My Palladium Silver C350 Coupe
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C350 Coupe
That's a good comparo grizzly111 I've also had plenty of experience driving a 135i and definitely prefer my C Coupe over the BMW handling and all round ride wise for the moment I'm happy to leave mine as is without messing with the AMG package optioned OEM chassis 
With our C Coupes (and even the sedan variants) they are all a little different in the handling department depending which engine is sitting up front the most responsive and agile are the 4 cylinder petrols, the diesels and the V6 and V8 petrols are noticeably heavier over the front wheels but it's only really noticeable when you push them hard, not so much in normal driving conditions.
With our C Coupes (and even the sedan variants) they are all a little different in the handling department depending which engine is sitting up front the most responsive and agile are the 4 cylinder petrols, the diesels and the V6 and V8 petrols are noticeably heavier over the front wheels but it's only really noticeable when you push them hard, not so much in normal driving conditions.
I chase handling pretty extensively because I always think - I wonder if it could be a little better. Or- you know I'd like to be doing another 10kms quicker through this corner than the other car. All good fun.
I guess the biggest think about the Mercedes - particularly now that I've changed a few things is it gives you great confidence. You have to be driving stupidly fast, or doing something wrong for the car to feel unsettled. Drove a stock C Class with the AMG pack basically back to back on one of my regular commutes and it was definitely not as stable and comforting to drive. Also a bit slippier in the wet interestingly enough. Got the back out a bit more or a dodgy corner with crappy bumps more than I expected. All down to the road surface. A standard car feels like its tyres are less in contact with the road through the corners.
Anyway. Good to have contributions on my thread again. Thanks guys!
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C204 C250-CDI
I see where your coming from Blickling and I'm not underrating a 135i, it was for its time and still remains a great drive but my C Coupe feels like a better overall drive than the Beemer
It sits and runs flatter, has much better grip even under hard acceleration(and that's comparing to my CDI now with 600nm torque vs only 400nm for the 135i) and for me the steering on the C is better as well, the 135i's I've driven were all quite new with new tyres.
I rate the steering of the C as good or comparible to any of the non M E92 coupes I've driven, it's sharper and better than previous generation Mercs that's for sure.
Interesting comparison you've made between the E92 M3 with your C350, tyres aside those chassis mods you've done certainly seem to have made a very noticeable difference to be better than the M3 in those regards you mention, wish you were located near by I'd love to ride shotgun for a comparo to really see if it'd be worth doing similar upgrades to mine
It sits and runs flatter, has much better grip even under hard acceleration(and that's comparing to my CDI now with 600nm torque vs only 400nm for the 135i) and for me the steering on the C is better as well, the 135i's I've driven were all quite new with new tyres.
I rate the steering of the C as good or comparible to any of the non M E92 coupes I've driven, it's sharper and better than previous generation Mercs that's for sure.
Interesting comparison you've made between the E92 M3 with your C350, tyres aside those chassis mods you've done certainly seem to have made a very noticeable difference to be better than the M3 in those regards you mention, wish you were located near by I'd love to ride shotgun for a comparo to really see if it'd be worth doing similar upgrades to mine
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C350 Coupe
I see where your coming from Blickling and I'm not underrating a 135i, it was for its time and still remains a great drive but my C Coupe feels like a better overall drive than the Beemer
It sits and runs flatter, has much better grip even under hard acceleration(and that's comparing to my CDI now with 600nm torque vs only 400nm for the 135i) and for me the steering on the C is better as well, the 135i's I've driven were all quite new with new tyres.
I rate the steering of the C as good or comparible to any of the non M E92 coupes I've driven, it's sharper and better than previous generation Mercs that's for sure.
Interesting comparison you've made between the E92 M3 with your C350, tyres aside those chassis mods you've done certainly seem to have made a very noticeable difference to be better than the M3 in those regards you mention, wish you were located near by I'd love to ride shotgun for a comparo to really see if it'd be worth doing similar upgrades to mine
It sits and runs flatter, has much better grip even under hard acceleration(and that's comparing to my CDI now with 600nm torque vs only 400nm for the 135i) and for me the steering on the C is better as well, the 135i's I've driven were all quite new with new tyres.
