Anyone Have an ML350 WITH Active Curve???
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Anyone Have an ML350 WITH Active Curve???
I'm interested in hearing from owners of either the ML350, ML350 4-Matic or ML350 BlueTEC vehicles, that have the Special Order "ACTIVE CURVE" suspension upgrade.
I took delivery of 2014 ML350BT a few weeks ago. It has AirMatic and Active Curve, with the standard, 19" wheels and All Season Tires. I was never able to test drive a vehicle like this, as they are, virtually, nonexistent on a dealer's lot.
Now that I have it, I am convinced that the ride, over bumps, at slower speeds, is reasonably harsher than a vehicle without Active Curve. When I go over intersection dips, at maybe 25mph, I sometimes get that "bucking bronco" feeling, which I don't remember ever feeling when I test drove a plain vanilla ML350, before I placed my order. I also feel that the suspension isn't dampened as much as I remember, as I get the feeling that something is "clunking" in the rear suspension when I go over bumps at lower speeds. Is there anyone out there who can confirm my feelings?
Thanks.
P.S. At higher speeds or through twisty turns, the vehicle is amazing and it truly does feel as though it is riding on rails! Absolutely NO BODY ROLL. That part, I love.
I took delivery of 2014 ML350BT a few weeks ago. It has AirMatic and Active Curve, with the standard, 19" wheels and All Season Tires. I was never able to test drive a vehicle like this, as they are, virtually, nonexistent on a dealer's lot.
Now that I have it, I am convinced that the ride, over bumps, at slower speeds, is reasonably harsher than a vehicle without Active Curve. When I go over intersection dips, at maybe 25mph, I sometimes get that "bucking bronco" feeling, which I don't remember ever feeling when I test drove a plain vanilla ML350, before I placed my order. I also feel that the suspension isn't dampened as much as I remember, as I get the feeling that something is "clunking" in the rear suspension when I go over bumps at lower speeds. Is there anyone out there who can confirm my feelings?
Thanks.
P.S. At higher speeds or through twisty turns, the vehicle is amazing and it truly does feel as though it is riding on rails! Absolutely NO BODY ROLL. That part, I love.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 145
Likes: 5
From: SW FL
2018 GLE 43 SUV
I have a 2012 BlueTEC with Airmatic and Active Curve, plus 20-inch wheels which were part of an introductory package at the time.
Do you have the button that switches between "sport" and "comfort" suspension settings? I drive in "sport" 90 percent of the time and do experience some bucking over railroad crossings and abrupt dips in the road. No clunking, however. The comfort setting softens the suspension and raises the chassis about one inch. I find it makes for a noticeably smoother ride.
Do you have the button that switches between "sport" and "comfort" suspension settings? I drive in "sport" 90 percent of the time and do experience some bucking over railroad crossings and abrupt dips in the road. No clunking, however. The comfort setting softens the suspension and raises the chassis about one inch. I find it makes for a noticeably smoother ride.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,352
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Yes, I have the switch and I drive most of the time in the "comfort" setting. Actually, I don't experience the "clunk" noises when in sport, but I don't like the rough ride. Oh well.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 105
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Carrera S;
I have a GL550 with Active Curve and On/Off Road. In comfort, it is amazingly calm-almost serene. When I hit "sport" which with On/Off Road changes not only suspension, but also remaps throttle response, transmission shift points and steering, it isn a different animal. For its size, it is somewhat amazing.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 253
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From: Brooklyn, NY
2021 GLB35, 2007 E350, 2014 ML350 4Matic, 2008 C350 Sport
I have the Active Curve w/20" wheels mostly set in the comfort mode and no clunking. Your tire pressures could be a factor or spare tire if you have one. Another thought could be an Airmatic shock with a problem.
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
I'm interested in hearing from owners of either the ML350, ML350 4-Matic or ML350 BlueTEC vehicles, that have the Special Order "ACTIVE CURVE" suspension upgrade.
I took delivery of 2014 ML350BT a few weeks ago. It has AirMatic and Active Curve, with the standard, 19" wheels and All Season Tires. I was never able to test drive a vehicle like this, as they are, virtually, nonexistent on a dealer's lot.
Now that I have it, I am convinced that the ride, over bumps, at slower speeds, is reasonably harsher than a vehicle without Active Curve. When I go over intersection dips, at maybe 25mph, I sometimes get that "bucking bronco" feeling, which I don't remember ever feeling when I test drove a plain vanilla ML350, before I placed my order. I also feel that the suspension isn't dampened as much as I remember, as I get the feeling that something is "clunking" in the rear suspension when I go over bumps at lower speeds. Is there anyone out there who can confirm my feelings?
Thanks.
P.S. At higher speeds or through twisty turns, the vehicle is amazing and it truly does feel as though it is riding on rails! Absolutely NO BODY ROLL. That part, I love.
I took delivery of 2014 ML350BT a few weeks ago. It has AirMatic and Active Curve, with the standard, 19" wheels and All Season Tires. I was never able to test drive a vehicle like this, as they are, virtually, nonexistent on a dealer's lot.
Now that I have it, I am convinced that the ride, over bumps, at slower speeds, is reasonably harsher than a vehicle without Active Curve. When I go over intersection dips, at maybe 25mph, I sometimes get that "bucking bronco" feeling, which I don't remember ever feeling when I test drove a plain vanilla ML350, before I placed my order. I also feel that the suspension isn't dampened as much as I remember, as I get the feeling that something is "clunking" in the rear suspension when I go over bumps at lower speeds. Is there anyone out there who can confirm my feelings?
Thanks.
P.S. At higher speeds or through twisty turns, the vehicle is amazing and it truly does feel as though it is riding on rails! Absolutely NO BODY ROLL. That part, I love.
I have a 2013 ML550 with ActiveCurve, AIRMATIC and 20 inc wheels. I definitely don't have the issues your describing. So, I'd have it checked out by the dealer, and if they don't come up with a fix, then I'd take it to a non-dealer shop for an second opinion.
I never use the Sports mode, since I find it so rough and bouncy that it can make my passengers and even me feel a little queasy.
I've never done a side-by-side comparison to an ML with the standard suspension.
Maybe you should do a test drive of an ML off the dealer lot with both...just to put your mind at ease. If your SA is worth anything, they should help you with this.
