Tirppa

So I posted earlier about my car pulling to the right (which it still does) but I've now also noticed that my car has very poor/slow steering return in slow turns in the city. After a turn I have to actively assist the steering to return to center position. Should I take it to the dealers or is this some RWD/MB trait that I'm not used to?

It's my first RWD car and first Benz so I'm not sure how different they behave compared to FWD or other brands.

ickdeep

As you said, these are different than FWD/AWD. They really dont turn back to center as quick. I have all three (FWD,AWD,RWD) sitting at home and they all respond differently it. You'll get used to it eventually.

PS: try turning using the palm of your hand if you can, it makes its alot smoother (for me that is)

Tirppa

And since I'm in Finland people tend to just buy the very basic trim level. So I have the very basic agility control instead of the advance agility control. And also it probably doesn't have parameter steering. It's such a shame. I'm probably gonna get used to it but means I'm gonna be constantly on the lookout for a C250 with AMG-line (US Sport pack) version :p

edgalang

I would suggest you look at the tire pressure. At the very least make sure you're not under inflated.

Tirppa

Gonna check again but I've checked them and got alignment and I'm pretty sure they checked the pressures too.

I like the steering at speed but it's the city low speed turning that bugs me.

Tirppa

The progressive power steering seems to be called vario steering. Any idea if it can be retrofitted for a reasonable price?

213 SPEED-SENSITIVE POWER STEERING/VARIO STEERING

Tirppa

So I test drove a same year C180 today with same wheel size and even the same brand. It felt more responsive. I had very basic trim level so I'd be pretty shocked if it has active agility control or vario steering.

The dealers merc chief mechanic is coming back from holiday in few weeks so I'll hang in with the car till then and let him drive it and see what he thinks. If it's just because of the vario steering or active agility control I don't know what I'll do.

Hate how all the extras in Finland are also taxed so people leave them out when they buy a 50k euro car :| Also pretty f**ked up that people buy 50k euro cars and then skimp out for few grands when getting extras.

tofu-

this is affected by toe angle as well. have your alignment checked

Tirppa

they have already been done but I lost the sheet showing the current values. Have to say I wasn't very convinced. I might have to take it to independent wheel specialist for the alignment. If the camber is off do I need some special parts to get that adjusted? I have the impression that since early 2000 or late 90's these cars don't have the bolts for camber adjustment any more.

Tirppa

Since mine has the very basic suspension.. what can be added to improve handling? Original merc stuff? If I get lower spring should I be looking to replace the shocks too?

I wan't better handling.. not to compromise it. I'm not looking for rock hard sport ride.

tofu-

yes, you'll need correctly valved shocks for the springs. you'll eventually blow the OEM ones if you throw aftermarket springs on, and it'll ride like **** anyway.

you won't be able to maintain the same floaty comfort feeling of a base C with any aftermarket suspension setup. contrary to what anyone says about their street oriented KW v1's (which i think are crap anyway), there will be more NVH.

honestly, before you go investing money and hacking up the suspension, think about what you really use the car for and what you want. If you simply want more front end grip, some extra camber up front is all you need for street application. If you expected a great handling racecar out of this, you picked the wrong platform to build on.

Tirppa

some wise words my friend.. I drive 50miles a day on a highway to work and back. And for that it is very good car. Just gonna get it sorted since it still pulls to right bit more and you kinda have to "drive" it all the time on the highway.

Time to start saving for a S205