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Finally! I’ll get to play with ABC. But, a question.
I’ve had my 2017 SL550 with ABC for 3 years, here in Flat Florida where only 90° intersections exist. Needless to say, I love my Comfort and Sport modes, but Curve use has been largely useless. I’m bringing it up to the NY Catskills for the summer. Think isolated rural mountain range with lovely winding roads, some switchbacks, and quick changes of 1000’ altitudes. I can’t wait to finally play in those hills! And I also have about 2k miles on my Pilot Sport 4S’s; so much better than the Conti run-flats that came with the car.
Anyway, Sport mode will obviously be a lot of fun on the windy roads. “True" Curve mode…eh, maybe not so much because that defaults to the Eco transmission. So, when I chose my Individual setup, would Sport for all options, except Curve for suspension, make the most sense? I only ask because I don’t know if the car will grip as well vs. having the suspension in Sport. Obviously, I will find out, but I’m curious to hear feedback on what others have discovered. Thanks
My 2020 SL550 has the extended menu for ABC suspension that my 2013 didn't have. I've tried Sport mode a few times, seems to make a major difference in performance. I'd suggest Sport mode for the Catskills, and it'll be a good time to try the other modes. My SL550 changes exhaust tone when changing to Sport mode too. Incidentally, I wouldn't put any tire but the OEM Continental Run Flat CONTISPORTCONTACT 5P SSR on my SL550. Unfortunately they're not available at the moment. The only OEM tire available is the Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT. There are some Continentals available for the front 255/35R19's but the rears are back ordered. The good news is a Continental rep that deals with the company I work for did some research and was told that sometime in July 2025 the OEM Continental Run Flats will be available. When I bought my 2020 SL550 in April of 2024, the dealership replaced all four wheels and installed Continental ExtremeContactDWS 06 Plus, which is the wrong tire. According to MBUSA the car should not have been sold as a CPO without the run flats OEM tires. The dealership has agreed to reimburse me for the OEM run flats when they come available. For those who choose to run a non-run flat tire you're diminishing the handling characteristics of the car. A non-run flat tire does not have the rigidness in the sidewall that a run flat has. And knowing Mercedes-Benz, the R231 was probably designed from its footprint up.
A non-run flat tire does not have the rigidness in the sidewall that a run flat has. And knowing Mercedes-Benz, the R231 was probably designed from its footprint up.
Thor
Each to their own, but putting the Pilot Sport summer tires on my car compared to the Continental run flats that were on it was like moving from a model T Ford to a Cadillac. They are glue on the hot Florida asphalt, actually grab the ground if I decide to floor it for speed, whereas the continentals would spin and burn rubber, and the overall cushiness plus tracking of the car has greatly improved.
That is exactly what I did on my 2017 550SL 4 years ago, what an improvement. Liked it so much, I also swapped out the "run-craps" for Pilot Sports on my 2018 560S.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by HighPercentile
Each to their own, but putting the Pilot Sport summer tires on my car compared to the Continental run flats that were on it was like moving from a model T Ford to a Cadillac. They are glue on the hot Florida asphalt, actually grab the ground if I decide to floor it for speed, whereas the continentals would spin and burn rubber, and the overall cushiness plus tracking of the car has greatly improved.
I gotta agree. I doubt MB chose run-flats for handling purposes, but rather there ain't no room for a spare tire. Plus the added weight of a spare in the rear end might affect the balance of the car. The tires I have are non-run-flat and recommended by MB for my car.
Like you say, to each their own. If that's the ride you're looking for then go with it. I'm just a stickler for OEM parts and original equipment. If it's in a Mercedes package I want it. Good luck on your road trip, I'm jealous, being originally form Long Island and have traveled upstate New York many times many many years ago. Please post a pic or two of your road trip. Incidentally, after twenty-six years in Florida, and as a retired Florida trooper, I think I've had enough of hot Florida asphalt, lol.
The beaucoup threads that exist on this forum convinced me to trade in my perfectly good Conti’s for the summer Pilots and I couldn’t be happier. Another thing that happened was my AMG rims looked really funky as pointed out to me on an earlier post. So when I swapped tires I was getting the rims sandblasted and repainted. However, they found 4 cracks and missing pieces total, 2 of which were unfixable so I wound up buying all new rims and had to choose with a moments notice. They are a dark grey and I do kind of miss the silver AMG’s, but a) they were dangerous to be driving on and b) the new rims do hide brake dust and dirt very well. I still get wolf whistles and stop-light racers all the time. Love this car!
