M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Airmatic option on 2014

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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 10:07 AM
  #1  
SmokinReefer's Avatar
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ML350
Airmatic option on 2014

After reading this forum for years I've finally joined....

I've owned 5 ML's over the years and currently drive a '10 ML350 BT. Since it just started with the dreaded oil cooler leak I'm ordering a new one. I debated running boards for days (which I added to the order) and now I'm torn about Airmatic. I've read everything and still wondering if I should add it.

I paid the deposit yesterday and this is where the order stands now:

Ml350 (first gasser after 2 BTs
4matic
Sport package
Chrome package
Iridium silver/black MB Tex
P1 package
Driver assistance package
Parking assistance package
Lighting package
Nightview option
Keyless go
Wood/leather steering
Satin ash interior
Ambient lighting
Running boards with light kit
Trailer hitch
Rear shades
Heated/cooled cup holders

Considered leather and the upgraded sound but they have never been necessary for me. But this Airmatic thing has me torn. Obviously there are many more systems out there and I'm only reading about the issues, but I hate having to go in for service. I actually visited the local Audi dealer before going back to My MB dealer for this order.

Any insights would be appreciated.

Ended up with 12% off sticker for their winter sales event
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 10:22 AM
  #2  
Streamliner's Avatar
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by SmokinReefer
After reading this forum for years I've finally joined....

I've owned 5 ML's over the years and currently drive a '10 ML350 BT. Since it just started with the dreaded oil cooler leak I'm ordering a new one. I debated running boards for days (which I added to the order) and now I'm torn about Airmatic. I've read everything and still wondering if I should add it.

I paid the deposit yesterday and this is where the order stands now:

Ml350 (first gasser after 2 BTs
4matic
Sport package
Chrome package
Iridium silver/black MB Tex
P1 package
Driver assistance package
Parking assistance package
Lighting package
Nightview option
Keyless go
Wood/leather steering
Satin ash interior
Ambient lighting
Running boards with light kit
Trailer hitch
Rear shades
Heated/cooled cup holders

Considered leather and the upgraded sound but they have never been necessary for me. But this Airmatic thing has me torn. Obviously there are many more systems out there and I'm only reading about the issues, but I hate having to go in for service. I actually visited the local Audi dealer before going back to My MB dealer for this order.

Any insights would be appreciated.

Ended up with 12% off sticker for their winter sales event
I have a 2014 ML350BT on order, due to be built mid Feb. I went for AirMatic, as I had it on my wife's 2004 E500 and it was great. Big difference compared to her current 2010 E350 without it. I also have it on my current S550. Before ordering my ML, I bounced the question off this forum and the bottom line is that If a smooth, more comfortable ride is important to you, AirMatic is the way to go. Then, if checking that Special Order box, definitely go for the MB Tex Wrapped Dash. For around $330.00, it adds $3K in rich, good looks.
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 03:15 PM
  #3  
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From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2018 GLC43
Originally Posted by Streamliner
I have a 2014 ML350BT on order, due to be built mid Feb. I went for AirMatic, as I had it on my wife's 2004 E500 and it was great. Big difference compared to her current 2010 E350 without it. I also have it on my current S550. Before ordering my ML, I bounced the question off this forum and the bottom line is that If a smooth, more comfortable ride is important to you, AirMatic is the way to go. Then, if checking that Special Order box, definitely go for the MB Tex Wrapped Dash. For around $330.00, it adds $3K in rich, good looks.

