MB37

I am trying to figure out what are the difference between the three options above in the following category:

1. Drive quality in terms of smoothness
2. Drive quality in terms of performance (cornering, lane changing, quick launch and stops)
3. Maintenance and cost: long term reliability and cost of repair. Frequency of break down.
4. Cost of the option.

What kind of suspension does the S class have if it does not have ABC or 4matic? Is it just normal spring and coil and no air?

Your technical knowledge on this subject matter is greatly appreciated. I have read several threads and sources, but I have not seen a comparison between them that is in-depth.

RJC

The 4 matic system (all-wheel drive) is pretty good albeit not what you'd get on a C4S as an example...the system will be lightened and have a better transfer case set up for MY17...the 2018 S63 coupe will only be offered as 4 matic BTW.

The w222's suspension is controlled by air with two modes, and if weren't for the cement mixer ROF tires sport mode would be my daily choice (I have a coupe and 20"s). The air suspension also affords one the ability to raise or lower the cars height...this has come in quite handy while navigating sharp in/declines.

This is all standard on the 222.

Hope this helped.

beckerkumm

My RWD is almost always set in Sport and still plenty soft, even with Run Flats. My 2005 A8L was always in Dynamic. I'm 62 and not a wild man. Would be neat to try Magic Control but certainly not necessary. Probably would prefer a Limited slip Diff before the magic. Dave

Ormond2004

I have Magic Body Control, but haven't driven a car without it. You should drive the variants if possible to see the difference.

MB37

How reliable is the ABC versus the 4matic? As for performance, does the 4matic limit the body roll like the ABC?

Mitch Alsup

[QUOTE=MB37;6858287]How reliable is the ABC versus the 4matic? [/QUOE]

We really won't know for another 5 years.

4Matic is a Power delivery thing, Magic Body is a suspension system thing.
Apples versus oranges.
But no, 4Matic does not limit body roll; springs and shocks do that.
Nor does Magic Body deliver power to the front wheels.

MB37

I have read that ABC is a very complex system compared to the 4matic. This is based on the older MB models. I wonder if the technology is any different on the w222. Being in the south, I guess I have no need for a 4matic, but I like the sporty ride. While BMW's ARS (similar to ABC but not as complex) decreases the body roll, it is also a very reliable system (based on my internet research).

Has anyone gone from a BMW with dynamic drive (ARS) to a MB without ABC with no regret? My 11' e350 is quite floaty even in sports mode.

beckerkumm

Am I correct in assuming that the two suspension modes are basically the same whether the s550 is RWD or AWD, and only the Magic differs? I find the regular to be floaty and the sport to be a little soft but not floaty. Seems to stiffen up around corners. Hard to completely judge due to runflats and 20" wheels. Dave

MB37

What kind of suspension does a s63 have? I do not see ABC on the s63. Does that mean that all s63 comes with ABC? What about MBC?

Is there a difference between the 4matic of a s63 vs. a s550?

Wolfman

Our 750 didn't have ARS but have driven BMW's with ARS several times. Great improvement and a no-brainer to have on the BMW but ABC easily beats ARS by any measure. ABC controls all aspects of suspension movement while the ARS only handles body roll in a corner.

Both ABC and Airmatic can develop issues over time and require proper maintenance but a lot of the problem occur on older 1st/2nd gen. systems.
This is partially due to MB not even having a proper maintenance protocol in place (ABC).
Over 16 years driving cars with ABC & Airmatic, we had one issue with ABC (pump failure - out of warranty but paid by MB and one Airmatic pump failure).

I'll take ABC anytime over Airmatic

Wolfman

Both Airmatic but different setup/calibration

MB37

Is there any S63 without 4matic? I have been looking, and it seems almost all listed S63 are 4matic.