Incidentally, after twenty-six years in Florida, and as a retired Florida trooper, I think I've had enough of hot Florida asphalt, lol.
Agreed!!! I keep telling family and friends that this isn’t the Florida I grew up with; we just keep breaking new heat records every year for the past 10-15 years. My trip north should become an annual thing; after the last 13 summers here I’m losing my mind. NY Catskills…..summer 80-90° days but always dropping to mid 50’s at night. Perfection.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by HighPercentile
Agreed!!! I keep telling family and friends that this isn’t the Florida I grew up with; we just keep breaking new heat records every year for the past 10-15 years. My trip north should become an annual thing; after the last 13 summers here I’m losing my mind. NY Catskills…..summer 80-90° days but always dropping to mid 50’s at night. Perfection.
Having been born & raised in Los Angeles near the coast, and now living in South Orange County, close to the beach, I hear you about climate. I hate what has happened to California with the traffic, congestion, overcrowding & homelessness—not to mention the crazy taxes & “LA-LA LAND” politics—but I stay here for the WEATHER! It rarely gets over the 80’s and rarely has much of any humidity. In my opinion, the weather is the ONLY reason to live in California.
Regarding ABC in the R231’s, I never drive my SL450 aggressively, but SO enjoy the comfort and “buttoned-down” feeling of ABC. MB made a huge mistake, in my opinion, when they made ABC optional in the R231’s. ABC absolutely transforms the car from a nice driving one to a spectacular driving one.
Streamliner,
I agree! I wouldn't touch a R231 without ABC Suspension, Magic Sky & Bang & Olufsen. The problem is finding one with all three options, which took me about eighteen months. I actually lucked out with the 2020 I bought last year. It has the $4500 Designo leather upgrade and Soft Close Doors..Original MSRP was $136K. I believe it is equipped with every option available. Was driven by a MB executive and never titled. I know this to be true because the packet of paperwork they sent to the DMV had a Certificate of Origin as apposed to a title. Getting back to the ABC Suspension, It's what the car is all about.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by THORGOD
Streamliner,
I agree! I wouldn't touch a R231 without ABC Suspension, Magic Sky & Bang & Olufsen. The problem is finding one with all three options, which took me about eighteen months. I actually lucked out with the 2020 I bought last year. It has the $4500 Designo leather upgrade and Soft Close Doors..Original MSRP was $136K. I believe it is equipped with every option available. Was driven by a MB executive and never titled. I know this to be true because the packet of paperwork they sent to the DMV had a Certificate of Origin as apposed to a title. Getting back to the ABC Suspension, It's what the car is all about.
Well, I do appreciate everyone’s comments that I’ve received here, but still haven’t found anyone who has been able to answer the question of using Curve vs the Sport Suspension in Individual mode with all other options set to Sport (Sport+ is generally above and beyond for the way that I drive). It seems like they would be a match made in heaven, but as I asked, I still don’t know if it might make the car less grippy on curvy roads. The fact that the car defaults to Eco transmission in Curve mode is what causes1 my concern, as if MB is saying “don’t use this mode for aggressive driving”. In any case, I will find out and report back to the group!
By the way, here’s some pix I took of the car after I had the windows medium-tinted. Was also about 2 months after I had to change the rims and put the Pilot Sport Summer tires on. I promise the car was glossed to a shine; anything you see is a reflection from the gravel or surroundings. I still need to get some better shots in a quieter area and with the top down.
If you don't mind some comments from an R230 owner, I'll chime in. I have only used Sport mode with my ABC setup a few times. I have found that the standard mode is WAY more than adequate for even very spirited driving. The only thing Sport gives you is a rougher ride and reduced compliance for less than perfect roads. I chase my buddy and his Jag F Type through all of the best roads that New England has to offer and the SL is never left behind. It always corners flat and seems to have unlimited grip from the Pilot Sports (a mandatory upgrade IMHO).
Leave the "Sport" mode for track use and just see how well the car actually does versus your own skill level. I think you may find (as I have) that the car's limits are beyond your own, especially on public roads.
If you don't mind some comments from an R230 owner, I'll chime in. I have only used Sport mode with my ABC setup a few times. I have found that the standard mode is WAY more than adequate for even very spirited driving. The only thing Sport gives you is a rougher ride and reduced compliance for less than perfect roads. I chase my buddy and his Jag F Type through all of the best roads that New England has to offer and the SL is never left behind. It always corners flat and seems to have unlimited grip from the Pilot Sports (a mandatory upgrade IMHO).
Leave the "Sport" mode for track use and just see how well the car actually does versus your own skill level. I think you may find (as I have) that the car's limits are beyond your own, especially on public roads.
