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I plan on buying my first S class from inventory within the next few months. Could someone let me know if E-ABC is worth the $6500 option? I've seen a similar thread with respect to the GLS, but not the S class. If anyone has driven a W223 S class with and without the E-ACB, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Hey. Hey. I have S580 with eABC. Previously I had a S500 without ABC. This system is mainly used for cornering and for example retarders / slowers in the city. If the camera correctly detects that there is a retarder in front of the car, it adjusts the dampers and the car passes the retarder very easily, without hitting the bodywork. Also, when cornering on the road, highway, the car leans in up to 3 different levels, depending on how the user sets it up. It's perfect because it allows me to go through the corner faster than on my old S500. These are two big advantages. The disadvantage of this system is that I think it handles the transverse bumps in the road worse and also the roughness in the corners. In these cases the body impacts are greater than in a car without eABC. I'm excited about this feature, but I'm sad that it's less enjoyable in rough conditions. Also, there is a bit of an audible sound to the interior that is caused by the high pressure pump pushing oil into the system at high pressure. It's something you can get used to, but I initially asked the dealer if it was normal because I didn't like it. One more note, I have 20" wheels.
You will likely never find an S580 in inventory with eABC anyways, so I would say don't even tempt yourself with it if you are planning to buy from inventory.
Chicago area. To be clear, there are a dozen or so within the US. The closest one to me is a couple hundred miles away, but, given how much I'll be spending on the car, I'm not terribly concerned about shipping costs. With that said, I don't plan on buying until February or so. Perhaps inventory around me will improve a bit by then.
I ordered my 2022 580 with E-ABC because I could afford to and it seemed like a nice option. After putting 6K miles on the car, I would say it’s a really nice option, but I wouldn’t stretch to buy it unless you have extra money. On the road, I really can’t notice an impact, even “city” driving/cornering. However, entering and exiting highways with looped ramps, you will love it. Really keeps the car level even during tough cornering. If, on the other hand, you generally drive a car fast with lots of fast cornering, then I would opt for it.
Appreciate the info. Price isn't the concern for me; inventory is. I was planning on factory ordering until I test drove the car and my test vehicle came with fairly rough entry level leather. If the S class I ordered didn't come with the standard nappa, I wouldn't accept delivery. Now I'm committed to buying inventory. Currently, there isn't a single in state S class with E ABC. If I"m going to pay the extra shipping costs and go through the inconveniences attendant to an out state purchase, I want to make sure it's worth it.
Based on your description, it seems like I should pass. I drive on the highway once ever 3 to 4 weeks. For E-ABC to be worth it, it would have to discernibly smooth out bumps and road unevenness on your average condition, relatively straight line suburban road. For this application, it seems as if the difference is negligible.
Appreciate the info. Price isn't the concern for me; inventory is. I was planning on factory ordering until I test drove the car and my test vehicle came with fairly rough entry level leather. If the S class I ordered didn't come with the standard nappa, I wouldn't accept delivery. Now I'm committed to buying inventory. Currently, there isn't a single in state S class with E ABC. If I"m going to pay the extra shipping costs and go through the inconveniences attendant to an out state purchase, I want to make sure it's worth it.
Based on your description, it seems like I should pass. I drive on the highway once ever 3 to 4 weeks. For E-ABC to be worth it, it would have to discernibly smooth out bumps and road unevenness on your average condition, relatively straight line suburban road. For this application, it seems as if the difference is negligible.
I really can’t discern the different on the road in terms of smoothing out bumps. But note: if you are concerned with a smooth and more comfortable ride (and most of us are), without a doubt go with the 19” wheels. A lot has been written on this forum about the 20 and 21’s. They certainly look better…. But many people are disappointed with the ride comfort. Moreover, even the 19’s are run flats because they no longer have room for a spare. They are harder riding.
100%. Plan was to go with 19s and switch out the factory tires with the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTracks.
There are way better tires out today, even Streamliner sent his QuietTracks back once he mounted them.
I did not have a lot of success working deals on cars that were far away from me, dealers in a tight market like to do business locally because they get the service business, etc.
Interesting. Do you have any tire recommendations? Alternatively, can you link to a thread that contains recommendations?
I always liked the P7 All Season Plus line from Pirelli, they don't come in the larger rear tire size so I have a set of Pirelli PZero All Season Plus on mine and they are excellent.
Michelin, is my go to tire. For buying out of state stick with the large volume Metro dealers, they don't worry about the local angle (as much) because buyers have options anyway. Better to get real money today than hope for money you may never see in the future. I have bought out of state many times, it's completely doable. It's very common with Porsche because there are significantly less on the ground.
