SL/R231: Active Damping Suspension
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Active Damping Suspension
Talking with the head of service at the local MB dealership regarding the suspensions on the SL models. I was very aware of ABC, and the fact that my 2013 does not have that feature / option. He went on to educate me about the Active Damping Suspension that is on my SL550; option code 485 on my build sheet. While not a fully compensating system, it is a very reactive and integrated suspension that is beyond simple springs and shocks. The attached youtube video is what he shared that goes into more detail, and while this video notes it as the AMG system, he told me that it is the same system that exists in my car. Here is the link:
Anyone else familiar with this set up?
Anyone else familiar with this set up?
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
The guy at MB is not quite correct in comparing these. The video shows the AMG adaptive suspension that is an option on the AMG GT.
The SL simply has adjustable dampers but they are not adaptive to any conditions.
Adjustable means changing pre-set firmness settings only (comfort vs. sport)
The SL simply has adjustable dampers but they are not adaptive to any conditions.
Adjustable means changing pre-set firmness settings only (comfort vs. sport)
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 661
Likes: 302
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
The guy at MB is not quite correct in comparing these. The video shows the AMG adaptive suspension that is an option on the AMG GT.
The SL simply has adjustable dampers but they are not adaptive to any conditions.
Adjustable means changing pre-set firmness settings only (comfort vs. sport)
The SL simply has adjustable dampers but they are not adaptive to any conditions.
Adjustable means changing pre-set firmness settings only (comfort vs. sport)
Here is the write up on the suspension for the 2013 SL from the brochure:
Last edited by TennesseeZ4; Oct 1, 2019 at 10:18 PM.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,583
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Interesting. It does read very similar to the video apart from the marketing speak. The dampers is the SL (from what I remember) are the same as in virtually all MB stock suspensions from the A Class, C-Class, E-Class, etc.
Maybe it is smarter than I give it credit
Airmatic with ADS is a semi-active suspension, ABC is a fully active one.
Last edited by Wolfman; Oct 2, 2019 at 12:26 AM.
