Driving styles: Airmatic Convenience, Sports 1, Sports 2
11-04-2008, 04:17 PM
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Clifton, NJ
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
30 Posts
96 and 08 911 turbos
Driving styles: Airmatic Convenience, Sports 1, Sports 2
What is the breakdown of your driving between the three airmatic modes?
Id say I do about 95% of my driving in convenience.
Maybe 4% is spent in Sports 1, with the remaining 1% in sports 2.
Id also like to know if you've had airmatic problems (i.e collapse).
Im wondering if those folks that drive primarily in the sports modes have higher incidence of suspension failure.
Id say I do about 95% of my driving in convenience.
Maybe 4% is spent in Sports 1, with the remaining 1% in sports 2.
Id also like to know if you've had airmatic problems (i.e collapse).
Im wondering if those folks that drive primarily in the sports modes have higher incidence of suspension failure.
11-04-2008, 04:34 PM
#2
Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Antonio, Tx
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2008 S550 designo
I drive 100% in comfort setting. I've tried the other 2 to see what they felt like, but I pretty much only drive this car for road trips, so I prefer the comfort.
No suspension issues.
No suspension issues.
11-04-2008, 07:44 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/259158-suspension-default-into-stiff-setting.html
11-04-2008, 09:47 PM
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Rowland Heights, CA
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
comfort for street and sport 2 for freeway. only time i use sport 1 is to get to sport 2 from comfort and vise versa. i think sport 2 is a must when travelling over 65 mph or else the car feels like its sailing in the ocean.
11-04-2008, 10:46 PM
#7
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Brooklyn
Posts: 2,048
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
02 S500 Sport
I sail pretty quick.
Trending Topics
11-04-2008, 11:26 PM
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SF, CA
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FR-S, GLK, M5, 250KM Eclass
I use convien 90% of the time and sports 2 10% of the time when I decide to get on it a little. I have yet to use sport 1 setting. When I first test drove the car I thought the car handled like a boat in comfort setting, but as I got used to it I rarely change the setting.
11-05-2008, 12:10 AM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sugar Land, TX
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
BMW E39
it's actually better if you drive in sports 2 mode if you don't want to put stress on your airmatic suspension. My proof is when I was driving a message came on my cluster "AIRMATIC VISIT WORKSHOP" and car went into sportII mode automatically. I later learned it did this because to limit the suspension travel therefore less stress on the struts.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=259158
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=259158
I drive the car like any other car without too much care for the fancy stuff.
11-05-2008, 02:07 AM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes
on
14 Posts
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Actually, the struts go to the stiffer setting in the failure mode to keep them from bottoming out and causing internal damage when system pressure is too low.
I used to keep my '00 RWD in Sports 1, the medium setting. More responsive, less body roll and less jerkiness on rough streets.
My '05 4Matic is about that same stiffness in the comfort setting as the '00 was in Sport 1; suspension is stiffer overall. I put in in Sports 1 or 2 during high winds, especially crosswinds (as I also did the '00) - it helps with steering.
Airmatic problems: My '00 developed cracks in the upper mounts (seals) after 3 years of driving; I had the seal kit job done before the cracks progressed to leaking.
My '05 was coming up to height unevenly (after being parked a week or two without being driven); left first, then right (higher than left), then level. MB replaced both front struts completely, under warranty (I had driven it just over a year at the time of the malfunction; it's been fine since).
I don't drive a car hard, but I don't baby it either.
I used to keep my '00 RWD in Sports 1, the medium setting. More responsive, less body roll and less jerkiness on rough streets.
My '05 4Matic is about that same stiffness in the comfort setting as the '00 was in Sport 1; suspension is stiffer overall. I put in in Sports 1 or 2 during high winds, especially crosswinds (as I also did the '00) - it helps with steering.
Airmatic problems: My '00 developed cracks in the upper mounts (seals) after 3 years of driving; I had the seal kit job done before the cracks progressed to leaking.
My '05 was coming up to height unevenly (after being parked a week or two without being driven); left first, then right (higher than left), then level. MB replaced both front struts completely, under warranty (I had driven it just over a year at the time of the malfunction; it's been fine since).
