Which ML 320?

[fred52]

I am considering switching from my CD 220i Sports Estate - W204 to a nearly new ML 320. The two options I seem to have are an Edition 10 (September 2008) with all sorts of goodies - including Adaptive Suspension aka AirMATIC air suspension - or a Facelift Sports (post Novemember 2008) with newer COMAND etc but no Adaptive Suspension. Is anybody able to advise on whether the lack of Suspension settings (Sports, Comfort, Normal etc) will make any noticeable difference.

Any views would be helpful - many thanks

 

[hawk20]

I am considering switching from my CD 220i Sports Estate - W204 to a nearly new ML 320. The two options I seem to have are an Edition 10 (September 2008) with all sorts of goodies - including Adaptive Suspension aka AirMATIC air suspension - or a Facelift Sports (post Novemember 2008) with newer COMAND etc but no Adaptive Suspension. Is anybody able to advise on whether the lack of Suspension settings (Sports, Comfort, Normal etc) will make any noticeable difference.

Any views would be helpful - many thanks

Yes it makes a huge difference on the UK's poorly maintained roads. Sports suspension and bigger wheels (with less tyre depth of course) both give a harsher ride. The standard ride is already hard enough because a high vehicle needs firm suspension. Are you sure the Edition 10 has Airmatic? It is fabulous -as on the S class. Gives a magic carpet ride and the choice of settings is fun to suit your mood. Most find the comfort setting best for normal use.

 

[Mactech]

I agree with Hawk. Any ML with Airmatic is worth seeking out. It is standard on the GL and ML420 but still a rare option on the ML320.
I drove both 2008 versions prior to buying my nearly new ML and there is a big difference in ride comfort on anything other than ultra smooth roads. Airmatic also controls the roll much better without a ride comfort decrease.
The ML is a great SUV but with the addition of Airmatic it will do a very good impression of a luxury limo....and I can compare that directly with my S Class
Oh! and it also reduces road noise and you will notice this every mile you drive. Some other gadgets are fun fleetingly....but Airmatic I'm always greatful for!

 

[NewMB]

I can also only agree with the above posts.

In my company, we run an ML420 in Germany that has the Airmatic and makes a huge difference.

If you in the mood, cornering becomes very easy....

 

[A210AMG]

Is the Airmatic the same system that would be on my dads SL500?

While I agree with above whats the likley hood of it needing work if goes faulty? I'm guessing big bucks to fix. Fine if you have a warranty?

I like the look of the edition 10 by the way love the alloys.

 

[SportsCoupeRich]

I have airmatic on my ml320cdi and it is wonderful. Comfort, with 22" wheels, is still lovely and smooth and sport really makes a difference.

Never run it on 'standard' myself....anyone else?

 

[Mactech]

Never run it on 'standard' myself....anyone else?

Unlike the S Class which has just 'Comfort' or 'Sport' settings the ML has an adaptive setting as the normal default.
This is the mode I normally run in as it gives the ride comfort of the 'comfort' setting but without allowing the car to wallow or 'lope' and avoids the 'fidget' and harshness of the 'Sport' setting.
The 'Sport' setting does set the ride height 20mm lower which is good if you corner with a little verve, but when I get to drive there's normally family or dogs on board so tend to drive to their limits and not the cars

 

[fred52]

Thanks for the helpful comments.............

Many thanks for the helpful comments...................