I rate the steering of the C as good or comparible to any of the non M E92 coupes I've driven, it's sharper and better than previous generation Mercs that's for sure.
Interesting comparison you've made between the E92 M3 with your C350, tyres aside those chassis mods you've done certainly seem to have made a very noticeable difference to be better than the M3 in those regards you mention, wish you were located near by I'd love to ride shotgun for a comparo to really see if it'd be worth doing similar upgrades to mine
I guess with the M3, not being a guru on these things, these were my impressions
Suspension - the M3 admittedly didn't have the dynamic dampers - just completely standard suspension. I think if it had the better dampers it would have been way better. Ive been in an m3 with KW coilovers and that was unreal!. The eibach bars on my car I believe are thicker than the m3s (and a lot of cars) so my car felt less rolly
The chassis and body though and the light weight and perfect weight distribution felt really good - better than the C Class. It is like the car pivots around the driver - but the tyres and suspension weren't letting the car do everything it could do. That and the extra power made it easier to get to the limits.
An m3 with good tyres and slightly better suspension (over bone stock) would be pretty untouchable.
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C350 Coupe
Update - Ultra Racing
And the modding continues...
It has gotten to the point where the list of things possible on this car is slowly dwindling. I do have some ideas and things saved up, some of them possible and some of them probably not so possible - or easy to do without complications.
Anyway you can thank CKS Performance for this next update - primarily because I did a bit of fishing around for more things and I found on their website that they'd updated it with a bunch of ultra racing strut braces and chassis bars.
I did some looking around and must say I was extremely skeptical - particularly given that they weren't German products and the pricing is very, very good.
There also weren't too many reviews of them on Euro cars - but given the pricing I figured, why not? Take a punt on them. I also wasn't sure how good the fitment would be - in general and being a coupe rather than a sedan.
I've attached pictures of how they came when they arrived. Between placing my order and arrival it was less than a week. The expediency of this company was excellent. I guess there is an advantage in that respect to not buying from Europe!
It has gotten to the point where the list of things possible on this car is slowly dwindling. I do have some ideas and things saved up, some of them possible and some of them probably not so possible - or easy to do without complications.
Anyway you can thank CKS Performance for this next update - primarily because I did a bit of fishing around for more things and I found on their website that they'd updated it with a bunch of ultra racing strut braces and chassis bars.
I did some looking around and must say I was extremely skeptical - particularly given that they weren't German products and the pricing is very, very good.
There also weren't too many reviews of them on Euro cars - but given the pricing I figured, why not? Take a punt on them. I also wasn't sure how good the fitment would be - in general and being a coupe rather than a sedan.
I've attached pictures of how they came when they arrived. Between placing my order and arrival it was less than a week. The expediency of this company was excellent. I guess there is an advantage in that respect to not buying from Europe!
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C350 Coupe
Fitment
I got a good mate of mine to install them at his tuning shop. It took him no more than 1/2 an hour having a hoist and there was no trouble fitting them.
The difference in thickness and strength between the standard chassis bars (if you can call them bars, they're more like thin metal plates) and the Ultra Racing ones is quite noticeable. You can tell improvements have been made.
I also chose to paint mine black. One because it is a bit more subtle under the car and two, I saw on another forum that the normal white finish can be a bit susceptible to rust so I used some rust resistant paint.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=13535236
So install all went fine, I'll cover drive in a separate post.
The difference in thickness and strength between the standard chassis bars (if you can call them bars, they're more like thin metal plates) and the Ultra Racing ones is quite noticeable. You can tell improvements have been made.
I also chose to paint mine black. One because it is a bit more subtle under the car and two, I saw on another forum that the normal white finish can be a bit susceptible to rust so I used some rust resistant paint.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=13535236
So install all went fine, I'll cover drive in a separate post.
