wx2228

don't get me started on why i didn't choose that pkg in the first place...the dealer messed up my order.
any knows any aftermarket air suspension or how much is it gonna cost to add-on the OEM pkg?

GregW / Oregon

I don't really think either of those are realistic options. Better off trading in and taking that hit.

Philamg

+1

wx2228

thanks for the reply! my goal is to get a more comfortable ride since the GLE is my family car, looks like i mixed up few concepts here.
E-ABC: this is something that's not available on 350/450 from what i can see on MB USA
AirMatic: this is a particular suspension system that includes air suspension the MB offer

i see a lot of ppl online says the ride can get more comfortable if replacing with a better coilover or air suspension, but looks like the latter is easier to break down.
so now im thinking where can i get a better coilover suspension to make the ride better

Yocubed

E-ABC is available on the GLE 450 and 580 as an option ($8200 and $6500 respectively as the 580 already has the airmatic air suspension)
It's basically an addition to the air suspension that uses road scanning cameras to adjust spring/suspension rates and can also lean the car to counter body roll in curves amongst other nifty things.
It's not available on the 350 because is uses the EQ Boost features of the 6cyl engine.

Airmatic is the air suspension and offered on all the 4Matic versions (again standard on the 580). Not available on the GLE 350 without 4Matic

Having only being able to test drive the standard suspension models prior to ordering ours with the Airmatic suspension, I can tell you that the airmatic definitely seems more comfortable in it's sportiest setting than the standard suspension is in comfort mode. The system really does a great job at dampening road conditions.

bigpern23

I haven't driven the air suspension or E-ABC, but find the ride on the springs to be perfectly comfortable. Bumps don't rattle too badly and it's not too mushy. I would probably prefer a stiffer ride, but my wife would hate that, so the springs actually hit a pretty happy medium for us. The air suspension would let me enjoy driving by myself a bit more, but It's not huge loss. If I had been able to find one on a lot that had the air suspension (along with four other key options for me), I would have bought it, but the particular build I was looking for just wasn't available anywhere.

wx2228

same here, no dealer carries GLE with airmatic in inventory, which i am very surprised

mercedesmax

Don't be surprised, it's not an option most people care about. I ordered 1 GLE 350 with airmatic for a client. Only one we've had.

wx2228

yeah this is the highlighted feature when MB market this car, it's all over the media, then no one, at least no dealer here really cares about it

TexAg91

Active body control and the air suspension are two separate options, they are not the same.

wx2228

oh that bouncing thing is the E-ABC, i thought it's the airmatic. thanks for correction!

mercedesmax

We care about what sells. If there had been demand for this option you better bet we would stock it.

TexAg91

My 2 cents, this is only an option that someone who leases their vehicles or trades them before the warranty expires would want. At some point, someone is going to be stuck with a expensive repair bill when the E-ABC fails and the actuators and/or control system have to be replaced.

wx2228

that makes sense!

GregW / Oregon

Long term maintenance is a concern, but I still got E-ABC. Worth it to me, and I keep mine a full model cycle (did get extended warranty for the first time).

TexAg91

Just out of curiosity, how long you planning to keep it? If mine had E-ABC, I would have purchased an extended warranty too! Very nice feature, and likely very expensive when something fails. Cheers!

GregW / Oregon

As I said, "a full model cycle," so ~7 years. True about possible expensive repairs. Could be a concern for resale down the line, but it's a feature that makes the car more enjoyable for me.

mercedesmax

Actually, the guy that I ordered the airmatic GLE for bought his.
Fact is most people have zero complaints about the GLE's ride quality. Air suspension is not an option they care about.
I wouldn't get it on a GLE, don't think it's necessary.

Max209

My understanding is that the GLE 450 has electronic dampening feature on the standard suspension, but the 350 does not. In test driving, I found the 450 standard suspension much better riding than the 350. I also drove a 580 with airmatic suspension and was not impressed that it was worth the extra expense. Airmatic may be desireable if you do a lot of offroad travel or tow a significant size load/trailer.

GregW / Oregon

AFAIK, the standard steel sprung suspension in the 350 & 450 is the same, with the possible exception of spring rates. Airmatic has Adaptive Damping System Plus, which the standard suspension does not. Did you try all the modes of Airmatic? In Comfort it is similar to the steel suspension (though smoother, IMO); but, you have the option of Sport which firms things up considerably for more aggressive driving. That's not even talking about the ability to raise and lower the vehice.

Max209

Gets a little confusing. especially for me as a new owner. I think the standard GLE 450 with 4Matic comes with Dynamic Select and that is probably what I was noticing as a better ride quality (Comfort mode) and handling on the 450 compared to the 350. I don't actually recall if the 350 I test drove had 4Matic or not, but presumably it did not and that would account for the noticeable difference.

GregW / Oregon

Dynamic Select only affects suspension settings with Airmatic, not with the standard steel springs.