Ditto!!! My first MB, a E350 didn't, but my three CLS550's have had it. My 2014 ML350Bluetec has been ordered with it also. Can't go wrong.
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 06:50 PM
  #4  
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2000 MB G500 NMLE, 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Prestige
I would not buy the car without airmatic.
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 07:19 PM
  #5  
Kenn1926's Avatar
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2013 ML550
I have a 13'ML 550 with the Airmatic and love it. I switch often from "sport" to "auto/comfort" depending on my mood and condition of the roads. I also have had ML350's with the standard suspension as loaners and it is a significant difference. Good luck with the new truck. Great choice with the satin ash, it beautiful and holds up great.
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 11:52 PM
  #6  
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From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
I've had both suspensions on a 2012 ml350 and now 2014 ml550. Air matic is so much nicer!
Plus 800 for a stereo is nothing considering how good it sounds
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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 12:14 AM
  #7  
Streamliner's Avatar
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by jtorrebl
I've had both suspensions on a 2012 ml350 and now 2014 ml550. Air matic is so much nicer!
Plus 800 for a stereo is nothing considering how good it sounds
I don't want to sound like I am bragging or that I don't understand that folks have budgets, as most of us do. That said, to buy or lease something as wonderful as a new MB, and to not order some of the most sensational options is sort of like going to Disneyland and not visiting Tomorrowland! If you are going to spend $50K to $60K or more on a new ML and keep it for 3 to 6 years, the cost of the options starts to look like a few bucks a week and oh, what a difference some of those options can make in how you will enjoy each of the miles you drive. Get the P-1 Pkg, leather seats, the Multi-Contour seats, the Harmon-Kardon, the Lighting Pkg, Driver's Assistance Pkg, the wrapped dash and the AirMatic is a must have. I coughed up the almost $3K for the Active Curve System and I'll let you know--in about six weeks, when it arrives, if it was worth it--but I'm betting it is. Oh yeah, and make sure you place a special order and don't settle for something "off the rack" in dealer stock. You look that salesman square in the eye and you tell him "I don't want the running boards, the sports pkg., that horrid Panorama Roof or that J.C. Whitney light-up star!"
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Old Jan 23, 2014 | 08:44 AM
  #8  
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ML350
II climbed into an ML63 and liked the wrapped dash so I added it to my order. Now I'm debating the black headliner. Certainly makes it feel a bit smaller inside versus the grey in my daily driver, but it is sharp. Not sure if I can handle all that black though. Dealer says I have 10 more days to make any changes.

As far as Airmatic, I've ruled it out. If it was to be my daily driver I would probably try it out. But it's going to be an extra vehicle and I'm guessing my wife will drive it the most. Love her to death, but she has enough cars to choose from each morning. And if I add another option I should probably start looking at an ML550.
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 02:40 PM
  #9  
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I am a little lost here... Being away from Mercedes since 2006, and I am currently is looking for 2014/2015 ML 350 rwd, is Airmatic standard or option on ML?
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 03:06 PM
  #10  
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2000 MB G500 NMLE, 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Prestige
Originally Posted by CSUFL
I am a little lost here... Being away from Mercedes since 2006, and I am currently is looking for 2014/2015 ML 350 rwd, is Airmatic standard or option on ML?
Special Order Option #489, $1,610 MSRP.
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Old Jan 31, 2014 | 07:31 AM
  #11  
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2003 E500
If planning to keep it for long time (pass it to kids and so on...) stay away. Big money when need repairs. Had it on mine e500.
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Old Jan 31, 2014 | 10:26 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by MAXHO
If planning to keep it for long time (pass it to kids and so on...) stay away. Big money when need repairs. Had it on mine e500.
The old idea of keeping an MB for a decade or more and putting hundreds of thousands of miles on it is, in my estimation, something that is no longer practical. A vehicle like a new ML, even in its most stripped down form, is packed with electronics and technologically elaborate mechanicals and systems. Unless the OWNER is a factory trained technician, maintaining one of these things once it is out of warranty is going to be prohibitively expensive. I hate to say it, but we are living in a throw away world and MB has designed their vehicles and their business plan around you and I always driving newer vehicles, covered under their warranty. That is probably not the case in other parts of the world, where vehicles are driven much longer, constantly being patched together with duct tape and make-shift repairs, but in our world, six years and about 100K miles is about it, at least for most folks.

So, my new ML350BT, which is due to be built on February 17th, will have pretty much all the goodies, like AirMatic, Active Curve, Driver's Assistance, Soft Close Doors, Harmon-Kardon, Lighting Package, and all the other wonderful options. I'll get the extended warranty and when she is getting close to the warranty expiration, I hope to see a new one heading my way. GET THE AirMatic! LIFE IS SHORT--and the same is true for current model MB's.

Last edited by Streamliner; Jan 31, 2014 at 10:32 AM.
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Old Jan 31, 2014 | 01:13 PM
  #13  
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2003 E500
Unfortunately u are 100% correct. I am still thinking "old school".
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