I don't drive a car hard, but I don't baby it either.
Last edited by Skylaw; 11-05-2008 at 02:17 AM.
11-05-2008, 09:55 AM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Clifton, NJ
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
30 Posts
96 and 08 911 turbos
I don't particularly care for sports 2 in the NYC area. While sports one gives a firm ride with good control, I think sports 2 is a bit too stiff for a luxury car.
11-05-2008, 09:36 PM
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
Actually, the struts go to the stiffer setting in the failure mode to keep them from bottoming out and causing internal damage when system pressure is too low.
I used to keep my '00 RWD in Sports 1, the medium setting. More responsive, less body roll and less jerkiness on rough streets.
My '05 4Matic is about that same stiffness in the comfort setting as the '00 was in Sport 1; suspension is stiffer overall. I put in in Sports 1 or 2 during high winds, especially crosswinds (as I also did the '00) - it helps with steering.
Airmatic problems: My '00 developed cracks in the upper mounts (seals) after 3 years of driving; I had the seal kit job done before the cracks progressed to leaking.
My '05 was coming up to height unevenly (after being parked a week or two without being driven); left first, then right (higher than left), then level. MB replaced both front struts completely, under warranty (I had driven it just over a year at the time of the malfunction; it's been fine since).
I don't drive a car hard, but I don't baby it either.
I used to keep my '00 RWD in Sports 1, the medium setting. More responsive, less body roll and less jerkiness on rough streets.
My '05 4Matic is about that same stiffness in the comfort setting as the '00 was in Sport 1; suspension is stiffer overall. I put in in Sports 1 or 2 during high winds, especially crosswinds (as I also did the '00) - it helps with steering.
Airmatic problems: My '00 developed cracks in the upper mounts (seals) after 3 years of driving; I had the seal kit job done before the cracks progressed to leaking.
My '05 was coming up to height unevenly (after being parked a week or two without being driven); left first, then right (higher than left), then level. MB replaced both front struts completely, under warranty (I had driven it just over a year at the time of the malfunction; it's been fine since).
I don't drive a car hard, but I don't baby it either.
WOW!!! good to know that. i never touched mine!!!
11-05-2008, 10:10 PM
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
6 Posts
04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
Sport and Sport2 All day Every day!!
Sport trannysetting because Why have a 1st gear if you don't use it..Especially with the 7 speeds. You get better mileage on the facelifts using "S" I don't even know of 'C" works in my car...it may as well not.
Sport 2 suspension setting because when those two lights are off, I get sea sick.. I may as well be in a fleetwood.
Low and float don't go well together..
bouncing underminds being low to the earth when you are at 80 mph.
There is no proof anywhere of suspension falures due to dampning.. I don;t care anyway these cars should auto dampen after 45mph.. LOL that would be cool. I can deal with taking a boat ride through school zines but thats about it for me.
Hmm I think I need a smaller more cozier car.
Sport trannysetting because Why have a 1st gear if you don't use it..Especially with the 7 speeds. You get better mileage on the facelifts using "S" I don't even know of 'C" works in my car...it may as well not.
Sport 2 suspension setting because when those two lights are off, I get sea sick.. I may as well be in a fleetwood.
Low and float don't go well together..
bouncing underminds being low to the earth when you are at 80 mph.
There is no proof anywhere of suspension falures due to dampning.. I don;t care anyway these cars should auto dampen after 45mph.. LOL that would be cool. I can deal with taking a boat ride through school zines but thats about it for me.
Hmm I think I need a smaller more cozier car.
11-06-2008, 08:59 AM
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Clifton, NJ
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
30 Posts
96 and 08 911 turbos
Sport and Sport2 All day Every day!!
Sport trannysetting because Why have a 1st gear if you don't use it..Especially with the 7 speeds. You get better mileage on the facelifts using "S" I don't even know of 'C" works in my car...it may as well not.
Sport 2 suspension setting because when those two lights are off, I get sea sick.. I may as well be in a fleetwood.
Low and float don't go well together..
bouncing underminds being low to the earth when you are at 80 mph.
