Streamliner

After going around and around and around yet again, I am going to order a new ML350BTC today or tomorrow. I am definitely going for the AirMatic, but should I also go for the Active Curve System? AirMatic is $1610.00 and Active Curve adds an additional $2910.00. I won't say that money is no object, but I am willing to spend it, to get something wonderful. I am most interested in a comfortable, quiet ride. I know that AirMatic will help in this respect, but frankly--and I have read the technical description--I can't really figure out what Active Curve does. I will, most likely, never take this vehicle off road. Any help from you folks would be greatly appreciated.

So far, my order looks like this:

2014 ML350BTC 4-Matic $51,790.00

Polar White
Grey leather $1,620.00

P01 Premium 1 Package $3,920.00
319 Lighting Package $1,390.00
996 Parking Assist Package $1,290.00
997 Driver’s Assistance Package $2,800.00
289 Wood/leather steering wheel $ 590.00
311 Heated/Cooled cup holders $ 180.00
399 Multicontour Front Seats $1,100.00
550 Trailer Hitch $ 550.00
810 Harmon Kardon Sound System $ 810.00
876 Multi-color ambient lighting $ 310.00
889 Keyless-Go $ 650.00
401 Heated/active vent front seats $ 570.00
468 Active Curve System $ 2,910.00
489 Airmatic Air Suspension Pkg. $1,610.00
883 Soft close doors $ 550.00
297 Rear side window sunshades $ 380.00
293 Rear side airbags $ 420.00
282 2nd row seat pass-through $ 160.00
U09 MB Tex wrapped dash $ 330.00
Special Order charge $ 250.00

$74,180.00

Nanook

Just do it..you won't regret. What it does is give you outstanding handling around curves and turns keeping your M level and planted..you'll go around turns in a completely flat attitude...it's great !

EVOII_Racer

I can only agree with Nanook!!

I would not buy another ml without it!

natta_ns

Be Careful with Airmatic repair cost in the future. I had a really bad experience with Airmatic on my S-Class W221.

Streamliner

Thanks to all for the comments. I am going to order both the AirMatic and the Active Curve. Regarding repairs, I will not be keeping this vehicle beyond the factory warranty period or mileage.

Oh Cool

Definitely go for the Active Curve, I ordered it, handling is tight and helps control body lean during cornering maneuvers.

jtorrebl

For that price get the ml550. That's his much mine costs and it has a helluva engine. I got airmatic basic. The sport one would be beneficial for a speedy car like the ml63 or 550. Notice only the ml63 guys chimed in. It's a handling option. It doesn't seem like you'll reap the be benefits unless you got a big engine!

Streamliner

The major reason I am going with MB over other makes, is the BlueTEC engine. People who have not driven an ML with it cannot imagine how truly amazing it is. The torque, smoothness and quietness is unbelievable, not to mention the great economy it delivers.

Furthermore, I absolutely HATE the way MB shoves their B.S. "Sports Package" styling down your throat, along with the running boards, should you wish to opt for a V8. To me, the sports package styling on an SUV looks ridiculous, especially since the clean, simple lines of the basic ML are so beautiful.

I have the AirMatic suspension on my S550 and had it previously in an E500 and it is magnificent. From what I have heard from researching this board, the Active Curve System is another "must have," when you ask people who have it.

Thanks for the advice, but my ML will be a BlueTec with all the goodies. Can't wait!

iankayem

I agree with you entirely. My ML is purchased as a LUXURY tourer. It looks great as standard. Extra bling does nothing. Features that give comfort and drivability are essential.


I do not have Active Curve, but for high speed winding roads, select "Sport" on the airmatic and the ride lowers and flattens out for relaxed comfortable cornering.


If I want faster or better handling, I take the Aston. It has the capacity for a weekend away, but if I need more space, the ML never disappoints.

DUTCH

Sounds reasonable, especially for a ML 350BlueTEC.

MLee

Active curve does NOT enhance handling of airmatic in sport mode.....what it does is DECREASE the the amount of anti sway or anti roll when in off road, and I think in cruise mode, to allow more suspension movement at individual wheels to accomodate undulating surfaces. Have alook at a real 4x4 with one wheel going over a big rock and you will get the idea.

I say this in good faith. Cheers, mlee

Nanook

Explanation here

http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-121...0-0-0-0-0.html

MLee

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ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
The roll distribution is variable to enable the vehicle to be adapted to almost any situation. The driver has the feeling of gliding on rails, particularly in vehicles with a high centre of gravity.

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ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
In off-road environments, the system guarantees improved axle roll by decoupling the two stabiliser bars at the front and rear axles.

Nanook

As I see it it it's main function is actually is to improve cornering roll but has the ability to disconnect from the axles when off-road to allow maximum independent wheel travel..

iankayem

I believe Nanook is more correct.


The active curve does release the anti-sway bar to allow more wheel travel off road and as required for comfort. But the bar is also stiffer, so that when coupled, it will provide a flatter ride at speed.

Nanook

It's performance is quite remarkable. In my ML there is virtually no chassis roll or very little...like turning on rails

DUTCH

Since I'm getting an ML 350BlueTEC and the off road package is not available for this model in the US, I think the active curve option is probably not necessary.

Streamliner

One of the problems I have with MB, is that it can be almost impossible to test drive a vehicle with some of their more exotic options. When I ordered my 2013 S550, I ordered ABC, (Active Body Control) which was like a $4K option. There was not an S550 anywhere in the greater L.A. Area with that option for me to test drive, so I ordered it on blind faith, hoping that I would love it, which, as it turns out, I do. It is truly an amazing option. Unfortunately, probably 95% of S550 owners don't even know it exists, as no dealer will ever have one in stock. They will order that horrible Panorama Roof, the ridiculous AMG Sports Package and the insane B&O Sound System, but when it comes to something truly amazing and wonderful like a special suspension, you can forget about ever seeing it on a dealer's showroom floor.

It is virtually impossible to find an ML350 with Active Curve and the AirMatic in stock at a dealer to test drive, so again, I have ordered my 2014 ML350BTC with those two options, pretty much based on testimonials I have read on this board.
It's a lot of money, but to me, ride and comfort are everything, so I feel it is money well spent. I'll let you know if I chose right in about two months! Happy New Year to everyone on MBWorld!

Nanook

Good choice on opting for the active curve..it totally changes the cornering and handling characteristics..you will really like it

Oh Cool

I ordered the Active Curve and Airmatic without testing based on feedback from this forum and the driving on rails theory. Best choice I made I was pleasantly surprised on how great the ML handles and feels.

DUTCH

Will the Active Curve improve stability when towing?

Nanook

Dunno how suspension would react..air ride would certainly equalize I would expect

firefox2000

I don't have AirMatic or Active Curve but I would say to definitely get it. I do feel bad about not getting it now and its the only thing about my ML that bothers me. You are right that no one has this on the lots when you go to the dealers. My vehicle feels like it wobbles or rolls over bumps and sometimes in turns. Coming from driving sedans for years I like that tight cornering and driving on rails feeling and I think you would get that from the airmatic and active curve like the others are saying. If I end up getting another MB or ML in the future I would definitely order it.

HAILERS2

For me this is a confusing thread. From everything I've seen, AIRMATIC and ACtIVE CURVE are not available on the ML350 BLUETEC. They are available on the AMG version which is not a BlueTec. Straighten me out if I"m wrong.

The original poster said ML350 BlueTec or to be correct he said "ML350BTC". Maybe a ML350BTC is something other than a Blue Tec??? Confusing thread to me.

DUTCH

In the US, they are available as Special order Options. See attached.