agershon

I'm considering pulling the trigger on a 2009/2010 C63. I've read lots of reviews and comparos, and it seems the consensus is that the C63 suspension is a bit harsh for daily driving. The M3 generally comes out on top, in part because it's more "comfortable" day-to-day.

Would you guys mind chiming in with your impressions of day-to-day driving in your C63?

Background: At least 80% of my driving is to/from work, nearly all on the 134/101 freeway here in Los Angeles. I currently drive a Volkswagen CC which is quite comfortable to drive, but not particularly sporty. Before that I had a Mazdaspeed 3 which had "sport tuned" suspension. I found the ride perfectly fine, and actually enjoyed the feel of the road.

TIA

F355C5

it's ideal for everyday driving. Fells like a Caddy compared to my last two cars. 2005 corvette w/Z51 package and 2009 GTR. not to worry.

Merc63

Not harsh at all.

norb

Yes its harsh, but you don't want a floaty soft sprung car with the power the C63 has.

agershon

This is an excellent point. Glad to hear positive responses so far.

Fung63

I use mine as a DD as well. My commute is approx 100km each way. I dont find the ride to be harsh at all. It is actually quite comfortable and the power the C63 has makes the commute enjoyable.

also, if you are worried about harshness, stick with the oem wheels or pick 18" aftermarket options

I am Jeff

The negative reviews that you have read about usually involve cars with the P30 Performance package. That suspension is unnecessarily harsh.

izzyAMG

... I thought the M3 is worse than the c63 as far as harshness goes?
As far as performance cars go the suspension of the c63 is perfect blend for daily and sport driving.

gthal

My C63 feels very similar to my previous E92 M3 with EDC set to normal. I think cars pre-2012 with the P30 package are stiffer, however. It is perfectly fine for DD duty unless you like a car that feels like a Lexus.

gthal

It's the opposite... the M3 is actually better in Comfort mode and firmer in Sport mode... one of the advantages of adjustable suspension

nkc

i also use mine as a daily driver, drive 100+ miles everyday and although a lil harsh, u will actually be glad it had the stiff suspension for when u wanna go nuts, that said. i think its perfect, fung's advice on keeping the 18s is ur best bet for not feeling its harshness so much

Guilty

Get a CL63 if you're worried about comfort

agershon

So the performance package has different and stiffer suspension? The one I drove last week had that package. The one with the lsd and 30 more hp, right?

So I gather a c63 without that package will be slightly less firm

Thrilla

+1 on what fung and nkc said. Staying with an 18" rim helps. I've noticed my ride stiffened up with 19" rims. Not harsh or unbearable, but definitely noticeable.

C280 Sport

+1 I totally agree. Get the CL instead. The C63 ride is not harsh but I would not want a AMG C as a DD.

gthal

Depends on whether you want a sporty car that is nimble or a big car with a big engine

Just kidding... kind of

Guilty

Well as much as I'd love to have a C63, my big heavy car makes me smile everyday and it smokes 99% of the cars in the road. It also handles very well for its size, with the right tires and alignment!

I drove almost 19hrs straight in that car (Miami to NYC) and my back didn't even hurt!!! I even got a free massage!

hhughes1

08/09's were available with the P30 package which had among other things much stiffer springs. HP was not bumped but top speed was.

In 10 the package changed to the P31 with +30hp, red calipers, forged internals and others but the stiff suspension was dropped based on customer feedback.

Up till early 09 many P30 cars had bits and pieces of the performance package until stock levels met demand.

Zeee_Q

I have an 09 with the P30 and on bumpy roads the suspension is a bit harsh but not unbearable. I commute about 50 miles daily in my car and I'm fine although sometimes I do wish the car had adjustable suspension for when I don't want to drive aggressively.

_AMG_

Its harsh if you compare it to a comfy S class or CLS. lol
I daily drive mine (I'm on the 134/101 fwy most of the time as well) and I have no complaints at all.

vessproms

i dont think so.

Guilty

Forget about the CL63, I think my ABC just broke. FML

agershon

Right on. As far as LA freeways go, 101/134 are in pretty good shape.

If things go right, I'll see you out there soon in my C63 :-)

b16

I daily drive my C63 50 miles each way to work. I love it, very comfy. My Evo I had before this car on coilovers, now that was harsh...

agershon

Awesome responses, guys. Thanks so much.

Judging by the intelligent and respectful posts in this thread, it may be time to get out of my VW AND get the hell out of the VWVortex forums