So when you are playing with your buddy are you using default Comfort mode or Curve? I’d be a little shocked to hear that the Eco transmission can keep up well with the F-Pace. It’s just too laggy for my general use, although it works well for Interstate travel and Adaptive Cruise Control IME.
I do love the Sport mode for spirted driving. Sport+ again is too much and only useful on a track or impressing someone for a quick start. All that said, I’m sure 85% of my driving is in Standard Comfort mode here in flat Florida.
Last edited by HighPercentile; May 27, 2025 at 11:24 AM.
Well, I do appreciate everyone’s comments that I’ve received here, but still haven’t found anyone who has been able to answer the question of using Curve vs the Sport Suspension in Individual mode with all other options set to Sport (Sport+ is generally above and beyond for the way that I drive). It seems like they would be a match made in heaven, but as I asked, I still don’t know if it might make the car less grippy on curvy roads. The fact that the car defaults to Eco transmission in Curve mode is what causes1 my concern, as if MB is saying “don’t use this mode for aggressive driving”. In any case, I will find out and report back to the group!
Curve mode is the most relaxed driving mode and the opposite of the sport modes. I have never used it for that reason but others have enjoyed it. So the answer is a NO. The curve function is very light (2.5 degrees) but impacts the steering of the car which some might feel to be a bit unnatural when driving through actual curves.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by HighPercentile
Well, I do appreciate everyone’s comments that I’ve received here, but still haven’t found anyone who has been able to answer the question of using Curve vs the Sport Suspension in Individual mode with all other options set to Sport (Sport+ is generally above and beyond for the way that I drive). It seems like they would be a match made in heaven, but as I asked, I still don’t know if it might make the car less grippy on curvy roads. The fact that the car defaults to Eco transmission in Curve mode is what causes1 my concern, as if MB is saying “don’t use this mode for aggressive driving”. In any case, I will find out and report back to the group!
I have had several S Class sedans with Magic Body Control, which has the Curve feature. I drove those cars in that mode almost exclusively. When I ordered my 2019 SL450 with ABC, I was really looking forward to driving it with the Curve feature, but the way the transmission shifts in Curve mode, is REALLY off-putting to me, as it shifts way too soon. So, I virtually never use Curve in the SL, I almost always drive in the Individual setting. Of course, I may not be a good one to talk about this, since my car is over six years old and only has 4400 miles on it. What can I say, she's a garage queen.
I have had several S Class sedans with Magic Body Control, which has the Curve feature. I drove those cars in that mode almost exclusively. When I ordered my 2019 SL450 with ABC, I was really looking forward to driving it with the Curve feature, but the way the transmission shifts in Curve mode, is REALLY off-putting to me, as it shifts way too soon. So, I virtually never use Curve in the SL, I almost always drive in the Individual setting. Of course, I may not be a good one to talk about this, since my car is over six years old and only has 4400 miles on it. What can I say, she's a garage queen.
Sure, but that makes sense since in the main Curve mode the transmission defaults to Eco, so typically upshifts very rapidly. It’s that Individual mix that I was wondering about, and Wolfman gave me the answer that I was searching for. Your advice has been fantastic to me through the years as well!
So when you are playing with your buddy are you using default Comfort mode or Curve? I’d be a little shocked to hear that the Eco transmission can keep up well with the F-Pace. It’s just too laggy for my general use, although it works well for Interstate travel and Adaptive Cruise Control IME.
I do love the Sport mode for spirted driving. Sport+ again is too much and only useful on a track or impressing someone for a quick start. All that said, I’m sure 85% of my driving is in Standard Comfort mode here in flat Florida.
Sorry but the R230 ABC does not have these advanced modes (at least mine does not). I was only discussing suspension here and I think the R231 has some more capabilities. On the subject of the transmission I exclusively drive in manual mode when I'm out chasing the F Type. Most of the back roads around here are either third or fourth gear roads. Power has little meaning on these roads as a well driven Miata may well creep away from you based on their knowledge of the road (and overall lack of fear). Only when it opens up does the Jag really get to roar, and yeah it's a really fast car (~500hp and the only year with RWD).
Try manual mode once you get up here and see what you think. It's not much fun if the car just keeps upshifting and you're idling around at 1500rpm as you're out for a fun ride. Keep the motor above 2k at least so you get to hear it, and enjoy a little engine braking.
Thanks! Will do, Admittedly I have not used my manual mode all that often. The 9 speed transmission is a dream, I’m always shocked at how smoothly it shifts in Comfort mode.
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