SL/R231: Active Body Control-Curve
08-04-2017, 06:37 PM
#26
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For me, ABC is absolutely essential on the SL. I truly believe that dropping it as standard on the R231, is one reason that sales of the car have plummeted.
If a customer comes in to test drive an SL, the chances of a dealer having one with ABC are probably a million to one. So, many customers test drive a non ABC SL and many are turned off by the uninspiring ride. A Porsche 911 rides so much nicer than a non-ABC SL.
I know there are many who will disagree with what I have said here and I am happy that they are pleased with their non-ABC SL's. For me though, ride quality is WAY up on my list of "must haves." I was impressed with ABC on my 2004 and now driving my 2013 without it, the difference is night & day. If you are ordering a new SL, get ABC. You'll love it!
If a customer comes in to test drive an SL, the chances of a dealer having one with ABC are probably a million to one. So, many customers test drive a non ABC SL and many are turned off by the uninspiring ride. A Porsche 911 rides so much nicer than a non-ABC SL.
I know there are many who will disagree with what I have said here and I am happy that they are pleased with their non-ABC SL's. For me though, ride quality is WAY up on my list of "must haves." I was impressed with ABC on my 2004 and now driving my 2013 without it, the difference is night & day. If you are ordering a new SL, get ABC. You'll love it!
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SLclass (08-05-2017)
08-04-2017, 07:33 PM
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Pretty car, pretty lady!
08-04-2017, 07:55 PM
#29
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Love that chrome trim around the air ducts. Does anyone know if those and the rocker panel trim on the SL65 will simply bolt onto a regular FL R231?
08-04-2017, 10:23 PM
#31
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This is only the SL designs edition trim, the Sl65 has different bumpers and trim. Either way, the one pictured may just be possible without purchasing the bumper.
08-04-2017, 11:08 PM
#32
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08-04-2017, 11:19 PM
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08-04-2017, 11:35 PM
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I am finding myself eating my own words about Cardinal red versus Mars red! I am loving Cardinal red! It just had to grow on me, I guess. For me now, it is more elegant yet sporty.
Last edited by SLclass; 08-05-2017 at 09:30 AM.
08-07-2017, 10:16 AM
#35
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Everyone on these forums ends up eating their own words sooner or later. I know that I've eaten quite a few myself. The color is beautiful and I have tried to love it, but it's not for me. If they won't paint one Mars Red on a special order, I will probably go with Polar White, but the jury is still out.
08-07-2017, 03:04 PM
#36
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Everyone on these forums ends up eating their own words sooner or later. I know that I've eaten quite a few myself. The color is beautiful and I have tried to love it, but it's not for me. If they won't paint one Mars Red on a special order, I will probably go with Polar White, but the jury is still out.
Last edited by SLclass; 08-07-2017 at 04:32 PM.
10-03-2017, 10:39 AM
#37
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Shanks’s Pony
I have had the R231's with springs, ABC with and without curve mode.
Curve mode is available for the MY17 models but for me it's not really interesting or useful.
Curve mode simply means that instead of staying flat in a curve (sport mode), the car actually leans into the curve. A bit like a motorcycle. Just under 3 degrees.
Curve mode is only available in comfort driving mode and is designed for smooth comfortable driving and is automatically disabled when driving in sport or sport plus models.
Since this what I use all the time, no curve mode for me
But it should be nice for people liking to drive relaxed. Since the car leans into the curve, the steering angle changes a bit (less) which might getting some used to.
But the curve mode is a freebee. You are paying for ABC and a great suspension for the SL
Curve mode is available for the MY17 models but for me it's not really interesting or useful.
Curve mode simply means that instead of staying flat in a curve (sport mode), the car actually leans into the curve. A bit like a motorcycle. Just under 3 degrees.
Curve mode is only available in comfort driving mode and is designed for smooth comfortable driving and is automatically disabled when driving in sport or sport plus models.
Since this what I use all the time, no curve mode for me
But it should be nice for people liking to drive relaxed. Since the car leans into the curve, the steering angle changes a bit (less) which might getting some used to.
But the curve mode is a freebee. You are paying for ABC and a great suspension for the SL
The other thing I really like about it, is the ability to lift the body about 2" for going over rough roads and parking nose in at kerbs. It also makes it easier to clean with it being a little higher. The car automatically lowers itself once you start driving. I usually leave it in the low position because the car does not look that good raised off the wheels.
Curve tilt is quite strange on tight windy roads - we were up in Scotland on narrow twisty roads and it was really odd. I use it on long motorway drives, and find S&S+ no benefit on the motorway with active cruise control etc engaged.
10-03-2017, 01:41 PM
#38
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I ordered my 2017 SL 450 with ABC without first trying it because the Curve function sounded “cool”. Ironically, I nearly never use Curve as I am very content with the Comfort setting. I am curious how my favored ride mode compares to the standard suspension.
10-03-2017, 04:57 PM
#39
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Standard suspension R231 with 33psi all around rides like a potato wagon. Never again will I get a sports car or S Class without MBC.
10-03-2017, 05:48 PM
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As I have mentioned before (in above post) my 2015 had ABC, liked it so much ordered it on the new 2018 and now 1 month into the 2018 confirms I made the correct decision
Steve
Steve
10-04-2017, 07:37 AM
#41
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Wait a minute, on the MB build site, one can order MBC for an SL but not for an S Class build?? Am I missing something! No wonder there's no cars on the lots for customers to compare MBC vs non MBC. Good grief.
10-04-2017, 09:39 AM
#42
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(Thanks SLclass!
)
Last edited by Streamliner; 10-04-2017 at 10:18 AM.
10-04-2017, 06:58 PM
#43
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You are getting your acronyms mixed up. ABC, is available on the SL, but not on the S. MBC is available on NON 4-Matic S Class sedans, but not on the SL. When you go to build an S560 right now, it only shows the 4-Matic, on which MBC is not avail. Look at the S450, non 4-Matic and you'll see MBC as available.
(Thanks SLclass!)
(Thanks SLclass!
)For additional clarification, MBC and ABC is the exact same suspension.
The only difference that makes the M (for Magic) is a controller/software and the use of the windshield cameras to scan the road ahead to anticipate corrective actions