There is no proof anywhere of suspension falures due to dampning.. I don;t care anyway these cars should auto dampen after 45mph.. LOL that would be cool. I can deal with taking a boat ride through school zines but thats about it for me.
Hmm I think I need a smaller more cozier car.
Sport trannysetting because Why have a 1st gear if you don't use it..Especially with the 7 speeds. You get better mileage on the facelifts using "S" I don't even know of 'C" works in my car...it may as well not.
Sport 2 suspension setting because when those two lights are off, I get sea sick.. I may as well be in a fleetwood.
Low and float don't go well together..
bouncing underminds being low to the earth when you are at 80 mph.
There is no proof anywhere of suspension falures due to dampning.. I don;t care anyway these cars should auto dampen after 45mph.. LOL that would be cool. I can deal with taking a boat ride through school zines but thats about it for me.
Hmm I think I need a smaller more cozier car.
You seem to enjoy a more sporty driving experience. What drew you to the S430 if you are more interested in that type of driving?
11-06-2008, 09:06 AM
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Chicopee Ma
Posts: 1,842
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
White S63 AMG W/Designo Interior
Sport and Sport2 All day Every day!!
Sport trannysetting because Why have a 1st gear if you don't use it..Especially with the 7 speeds. You get better mileage on the facelifts using "S" I don't even know of 'C" works in my car...it may as well not.
Sport 2 suspension setting because when those two lights are off, I get sea sick.. I may as well be in a fleetwood.
Low and float don't go well together..
bouncing underminds being low to the earth when you are at 80 mph.
There is no proof anywhere of suspension falures due to dampning.. I don;t care anyway these cars should auto dampen after 45mph.. LOL that would be cool. I can deal with taking a boat ride through school zines but thats about it for me.
Hmm I think I need a smaller more cozier car.
Sport trannysetting because Why have a 1st gear if you don't use it..Especially with the 7 speeds. You get better mileage on the facelifts using "S" I don't even know of 'C" works in my car...it may as well not.
Sport 2 suspension setting because when those two lights are off, I get sea sick.. I may as well be in a fleetwood.
Low and float don't go well together..
bouncing underminds being low to the earth when you are at 80 mph.
There is no proof anywhere of suspension falures due to dampning.. I don;t care anyway these cars should auto dampen after 45mph.. LOL that would be cool. I can deal with taking a boat ride through school zines but thats about it for me.
Hmm I think I need a smaller more cozier car.
11-07-2008, 11:19 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Brooklyn NY
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'00 S-500, E-430S, '88 Mustang
not fun at all
11-07-2008, 11:21 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Brooklyn NY
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'00 S-500, E-430S, '88 Mustang
Sport and Sport2 All day Every day!!
Sport trannysetting because Why have a 1st gear if you don't use it..Especially with the 7 speeds. You get better mileage on the facelifts using "S" I don't even know of 'C" works in my car...it may as well not.
Sport 2 suspension setting because when those two lights are off, I get sea sick.. I may as well be in a fleetwood.
Low and float don't go well together..
bouncing underminds being low to the earth when you are at 80 mph.
There is no proof anywhere of suspension falures due to dampning.. I don;t care anyway these cars should auto dampen after 45mph.. LOL that would be cool. I can deal with taking a boat ride through school zines but thats about it for me.
Hmm I think I need a smaller more cozier car.
Sport trannysetting because Why have a 1st gear if you don't use it..Especially with the 7 speeds. You get better mileage on the facelifts using "S" I don't even know of 'C" works in my car...it may as well not.
Sport 2 suspension setting because when those two lights are off, I get sea sick.. I may as well be in a fleetwood.
Low and float don't go well together..
bouncing underminds being low to the earth when you are at 80 mph.
There is no proof anywhere of suspension falures due to dampning.. I don;t care anyway these cars should auto dampen after 45mph.. LOL that would be cool. I can deal with taking a boat ride through school zines but thats about it for me.
Hmm I think I need a smaller more cozier car.
11-07-2008, 12:16 PM
#25
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
w220
Sport 1 all the time and I live in Manhattan but maybe more tolerant of the roads than those who live outside of Manhattan. I notice more rubbing with the 20's in comfort mode.
