Airbags are the springs
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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GLS450
Airbags are the springs
My springs (airbags) are too stiff.
How can I reduce that stiffness for a softer ride?
Does the valve block determine how much air is in the airbags or is it the onboard computer?
How can I reduce that stiffness for a softer ride?
Does the valve block determine how much air is in the airbags or is it the onboard computer?
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 26
Likes: 6
The valve block only manages air flow, while the ECU sets the ride height/pressure. Stiffness mainly comes from higher air pressure or damper settings, so lowering ride height or switching to a softer damper mode will usually improve comfort.
Last edited by ginx; Jun 14, 2026 at 04:22 AM.
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From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
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2016 Gl 450
I don't believe there is anyway to deflate the airbags to a lower pressure safely, no. Springs or airbags are only partially responsible for the ride comfort anyway, in maintaining a static ride height and position. The shocks do most of the work of absorbing bumps after the initial deflection and returning the car to the original riding attitude. The ride gets worse with age as the shocks wear out. What specific symptoms led to your post? And is everything working normally ie no faults, codes or overactive compressor noises when parked or driving?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 293
Likes: 22
GLS450
I don't believe there is anyway to deflate the airbags to a lower pressure safely, no. Springs or airbags are only partially responsible for the ride comfort anyway, in maintaining a static ride height and position. The shocks do most of the work of absorbing bumps after the initial deflection and returning the car to the original riding attitude. The ride gets worse with age as the shocks wear out. What specific symptoms led to your post? And is everything working normally ie no faults, codes or overactive compressor noises when parked or driving?
My complaint stems from the very stiff ride of my wife’s 2023 q5 and the same on the 2021 q7 I traded in to get this ‘19 GLS450 hoping it would ride like my old ‘12 GL450.
This GLS rides MUCH stiffer and I see no reason for it and I don’t like it one bit.
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2016 Gl 450
That's what I was going to say too, wheels and tires. Take a look at the trend in the auto industry over the last 10_15 years and notice how big the rims have gotten and how thin the tires have gotten. Newer large suvs basically riding on low profile tires. It makes no sense from a comfort standpoint, they're all just obsessed with increasing grip at the wheels because cars keep getting heavier, and throwing the biggest rim possible on every car because apparently America likes the sporty look.
You can't do much to soften the ride via the air suspension but you sure can make it more comfortable by putting smaller rims and tires with thicker side walls. One inch is enough to make a noticeable difference. On my car I have a set of 19" summer wheels and 18" for winter. The 18 are so much better riding over bumps and cracks that I plan to switch to them full time once the rubber is gone and I need new tires
You can't do much to soften the ride via the air suspension but you sure can make it more comfortable by putting smaller rims and tires with thicker side walls. One inch is enough to make a noticeable difference. On my car I have a set of 19" summer wheels and 18" for winter. The 18 are so much better riding over bumps and cracks that I plan to switch to them full time once the rubber is gone and I need new tires
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From: Toronto
2013 Mercedes GL350 Bluetec (X166) & 2019 Mercedes A220 (W177) & Retired 2008 Mercedes C300 (W204)
I will second the rim and tires, larger sidewalls primarily 55 profile or higher does give a more soft feel. My winter set are 55 profile and much large sidewalls and the ride is quite smooth.
Also check the suspension mode on the centre armrest controls, if it's on comfort or sport. Sport usually give a more stiff ride while the comfort is usually more soft.
Also check the suspension mode on the centre armrest controls, if it's on comfort or sport. Sport usually give a more stiff ride while the comfort is usually more soft.
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