Do you miss ABC on you '07/'08 S550 4-Matic?
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1953 Fiat Topolino
Do you miss ABC on you '07/'08 S550 4-Matic?
A question for those who have already purchased and or driven extensively a new S550 4-Matic. Are you satisfied with the standard Airmatic suspension or you wish it had the more advanced ABC optional suspension which is not available on this model? Do you have any regrets over the purchase of the 4-Matic vs the regular RWD S550? Do you think it handles differently (worse) than the RWD version? A bit heavier and more of a gas guzzler? I found it extremely interesting that MB/Switzerland will only import S550 4-Matics and not the RWD 550 models. I know they have mountains, winters and snow, but it limits those who want the perceived handling value of ABC & RWD. Any comments re: owners experience and feedback on this model will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Z356
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From: Hunterdon County
'06 E 350 4matic wagon; '05 E 500 4matic sedan; '09 S550 4matic
I am not an owner but am considering for next purchase and based on the raves of ABC I would like to see it on the 4 matic. My last 5 vehicles have all been awd and if I get an S I would probably want it as well as ABC. I am very satisfied with 4 matic on my e500 and e320 but my only ride comparison was the test drives which were not enough for me to compare to the rwd option.
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1953 Fiat Topolino
ABC is not planned...
mbnj: I don't think ABC is in the works for the S550 4Matic for the rest of this 221 model's life (4/5 more years?). So you will need to forgo ABC if you go with the AWD on the S class. Z356
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From: CA
2010 CL65
Interesting question....
Drove an '07 S550 Launch Edition w/o ABC and would argue handling/stability was rather scary, even at legal speeds on typical urban roads/fwys (S550 and CL550 w/ABC are far superior).....suspect Airmatic is a suboptimal/antiquated chassis...perhaps acceptable for guys who typically drive SUVs and other low-tech/non-perf vehicles.....
If were stuck in NYC/Chicago, would prob opt to get an S550 4Matic for yr-round use (5mos/yr need winter tires/wheels anyway); carefully drive at speed limit on all those boring, often straight, roads w/rather slow traffic flows that characterize those urban regions.....and simply get a wkend place in LA/SF to keep/drive more interesting cars....for more entertaining drives on roads w/much more interesting topography, traffic flow speeds, weather, etc anyway.....
Drove an '07 S550 Launch Edition w/o ABC and would argue handling/stability was rather scary, even at legal speeds on typical urban roads/fwys (S550 and CL550 w/ABC are far superior).....suspect Airmatic is a suboptimal/antiquated chassis...perhaps acceptable for guys who typically drive SUVs and other low-tech/non-perf vehicles.....
If were stuck in NYC/Chicago, would prob opt to get an S550 4Matic for yr-round use (5mos/yr need winter tires/wheels anyway); carefully drive at speed limit on all those boring, often straight, roads w/rather slow traffic flows that characterize those urban regions.....and simply get a wkend place in LA/SF to keep/drive more interesting cars....for more entertaining drives on roads w/much more interesting topography, traffic flow speeds, weather, etc anyway.....