Last edited by Blickling; Jan 30, 2014 at 08:03 AM.
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C204 C250-CDI
Nice addition Blickling, seeing how you added your own personal touch making the product better shows your attention to detail is just great
I do like the way that hardware fitted in nicely replacing the original item.
I do like the way that hardware fitted in nicely replacing the original item.
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C350 Coupe
Thanks AV1. Always enjoy your input.
I didn't think they'd actually make much difference if I'm honest, but the car does feel stiffer and you can sort of feel it through the steering wheel (how that works I don't know
) but it feels good to drive. Less mid corner floppiness to the car.
grizzly111 - don't necessarily agree there - they're ok - but not my first choice. They make me a little nervous. If you're enjoying them that's good though.
I didn't think they'd actually make much difference if I'm honest, but the car does feel stiffer and you can sort of feel it through the steering wheel (how that works I don't know
) but it feels good to drive. Less mid corner floppiness to the car.grizzly111 - don't necessarily agree there - they're ok - but not my first choice. They make me a little nervous. If you're enjoying them that's good though.
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C204 C250-CDI
Interesting on the tyres guys, I recently swapped over to the OEM C63 18" rims on my coupe and clad them in Pirrelli PZeros and they're no where near as good as the original Contis on grip 
Any other recommendations on a suitable tyre for maximum grip as well as low noise running characterstics ?? I hear the top end Michelins are meant to be good ??
TIA
Any other recommendations on a suitable tyre for maximum grip as well as low noise running characterstics ?? I hear the top end Michelins are meant to be good ??
TIA
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C350 Coupe
Interesting on the tyres guys, I recently swapped over to the OEM C63 18" rims on my coupe and clad them in Pirrelli PZeros and they're no where near as good as the original Contis on grip
Any other recommendations on a suitable tyre for maximum grip as well as low noise running characterstics ?? I hear the top end Michelins are meant to be good ??
TIA
Any other recommendations on a suitable tyre for maximum grip as well as low noise running characterstics ?? I hear the top end Michelins are meant to be good ??
TIA
I would look at the following for street tyres:
Michelin Pilot SS (although they don't do a 255 you'd have to get a 265 which would fit on the C63 rims. They're actually 1/2 an inch wider at the back.
Bridgestone Potenza S001 which I'm running (I haven't driven a Mercedes with these tyres but other cars and I'd say these are pretty similar to the MP SS. Maybe not quite as good but for the power we're running you can't tell.
Also the Pilot Sport 3s are pretty good and come in the right sizes.
Also Dunlop Sport Maxx GT or RT (OEM tyre for the A45 & CLA 45) are good. Driven an SL350 and 500 with the GTs and they are good.
There's a fair bit of choice. Also the yokohama Advan Sports are good.
Those are all high end street tyres. You could go semi slick if you're very keen.
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C204 C250-CDI
Thank you Blickling for all the above info and advice
You are correct the OEM C63 rear rims are 1/2" wider and the fronts have a slightly different offset (4mm) but still work perfectly with the stock OEM tyre sizes, will certainly look into increasing the width of the rears to 265's in an attempt to further help traction.
I'll have to look into one of those choices outlined above soon as the rear Pirellis are quickly wearing out as did the previous contis.
Thanks again
You are correct the OEM C63 rear rims are 1/2" wider and the fronts have a slightly different offset (4mm) but still work perfectly with the stock OEM tyre sizes, will certainly look into increasing the width of the rears to 265's in an attempt to further help traction.
I'll have to look into one of those choices outlined above soon as the rear Pirellis are quickly wearing out as did the previous contis.
Thanks again
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C350 Coupe
More...
Me again people,
I've made some further updates to my car. I'm happy to post pics and provide some reviews for those interested.
Must say I've been in a bit of a break in period with the latest things so I haven't had much of an opportunity to drive the car hard and get a great deal of enjoyment out of the improvements. That and we've been plagued by wet weather a lot lately.
