MountainStone

We're researching a purchase. Nearly all the ML550s we find lack the adaptive damping option (no sport/comfort selector). Is adaptive damping a desirable enough option that I should hold out until I find one? Also, does the lack of adaptive damping also mean that air suspension is not installed?

m7mad

I would say wait until you find one with that option. I beleive sport/comfort buttons only come with Air suspention (Airmatic) i might be wrong. For me i find sport button very useful in mountains where there is lots of turns. It makes the car stiff and sporty which is very good in turns. It also lowers the car when you press it i sometimes use it when i park the car to give it an aggressive look. I've always thought airmatic is standard even in 350. Hope it helps and good luck finding the one.

skw

I would also say to hold out, might even have to expand your search area and look towards private sellers. Most people buy/bought vehicles off the lot and this wasn't an option that dealers tend to order for their stock. So to find one would most likely be a vehicle that someone ordered.

cmginc

So worth it...

27T

The option tends to be costly PIA after warranty runs out. It's a great option but keep that in mind if that is a concern.

jtorrebl

Air suspension had 2 diferentes variations. Sport/comfort and the off-road package. Airmatic suspension is an option on all models and is not included for sure. I had to special order it on my ml550. It is very very nice to have. Thr air suspension is also smoother than the standard spring suspension. I've had this car in both variations, air and springs.

MountainStone

Thanks for the replies. Opinions seem pretty consistent, so I'll have to intensify my search. I'm surprised at how few trucks came with the option, though.

Subatomic Power

I have it in both of mine. Would never consider the 550 without it. Makes a huge difference - totally different car with it.

27T

Many buyers want inexpensive leases. And long term owners tend to avoid options that are known to be expensive fixes once out of warranty. Only few US buyers of lux German marques don't give a carp about the price and repair costs.

Subatomic Power

I don't get it....if people can afford to get a Mercedes - why on Earth would they NOT get them loaded with every imaginable gizmo? I always max out my spec.

I always lease them for about 3 years and almost never have more than about 12,000 miles on them (usually less) when I return them.

I think, however, that I may just buy them out at the end of the lease this time and then sell them for just a teensy bit over the lease buyout price. They still qualify for extended warrantees for another 5 years if the purchaser wants.

I'm happy to sell my two maxed out ML550's on this forum if folks would like. My lease matures in about 18 months.