Driving 4matic on Beach Sand
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Gresham, OR
2020 GLE 450
Actually I did not touch anything on the off road package. I have the airmatic suspension so I just raised it up a notch and it worked just fine. Of course try to stay on the harder sand because even the best of 4x4 can get stuck. Now this was on a beach so if you plan to drive on inland sand dunes some else needs to relate their experiences.
Have fun!!
Have fun!!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
Likes: 4
From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
As Dutch says, on any sand, tyre pressure is more important than anything else.
Even a 2WD with low pressure (12psi), will outperform any 4WD at 40psi.
Having said that, you will be asking for trouble if you deflate your 20" rim tyres down to 12psi. Just hit one rock and you are up for a new rim.
Rule of thumb minimum for 16" alloy rims with tubeless tyres is 15psi.
With my 20" rims, I would not go down to 20psi unless it was clean coastal sand with no rocks at all. Any hard ground and I would limit it to 25psi.
If you are driving on the beach, the hard wet sand is easy going and no changes are necessary. (Make sure you wash off the salt afterwards.)
For softer sand, Off road 1 setting on the Airmatic control with max height is the best option.
Even a 2WD with low pressure (12psi), will outperform any 4WD at 40psi.
Having said that, you will be asking for trouble if you deflate your 20" rim tyres down to 12psi. Just hit one rock and you are up for a new rim.
Rule of thumb minimum for 16" alloy rims with tubeless tyres is 15psi.
With my 20" rims, I would not go down to 20psi unless it was clean coastal sand with no rocks at all. Any hard ground and I would limit it to 25psi.
If you are driving on the beach, the hard wet sand is easy going and no changes are necessary. (Make sure you wash off the salt afterwards.)
For softer sand, Off road 1 setting on the Airmatic control with max height is the best option.