Basically my pads and rotors were on the way out so I've upgraded all of them.
I've also made some more chassis/suspension upgrades with a little bit more bracing.
It is astounding how much you can change and upgrade these cars if you really try...
I've made some further updates to my car. I'm happy to post pics and provide some reviews for those interested.
Must say I've been in a bit of a break in period with the latest things so I haven't had much of an opportunity to drive the car hard and get a great deal of enjoyment out of the improvements. That and we've been plagued by wet weather a lot lately.
Basically my pads and rotors were on the way out so I've upgraded all of them.
I've also made some more chassis/suspension upgrades with a little bit more bracing.
It is astounding how much you can change and upgrade these cars if you really try...
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C204 C250-CDI
^^^ Yes please Blickling on the pics and reviews of the brakes
The OEM's do seem to wear out quickly on Mb's so I too may be looking at an upgrade in future.
Edit: forgot to mention do you also have an upgrade for the 7G tronic trans software wise ? it's something I'm currently looking into as it would seem a good remap of the trans changing/enhancing the way it operates and responds would be of just as much benefit to these cars as an engine remap.
The OEM's do seem to wear out quickly on Mb's so I too may be looking at an upgrade in future.
Edit: forgot to mention do you also have an upgrade for the 7G tronic trans software wise ? it's something I'm currently looking into as it would seem a good remap of the trans changing/enhancing the way it operates and responds would be of just as much benefit to these cars as an engine remap.
Last edited by AV1; Mar 27, 2014 at 08:45 PM.
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C350 Coupe
AV1 - interesting you bring up transmission tunes. These are really becoming big right now. There are tunes out for our transmissions. Early reports are good. I should have the opportunity to experience for myself in the near future... I'm very keen.
Capt Paul - which ones did you order
I'll cover chassis this evening.
I've added the 2 front chassis braces and the 2 rear chassis braces from Ultra Racing....
The car seems to have further dialed out the understeer and become more neutral.
Capt Paul - which ones did you order
I'll cover chassis this evening.
I've added the 2 front chassis braces and the 2 rear chassis braces from Ultra Racing....
The car seems to have further dialed out the understeer and become more neutral.
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
AV1 - interesting you bring up transmission tunes. These are really becoming big right now. There are tunes out for our transmissions. Early reports are good. I should have the opportunity to experience for myself in the near future... I'm very keen.
Capt Paul - which ones did you order
I'll cover chassis this evening.
I've added the 2 front chassis braces and the 2 rear chassis braces from Ultra Racing....
The car seems to have further dialed out the understeer and become more neutral.
Capt Paul - which ones did you order
I'll cover chassis this evening.
I've added the 2 front chassis braces and the 2 rear chassis braces from Ultra Racing....
The car seems to have further dialed out the understeer and become more neutral.
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C350 Coupe
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C350 Coupe
Brakes
Went for Stoptech Front & Rear Drilled Rotors and Front & Rear Street Pads
From a just random practical perspective it is extremely noticeable the lack of brake dust. These pics were taken after about 400 or 500 kms of driving in non rainy conditions (which helps) and they still look fine. Big plus!
As far as braking, drove a favourite tight, tough road of mine that I typically see ABS on 2 or 3 times and didn't see it once. There seems to be a larger gap between braking and going to ABS now. It is more progressive. I really like it. The lack of roll and traction advantages of the chassis braces may have also contributed to this though as the abs is more prone to coming on when the car is unsettled.
After a good blast, the brakes still felt great. You can still tell that the don't have a million pistons like cars with serious, serious brakes, but for what I do and the speed I drive which is also speed limit conscious and not about constant all out speed, they do the job great.
How much better brake lines would make, I'm not sure, but if anyone does install lines and be keen to hear their feedback.
Some more parts just arrived. I'll have another update soon. They are a reasonably mild update, but should hopefully integrate well with some existing parts.
