ML550: adaptive damping worth the money?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Vegas
02 C32
ML550: adaptive damping worth the money?
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?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
2013 ML500 (own), 2014 Audi A7, 2014 Audi A5 sportback 1.8TFSI 2013 Lexus GS350, 2014 Lexus RX350
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.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 595
Likes: 38
From: Boston area
2019 GLS450
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.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 10
From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
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?
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
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.
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 204
Likes: 52
From: Calgary
GLE63S 2016
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.
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.
