Definitely AirMatic, BUT should I get Active Curve?
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Corona Del Mar, CA
Posts: 7,391
Received 3,674 Likes
on
2,104 Posts
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Definitely AirMatic, BUT should I get Active Curve?
After going around and around and around yet again, I am going to order a new ML350BTC today or tomorrow. I am definitely going for the AirMatic, but should I also go for the Active Curve System? AirMatic is $1610.00 and Active Curve adds an additional $2910.00. I won't say that money is no object, but I am willing to spend it, to get something wonderful. I am most interested in a comfortable, quiet ride. I know that AirMatic will help in this respect, but frankly--and I have read the technical description--I can't really figure out what Active Curve does. I will, most likely, never take this vehicle off road. Any help from you folks would be greatly appreciated.
So far, my order looks like this:
2014 ML350BTC 4-Matic $51,790.00
Polar White
Grey leather $1,620.00
P01 Premium 1 Package $3,920.00
319 Lighting Package $1,390.00
996 Parking Assist Package $1,290.00
997 Driver’s Assistance Package $2,800.00
289 Wood/leather steering wheel $ 590.00
311 Heated/Cooled cup holders $ 180.00
399 Multicontour Front Seats $1,100.00
550 Trailer Hitch $ 550.00
810 Harmon Kardon Sound System $ 810.00
876 Multi-color ambient lighting $ 310.00
889 Keyless-Go $ 650.00
401 Heated/active vent front seats $ 570.00
468 Active Curve System $ 2,910.00
489 Airmatic Air Suspension Pkg. $1,610.00
883 Soft close doors $ 550.00
297 Rear side window sunshades $ 380.00
293 Rear side airbags $ 420.00
282 2nd row seat pass-through $ 160.00
U09 MB Tex wrapped dash $ 330.00
Special Order charge $ 250.00
$74,180.00
So far, my order looks like this:
2014 ML350BTC 4-Matic $51,790.00
Polar White
Grey leather $1,620.00
P01 Premium 1 Package $3,920.00
319 Lighting Package $1,390.00
996 Parking Assist Package $1,290.00
997 Driver’s Assistance Package $2,800.00
289 Wood/leather steering wheel $ 590.00
311 Heated/Cooled cup holders $ 180.00
399 Multicontour Front Seats $1,100.00
550 Trailer Hitch $ 550.00
810 Harmon Kardon Sound System $ 810.00
876 Multi-color ambient lighting $ 310.00
889 Keyless-Go $ 650.00
401 Heated/active vent front seats $ 570.00
468 Active Curve System $ 2,910.00
489 Airmatic Air Suspension Pkg. $1,610.00
883 Soft close doors $ 550.00
297 Rear side window sunshades $ 380.00
293 Rear side airbags $ 420.00
282 2nd row seat pass-through $ 160.00
U09 MB Tex wrapped dash $ 330.00
Special Order charge $ 250.00
$74,180.00
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
Received 52 Likes
on
46 Posts
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
Just do it..you won't regret. What it does is give you outstanding handling around curves and turns keeping your M level and planted..you'll go around turns in a completely flat attitude...it's great !
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Corona Del Mar, CA
Posts: 7,391
Received 3,674 Likes
on
2,104 Posts
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Thanks to all for the comments. I am going to order both the AirMatic and the Active Curve. Regarding repairs, I will not be keeping this vehicle beyond the factory warranty period or mileage.
#6
Senior Member
Definitely go for the Active Curve, I ordered it, handling is tight and helps control body lean during cornering maneuvers.
#7
Super Member
For that price get the ml550. That's his much mine costs and it has a helluva engine. I got airmatic basic. The sport one would be beneficial for a speedy car like the ml63 or 550. Notice only the ml63 guys chimed in. It's a handling option. It doesn't seem like you'll reap the be benefits unless you got a big engine!
Trending Topics
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Corona Del Mar, CA
Posts: 7,391
Received 3,674 Likes
on
2,104 Posts
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
For that price get the ml550. That's his much mine costs and it has a helluva engine. I got airmatic basic. The sport one would be beneficial for a speedy car like the ml63 or 550. Notice only the ml63 guys chimed in. It's a handling option. It doesn't seem like you'll reap the be benefits unless you got a big engine!
Furthermore, I absolutely HATE the way MB shoves their B.S. "Sports Package" styling down your throat, along with the running boards, should you wish to opt for a V8. To me, the sports package styling on an SUV looks ridiculous, especially since the clean, simple lines of the basic ML are so beautiful.
I have the AirMatic suspension on my S550 and had it previously in an E500 and it is magnificent. From what I have heard from researching this board, the Active Curve System is another "must have," when you ask people who have it.
Thanks for the advice, but my ML will be a BlueTec with all the goodies. Can't wait!
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Furthermore, I absolutely HATE the way MB shoves their B.S. "Sports Package" styling down your throat, along with the running boards, should you wish to opt for a V8. To me, the sports package styling on an SUV looks ridiculous, especially since the clean, simple lines of the basic ML are so beautiful.
Thanks for the advice, but my ML will be a BlueTec with all the goodies. Can't wait!
Thanks for the advice, but my ML will be a BlueTec with all the goodies. Can't wait!
I do not have Active Curve, but for high speed winding roads, select "Sport" on the airmatic and the ride lowers and flattens out for relaxed comfortable cornering.
If I want faster or better handling, I take the Aston. It has the capacity for a weekend away, but if I need more space, the ML never disappoints.
