into the mountains.
Last edited by sraj; Oct 2, 2007 at 10:05 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
I have just over 1200 miles now and would say I am in C mode most of the time in town or locally. I used Automatic most on my 800 mile jaunt from Denver and it was a good ride with positive steering. C and Auto are very close.
S mode is a little to harsh for me and it is very noticeable when you activate it. I did use it on the curves at RR yesterday and it seemed to provide a more "in control" feeling on the curves. But on the interstate or in town you really feel every bump and pebble on the road.
I do notice a difference in shift points of the transmission in a different modes but this may be due to the adaptive transmission and how you drive in a particular mode. I don't know if the memory of the adaptive transmission works for each mode but I would suspect so.
S mode is a little to harsh for me and it is very noticeable when you activate it. I did use it on the curves at RR yesterday and it seemed to provide a more "in control" feeling on the curves. But on the interstate or in town you really feel every bump and pebble on the road.
I do notice a difference in shift points of the transmission in a different modes but this may be due to the adaptive transmission and how you drive in a particular mode. I don't know if the memory of the adaptive transmission works for each mode but I would suspect so.