I would get the PS4s for summer use and then go with a dedicated winter set with snow tires for your area. All-season tires are good for a car with no sporting aspirations in an area like mine where you see little snow but the winters get a little cool for summer performance tires. Best bet is to take the time to do your due diligence before you commit. There are a number of threads covering this topic available for your perusal.
Stay away from the Michelin AS4s if you are looking for noise reduction.. it's an excellent tire in many respects, but very loud even when new. I have them in 20" on my W222.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
After much research, it came down to a choice between Continental and Pirelli. I went with the Continental’s as they put their sound reduction technology in their most comfortable A/S tire. For some reason, Pirelli only puts their sound deadening tech in one of their more performance oriented tires.
These Continental’s are the most quiet tires I have ever experienced. I am running them at 30# cold, which is where Fletcher Jones put them after a recent visit. Ride is much improved.
Hey. Hey. I have S580 with eABC. Previously I had a S500 without ABC. This system is mainly used for cornering and for example retarders / slowers in the city. If the camera correctly detects that there is a retarder in front of the car, it adjusts the dampers and the car passes the retarder very easily, without hitting the bodywork. Also, when cornering on the road, highway, the car leans in up to 3 different levels, depending on how the user sets it up. It's perfect because it allows me to go through the corner faster than on my old S500. These are two big advantages. The disadvantage of this system is that I think it handles the transverse bumps in the road worse and also the roughness in the corners. In these cases the body impacts are greater than in a car without eABC. I'm excited about this feature, but I'm sad that it's less enjoyable in rough conditions. Also, there is a bit of an audible sound to the interior that is caused by the high pressure pump pushing oil into the system at high pressure. It's something you can get used to, but I initially asked the dealer if it was normal because I didn't like it. One more note, I have 20" wheels.
I really appreciate the insightful feedback! This is really helpful. I think I'm going to save the $6500 bucks. Now if only you could option a luxury line with rear axle steering, I'd really be on to some savings.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by Ado1234
Hey. Hey. I have S580 with eABC. Previously I had a S500 without ABC. This system is mainly used for cornering and for example retarders / slowers in the city. If the camera correctly detects that there is a retarder in front of the car, it adjusts the dampers and the car passes the retarder very easily, without hitting the bodywork. Also, when cornering on the road, highway, the car leans in up to 3 different levels, depending on how the user sets it up. It's perfect because it allows me to go through the corner faster than on my old S500. These are two big advantages. The disadvantage of this system is that I think it handles the transverse bumps in the road worse and also the roughness in the corners. In these cases the body impacts are greater than in a car without eABC. I'm excited about this feature, but I'm sad that it's less enjoyable in rough conditions. Also, there is a bit of an audible sound to the interior that is caused by the high pressure pump pushing oil into the system at high pressure. It's something you can get used to, but I initially asked the dealer if it was normal because I didn't like it. One more note, I have 20" wheels.
First of all I must thank ADO1234 for his description of how a W223 with EABC rides. His post helps me feel a bit vindicated regarding the EABC performance in the W223.
The huge issue with EABC—at least for me—is that all of the previous, non-AMG suspension upgrade options offered not only better handling, but a huge increase in COMFORT as well. My 2004 SL500 with ABC (all R231 SL’s sold in the USA had ABC standard) drove like a dream. My current 2019 SL450 with ABC is the most comfortable riding 2-seat convertible I’ve ever driven. My 2013 S550 with ABC had an exceptionally smooth & comfortable ride, as did my 2015 S550, 2018 S560 and 2020 S560, all of which had MBC. Those cars rode SO smoothly over all but the most severe road imperfections. My 2022 S580 with EABC is not nearly as comfortable and seems to pick up every little road imperfection. The cornering is great, but I would easily give that up for a smoother ride, which means I’m sure I’d probably be happier with the base AirMatic.
After2 days of driving on the Hardy toll road in Houston (LOCAL AUTBAHN), I'm extremely impressed. The same curves that my 2020 BMNW 750i x drive took at at a 100 mph after replacing the stock 19s to 21 inch wheels, this S580 takes easily with the factory 19 inch wheels without sacrificing the smooth ride quality.
Needless to say I'm quite impressed.
'23 S580 Manufaktur and '21 GLE 53 Coupe (Past MBZ: 2020 GT63, S65, S63, E55, CL65, S550, C32)
Originally Posted by Spicy
After2 days of driving on the Hardy toll road in Houston (LOCAL AUTBAHN), I'm extremely impressed. The same curves that my 2020 BMNW 750i x drive took at at a 100 mph after replacing the stock 19s to 21 inch wheels, this S580 takes easily with the factory 19 inch wheels without sacrificing the smooth ride quality.
Needless to say I'm quite impressed.
Thank you for the input on the E-ABC. I spec’d it into my order as an impulse buy. It’s not the most inexpensive option so when I read some people post it was not worth it or made the ride worse I was disappointed.
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