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
#11
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Land of OZ- Mornington Peninsula
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
1 Post
ML350 BT soon......pleeeease. GOT IT NOW....Wooooo
Active curve does NOT enhance handling of airmatic in sport mode.....what it does is DECREASE the the amount of anti sway or anti roll when in off road, and I think in cruise mode, to allow more suspension movement at individual wheels to accomodate undulating surfaces. Have alook at a real 4x4 with one wheel going over a big rock and you will get the idea.
I say this in good faith. Cheers, mlee
I say this in good faith. Cheers, mlee
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
Received 52 Likes
on
46 Posts
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
Active curve does NOT enhance handling of airmatic in sport mode.....what it does is DECREASE the the amount of anti sway or anti roll when in off road, and I think in cruise mode, to allow more suspension movement at individual wheels to accomodate undulating surfaces. Have alook at a real 4x4 with one wheel going over a big rock and you will get the idea.
I say this in good faith. Cheers, mlee
I say this in good faith. Cheers, mlee
http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-121...0-0-0-0-0.html
#13
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Land of OZ- Mornington Peninsula
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
1 Post
ML350 BT soon......pleeeease. GOT IT NOW....Wooooo
*
** Enlarge
*
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
The roll distribution is variable to enable the vehicle to be adapted to almost any situation. The driver has the feeling of gliding on rails, particularly in vehicles with a high centre of gravity.
*
*
** Enlarge
*
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
In off-road environments, the system guarantees improved axle roll by decoupling the two stabiliser bars at the front and rear axles.
** Enlarge
*
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
The roll distribution is variable to enable the vehicle to be adapted to almost any situation. The driver has the feeling of gliding on rails, particularly in vehicles with a high centre of gravity.
*
*
** Enlarge
*
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
In off-road environments, the system guarantees improved axle roll by decoupling the two stabiliser bars at the front and rear axles.
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
Received 52 Likes
on
46 Posts
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
As I see it it it's main function is actually is to improve cornering roll but has the ability to disconnect from the axles when off-road to allow maximum independent wheel travel..
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
I believe Nanook is more correct.
The active curve does release the anti-sway bar to allow more wheel travel off road and as required for comfort. But the bar is also stiffer, so that when coupled, it will provide a flatter ride at speed.
The active curve does release the anti-sway bar to allow more wheel travel off road and as required for comfort. But the bar is also stiffer, so that when coupled, it will provide a flatter ride at speed.
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
Received 52 Likes
on
46 Posts
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
It's performance is quite remarkable. In my ML there is virtually no chassis roll or very little...like turning on rails
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Since I'm getting an ML 350BlueTEC and the off road package is not available for this model in the US, I think the active curve option is probably not necessary.
Last edited by DUTCH; 12-28-2013 at 12:46 PM.
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Corona Del Mar, CA
Posts: 7,391
Received 3,674 Likes
on
2,104 Posts
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
It is virtually impossible to find an ML350 with Active Curve and the AirMatic in stock at a dealer to test drive, so again, I have ordered my 2014 ML350BTC with those two options, pretty much based on testimonials I have read on this board.
It's a lot of money, but to me, ride and comfort are everything, so I feel it is money well spent. I'll let you know if I chose right in about two months! Happy New Year to everyone on MBWorld!
#19
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
Received 52 Likes
on
46 Posts
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
Good choice on opting for the active curve..it totally changes the cornering and handling characteristics..you will really like it
#20
Senior Member
I ordered the Active Curve and Airmatic without testing based on feedback from this forum and the driving on rails theory. Best choice I made I was pleasantly surprised on how great the ML handles and feels.
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2014 Black ML350 4Matic
I don't have AirMatic or Active Curve but I would say to definitely get it. I do feel bad about not getting it now and its the only thing about my ML that bothers me. You are right that no one has this on the lots when you go to the dealers. My vehicle feels like it wobbles or rolls over bumps and sometimes in turns. Coming from driving sedans for years I like that tight cornering and driving on rails feeling and I think you would get that from the airmatic and active curve like the others are saying. If I end up getting another MB or ML in the future I would definitely order it.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: North Texas
Posts: 515
Received 65 Likes
on
60 Posts
Presently 19 S560 SEDAN, 2014 XK, SOLD GLE 450e
For me this is a confusing thread. From everything I've seen, AIRMATIC and ACtIVE CURVE are not available on the ML350 BLUETEC. They are available on the AMG version which is not a BlueTec. Straighten me out if I"m wrong.
The original poster said ML350 BlueTec or to be correct he said "ML350BTC". Maybe a ML350BTC is something other than a Blue Tec??? Confusing thread to me.
The original poster said ML350 BlueTec or to be correct he said "ML350BTC". Maybe a ML350BTC is something other than a Blue Tec??? Confusing thread to me.
Last edited by HAILERS2; 12-29-2013 at 12:25 PM.
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
For me this is a cofusing thread. From everything I've seen, AIRMATIC and ACtIVE CURVE are not available on the ML350 BLUETEC. They are available on the AMG version which is not a BlueTec. Straighten me out if I"m wrong.
The original poster said ML350 BlueTec or to be correct he said "ML350BTC". Maybe a ML350BTC is something other than a Blue Tec??? Confusing thread to me.
The original poster said ML350 BlueTec or to be correct he said "ML350BTC". Maybe a ML350BTC is something other than a Blue Tec??? Confusing thread to me.