MBC in S550s = Unobtainium?
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E38 740i Sport
MBC in S550s = Unobtainium?
As seen in one of my kids' books: I've been looking high, low and middle-ish (in center console pictures) of used S550s to find one with MBC but am striking out every time. I understand this was an expensive option but since basically no one seems to list it in ads, I'm starting to wonder if the S600 route is the only option if AMG models aren't of interest?
Question to owners: have any of you been able to compare ride comfort at night with that of an airmatic equipped model?
Thanks!
Question to owners: have any of you been able to compare ride comfort at night with that of an airmatic equipped model?
Thanks!
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From: NE KY, on the Ohio River
2018 S560; 2022 EQS450+
I bought my 2018 S560 with MBC specified on my order, and that's the way it was delivered. My dealer had not sold any so-equipped cars before I ordered mine.
I had a '12 S450, but don't know if it had any type of ride add-on.
I had a '12 S450, but don't know if it had any type of ride add-on.
Last edited by Newbyloub; Jun 6, 2023 at 04:31 PM. Reason: Added copy, corrested typo.
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I got one a couple years ago, 2018. Was hard to find. Yes, there is a difference in the ride night/day. What the MBC does is it smooths out the ripples in the road. On uneven surfaces I find myself bouncing up and down more at night like a regular car. During the day it is much more smooth and consistent although it does nothing to smooth out sharp bumps, like pothole bumps but was not designed for that purpose. I especially like the curve mode as it leans into the corners and makes it much more comfortable in corners. Too bad more people didn't get this option new but most probably thought it was a expense they felt they didn't need added to a already expensive sticker.
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I have looked at dozens of S-Class VINs, and hundreds of examples. Haven’t seen one yet.
For those with MBC, there any visual indications of MBC cars, and what is the code name for the feature as a VIN check would display it?
For those with MBC, there any visual indications of MBC cars, and what is the code name for the feature as a VIN check would display it?
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Joined: Nov 2021
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From: NE KY, on the Ohio River
2018 S560; 2022 EQS450+
On my window sticker, left column under PERFORMANCE:HANDLING, the bottom item reads “AIRMATIC Air Suspension” Across from this in the right column, under OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT…, the sixth item is “487 MAGIC BODY CONTROL 4,450”
Neither Airmatic, MBC, or any indication of either appears anywhere on my car. I’ll double check that in the morning and correct it if I’m wrong.
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E38 740i Sport
OK, I guess 600 it is 
. Is there any advantage to getting a facelift model aside from infotainment? I prefer the looks of the pre-facelift but want to make sure I'm not missing any life-changing improvements if I go that route.
. Is there any advantage to getting a facelift model aside from infotainment? I prefer the looks of the pre-facelift but want to make sure I'm not missing any life-changing improvements if I go that route.
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From: Southern California
Mercedes S550
Looked for nearly 2 years to find a MBC equipped S550. Found one from Florida, a 2015, which was loaded, with nearly every option imaginable. Cost more than I had planned, but I bit the bullet. Love the ride, although it does not have curve mode, but then, I rarely drive curvy roads, even though we have them here in California, up in the mountains. Love, love, love the MBC. You really have little clue how smooth the ride is, until you take it in to the dealer for service, and they give you a new loaner for a few days. You find that the ride in the loaner (E or S-class) feels like you are on a buckboard. Personally, I think that the air suspension is a far cry from the MBC. BTW, this is my third S-Class with hydraulic suspension (ABC), but the first one with MBC. MBC is a significant improvement in the system.
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Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Finding a pre-owned vehicle with all the rare options you want takes a ton of time. I had to keep shopping and looking for exactly 9 to 12 months (almost 1 year) until I found the one (3D Burmester, Magic Sky Control, Semi-aniline exclusive interior, executive and rear seat entertainment, etc etc). Nearly every option. The reason I ended up passing on having the MBC as a must-have is because forum members advised that I go with the 4-Matic. At least in my area, non 4-Matic cars are so hard to sell and would get their trade or price impacted later.
The topic has been discussed in detail in previous threads so I will cease from mentioning all the details, but make sure you evaluate the balance and importance of having 4-Matic vs MBC. Also, some users reported that MBC has slightly harsher ride on smooth roads, which is true because the airmatic in the regular one are better/softer (subjective) than the suspension of the MBC under certain conditions (and also at night). Take all of this with a grain of salt and do some research and look for previous threads. I think in the end it depends on where you live, the market and what matters the most for you. The S560 is such a comfortable vehicle to ride, so with and without MBC, it is one of the best vehicle on earth (IMO), at least until you get to the Bentley and RR of the world.
The topic has been discussed in detail in previous threads so I will cease from mentioning all the details, but make sure you evaluate the balance and importance of having 4-Matic vs MBC. Also, some users reported that MBC has slightly harsher ride on smooth roads, which is true because the airmatic in the regular one are better/softer (subjective) than the suspension of the MBC under certain conditions (and also at night). Take all of this with a grain of salt and do some research and look for previous threads. I think in the end it depends on where you live, the market and what matters the most for you. The S560 is such a comfortable vehicle to ride, so with and without MBC, it is one of the best vehicle on earth (IMO), at least until you get to the Bentley and RR of the world.
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2014 S550 AMG, 2017 XT5
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From: NE KY, on the Ohio River
2018 S560; 2022 EQS450+
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They probably did for either a cleaner look or just want to fly through the radar as just an MB instead of letting people know it is the flagship they are driving.
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Finding a pre-owned vehicle with all the rare options you want takes a ton of time. I had to keep shopping and looking for exactly 9 to 12 months (almost 1 year) until I found the one (3D Burmester, Magic Sky Control, Semi-aniline exclusive interior, executive and rear seat entertainment, etc etc). Nearly every option. The reason I ended up passing on having the MBC as a must-have is because forum members advised that I go with the 4-Matic. At least in my area, non 4-Matic cars are so hard to sell and would get their trade or price impacted later.
The topic has been discussed in detail in previous threads so I will cease from mentioning all the details, but make sure you evaluate the balance and importance of having 4-Matic vs MBC. Also, some users reported that MBC has slightly harsher ride on smooth roads, which is true because the airmatic in the regular one are better/softer (subjective) than the suspension of the MBC under certain conditions (and also at night). Take all of this with a grain of salt and do some research and look for previous threads. I think in the end it depends on where you live, the market and what matters the most for you. The S560 is such a comfortable vehicle to ride, so with and without MBC, it is one of the best vehicle on earth (IMO), at least until you get to the Bentley and RR of the world.
The topic has been discussed in detail in previous threads so I will cease from mentioning all the details, but make sure you evaluate the balance and importance of having 4-Matic vs MBC. Also, some users reported that MBC has slightly harsher ride on smooth roads, which is true because the airmatic in the regular one are better/softer (subjective) than the suspension of the MBC under certain conditions (and also at night). Take all of this with a grain of salt and do some research and look for previous threads. I think in the end it depends on where you live, the market and what matters the most for you. The S560 is such a comfortable vehicle to ride, so with and without MBC, it is one of the best vehicle on earth (IMO), at least until you get to the Bentley and RR of the world.
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From: NE KY, on the Ohio River
2018 S560; 2022 EQS450+
From my very brief chat with the lady, I'd say the latter. No matter; no badges did nothing to disguise the beauty of that car, at least to my eyes, who drives the same in Emerald Green.
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