Active curve system
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
GL550
Thanks for the answer, it just happened again today when I was stopping a red light without turning or changing lane, but then again road wasn't perfectly flat I guess? Also struck me a bit off these leveling action are very quick and sudden. I am going to drive a lot more tomorrow and hope to have more information. Edit:could some sensor or control unit be issue or too sensitive?
Then again this is my fist truck/car with air suspension, also find comfort mode still feel floating a bit on freeway, and even sport mode feels more float compare to my Cayenne or Rav4, guess that's normal?
Then again this is my fist truck/car with air suspension, also find comfort mode still feel floating a bit on freeway, and even sport mode feels more float compare to my Cayenne or Rav4, guess that's normal?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2013 GL450
if ordering one - get it
I have driven a 550 with active curve and just bought one without it. I also have had 2 BMWs with the same type of system. Its a win-win: it rolls less in corners (although its not a night and day difference on the 550 IMHO) but at the same time rides smoother going straight since the sway bar is effectively disconnected when not in a bend. It doesn't make the ride any more or less compliant. I don't understand why dealers don't spec it on 550s when its @3% of the cost of the vehicle.
The only downside I can think of is the servicing costs down the road. A mechanical sway bar is only a few hundred bucks even from MB, whereas the active swaybar is a few thousand to replace. Its seemingly only relevant if you keep cars out-of-warranty.
Hope that helps.
DRP
The only downside I can think of is the servicing costs down the road. A mechanical sway bar is only a few hundred bucks even from MB, whereas the active swaybar is a few thousand to replace. Its seemingly only relevant if you keep cars out-of-warranty.
Hope that helps.
DRP
Last edited by BigJob13; Mar 8, 2018 at 03:49 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2013 GL450
DRP
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
I have it on my 550 and love it. It makes a 2.5 ton truck handle as adrotily as an E class. Wouldnt buy a GLS without it. It handily outhandles our 2014 MDX. One of the complaint of the GL was that it handled sloppypily at the limit. The 550 with the active swaybars shows no signs of sloppy handling regardless of how hard you push it. Its not a 911, but amazing agile for the big fat truck category.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 743
Likes: 33
GLS450
We have ACS on our 450. This is our first large SUV for the family and this thing drives better than some cars I have driven. I don’t feel like I’m driving a big vehicle but I know I am when the lane assist vibrates the steering wheel often.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
GL550
Recall
Here is copy:
Your vehicle MAY be involved in a safety recall and MAY create a safety risk for you or your passengers. If left unrepaired, a potential safety defect could lead to injury or even death. Safety defects must be repaired by a dealer at no cost to you.
Why am I getting this email?
You are receiving this message because you requested to be notified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) if there is a safety recall that may affect your vehicle.
The following may apply to one or more of your vehicles if your vehicle is listed below. Click on the NHTSA Recall ID Number below to read more about the safety issue and the reason for the recall.
To find out if your specific passenger vehicle is included in the recall, use our https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vin]VIN Look-up Tool. NHTSA Recall ID Number :18V272Manufacturer :Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Subject : Oil in Active Curve System may LeakMakeModelModel YearsMERCEDES BENZGL3502013-2016MERCEDES BENZGL4502013-2016MERCEDES BENZGL5502013-2016MERCEDES BENZGL632013-2016MERCEDES BENZGLE3502016MERCEDES BENZGLE4002016MERCEDES BENZGLE4502016MERCEDES BENZGLE632016MERCEDES BENZGLE63S2016MERCEDES BENZGLS350D2017MERCEDES BENZGLS4502017MERCEDES BENZGLS5502017MERCEDES BENZGLS632017MERCEDES BENZML3502012-2015MERCEDES BENZML4002015MERCEDES BENZML5502012-2014MERCEDES BENZML632012-2015What is a recall?
When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that vehicle at no cost to the owner. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.
What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall?
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed.You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America's roadways.
Additional Resources
https://youtu.be/NC9eduQ2CRc]Understanding Vehicle Recalls
https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/faq.jsp]Recalls FAQ
Thank you,
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
United States Department of Transportation
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 1,012
From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
This bulletin just came out, it's dated 5/11, but it's for the cap on the reservoir, not a problem we've seen yet. The pumps do leak from time to time. So far, we've had a couple with issues that we have fixed, this system is like ABC, and I feel suffers from the same problems, too many techs at the shop don't know how it works or why and therefore can't fix it properly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
I love mine. Its effect is very noticeable particularly in sport mode where it vanishes lean completely. In sport mode the sway bar is on all the time rather than reactive as it is in comfort. Its the only system on my vehicle thst has had a problem(it groaned) but thankfully it solved itself. Definitely worth it if you want some "sport" in your GLS.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 40
Likes: 6
From: Melbourne Australia
Haflinger
Active curve is very good in the twisty roads. I flick it over from comfort setting in sharper bends out in the country. Family don't notice the ride difference but its way more comfy for them due to less roll. It means I can have a little bit more fun too!
It does make a big difference to the car, worth the money.
I showed the recall notice to my ex dealer's service manager. He had never heard of the issue!
It does make a big difference to the car, worth the money.
I showed the recall notice to my ex dealer's service manager. He had never heard of the issue!