From a just random practical perspective it is extremely noticeable the lack of brake dust. These pics were taken after about 400 or 500 kms of driving in non rainy conditions (which helps) and they still look fine. Big plus!
As far as braking, drove a favourite tight, tough road of mine that I typically see ABS on 2 or 3 times and didn't see it once. There seems to be a larger gap between braking and going to ABS now. It is more progressive. I really like it. The lack of roll and traction advantages of the chassis braces may have also contributed to this though as the abs is more prone to coming on when the car is unsettled.
After a good blast, the brakes still felt great. You can still tell that the don't have a million pistons like cars with serious, serious brakes, but for what I do and the speed I drive which is also speed limit conscious and not about constant all out speed, they do the job great.
How much better brake lines would make, I'm not sure, but if anyone does install lines and be keen to hear their feedback.
Some more parts just arrived. I'll have another update soon. They are a reasonably mild update, but should hopefully integrate well with some existing parts.
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From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
Tire recommendation
Interesting on the tyres guys, I recently swapped over to the OEM C63 18" rims on my coupe and clad them in Pirrelli PZeros and they're no where near as good as the original Contis on grip
Any other recommendations on a suitable tyre for maximum grip as well as low noise running characterstics ?? I hear the top end Michelins are meant to be good ??
TIA
Any other recommendations on a suitable tyre for maximum grip as well as low noise running characterstics ?? I hear the top end Michelins are meant to be good ??
TIA
Last edited by greasykid; Apr 6, 2014 at 03:44 PM.
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C350 Coupe
Small update
Hi All,
I hope you're all well. Hopefully I'll have more to contribute soon in the next little while...
I have however changed my tyres and love them. I've gone for these...
http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/04/...r-time-attack/
Have a read. Excellent rubber!
I hope you're all well. Hopefully I'll have more to contribute soon in the next little while...
I have however changed my tyres and love them. I've gone for these...
http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/04/...r-time-attack/
Have a read. Excellent rubber!
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C204 C250-CDI
Have 2013 C250 Coupe. Have removed oem Conti's and put on Conti Extreme Contact DWS.Better grip -particularly in the wet or snow and quiet. This is the second car that I have used this tire. Good wearing also. Had PZero Nero before on SLK's. Got very noisy before 10k miles. Good traction tho.
Hi All,
I hope you're all well. Hopefully I'll have more to contribute soon in the next little while...
I have however changed my tyres and love them. I've gone for these...
http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/04/...r-time-attack/
Have a read. Excellent rubber!
I hope you're all well. Hopefully I'll have more to contribute soon in the next little while...
I have however changed my tyres and love them. I've gone for these...
http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/04/...r-time-attack/
Have a read. Excellent rubber!
Thanks for the tyre recommendations guys
greasykid, your right about the PZeros mine are starting to get noticeably noisier now than when new and strangely they grip more now that they're worn in than when they were new.
I'll look into one of the 2 above suggestions for my next set, hopefully I'll get better longevity from those, my CDI is chewing up rear tyres quite quickly.
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C350 Coupe
Thanks for the tyre recommendations guys
greasykid, your right about the PZeros mine are starting to get noticeably noisier now than when new and strangely they grip more now that they're worn in than when they were new.
I'll look into one of the 2 above suggestions for my next set, hopefully I'll get better longevity from those, my CDI is chewing up rear tyres quite quickly.
greasykid, your right about the PZeros mine are starting to get noticeably noisier now than when new and strangely they grip more now that they're worn in than when they were new.
I'll look into one of the 2 above suggestions for my next set, hopefully I'll get better longevity from those, my CDI is chewing up rear tyres quite quickly.
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From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
Your car pics/wheels
Have 2013 Polar White C250 COUPE w/AMG silver wheels. Like the look of your black spoke wheels--would be good contrast on my car. Which wheels are those? Stock? Might be interested in making a change on my car.
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C350 Coupe
Also means you don't have to change your tyres. Just my 2 cents
