stock '05 sport sedan suspension
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA/Naples, FL
C320 Coupe
stock '05 sport sedan suspension
those of you who own the new c230 or c320 sport sedans - how does the car handle/feel with the new, improved AMG-tuned suspension and wider tires? i'd assume it gives the car a much sportier feel, and less soft of a ride. but is it dramatically different....can you "feel the road"? and how does it compare to the 3 series or IS300? thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
i must say the IS300 does handle quite nicely and a very smooth ride. i havent driven one but have riden in one. ive driven the 04.5 C230WZ and would like to drive a 2005 C230WZ as well to see if there is much improvement.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 22
From: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Porcelain Bus
I was told by the service foreman that the suspension on the 04 was lowered and retuned for the 04.5 update along with the brake upgrades. He told me the 05 brakes/suspension is a carryover from 04.5. What do you guys think?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,777
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia
BANNED
I test drove a '04.5 hard for about 5 miles and have 1500 miles on my '05 C230 SS. With that in mind, I "feel" they are the same and agree with Dr. Chill. Have no experience with the Lexus or BMW.
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,769
Likes: 37
From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
The only way to get an answer you want is to plant your buttdyno 
into each one of them cars. Because no matter what; someone else's impression can't match your own real world experience. $0.02
into each one of them cars. Because no matter what; someone else's impression can't match your own real world experience. $0.02
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale
BMW 325i
c230 suspension handling impressions
I have a 05 c230 sport sedan and an 04 BMW 325 sedan too. The BMW is superior in handling, road feel, steering response at all speeds, braking, suspension and general control of the car. The Mercedes just does not compare favorably to the BMW 3 series when it comes to overall feel. 
Trending Topics
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
2005 C230 Sedan
I have an o5 c230, it handles really good! I am going to lower it tommorow with some H&R's. My sister has an IS300. The Lexus handles well too but the steering wheel is way too hard. My car brakes really good. It is lower than previous models but not low enough!!!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
We traded our 2002 C230 coupe for a 2005 C230 sedan. The differences are not dramatic. The 2005 seems to roll a bit less when cornering, but that's my subjective opinion, not something I've measured. Also, the 2005 tracks better than the 2002, which would tend to drift, but again, it's not a dramatic difference. I took the new car on a 1000-mile trip last weekend, and it was comfortable on the interstates, but so was the 2002. In corners, it's easy to place either car right where you want it.
Bottom line: neither is a Mini Cooper, but both competent, sure-handling cars with a balance between ride and handling that works well in real-world driving. If you want a road racer, it would be simpler (and probably less costly) to buy something else - a Mini, a Z car, a WRX, etc. - rather than rework either of these cars.
Bottom line: neither is a Mini Cooper, but both competent, sure-handling cars with a balance between ride and handling that works well in real-world driving. If you want a road racer, it would be simpler (and probably less costly) to buy something else - a Mini, a Z car, a WRX, etc. - rather than rework either of these cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
Originally Posted by turbo t terry
We traded our 2002 C230 coupe for a 2005 C230 sedan. The differences are not dramatic. The 2005 seems to roll a bit less when cornering, but that's my subjective opinion, not something I've measured. Also, the 2005 tracks better than the 2002, which would tend to drift, but again, it's not a dramatic difference. I took the new car on a 1000-mile trip last weekend, and it was comfortable on the interstates, but so was the 2002. In corners, it's easy to place either car right where you want it.
Bottom line: neither is a Mini Cooper, but both competent, sure-handling cars with a balance between ride and handling that works well in real-world driving. If you want a road racer, it would be simpler (and probably less costly) to buy something else - a Mini, a Z car, a WRX, etc. - rather than rework either of these cars.
Bottom line: neither is a Mini Cooper, but both competent, sure-handling cars with a balance between ride and handling that works well in real-world driving. If you want a road racer, it would be simpler (and probably less costly) to buy something else - a Mini, a Z car, a WRX, etc. - rather than rework either of these cars.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
'03 C320 coupe
Originally Posted by JayinLauderdale
I have a 05 c230 sport sedan and an 04 BMW 325 sedan too...The Mercedes just does not compare favorably to the BMW 3 series when it comes to overall feel.
May I ask if you bought your BMW after the MB, and if not, what did the MB "give" you, or have, that made you decide to purchase it instead of another BMW (since you seem to like the BMW better). Really good $$$ deals always count as a reason ...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Earth
NA
MB vs BMW?
Mr JayinLauderdale:
I could not agree with you more on your comment... I don't think anyone would dare compare a Mercedes Benz! to a BMW???? who would???... .
Though BMW is also a premium brand, nice, well built, etc, etc, etc, I don't know what you mean by "favorably" though......in many cases it will come down to a personal choice, what do you like the best... my wife loves and drives a BMW and I like and enjoy my C32-AMG
BMW 330i
Front View:
Rear View:
C32-AMG
Front View:
Rear View:
Let the blood battle begin!
Cheers!
Wiedermann
Originally Posted by JayinLauderdale
I have a 05 c230 sport sedan and an 04 BMW 325 sedan too...The Mercedes just does not compare favorably to the BMW 3 series when it comes to overall feel.
.Though BMW is also a premium brand, nice, well built, etc, etc, etc, I don't know what you mean by "favorably" though...
...in many cases it will come down to a personal choice, what do you like the best... my wife loves and drives a BMW and I like and enjoy my C32-AMG BMW 330i
Front View:
Rear View:
C32-AMG
Front View:
Rear View:
Let the blood battle begin!
Cheers!
Wiedermann
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale
BMW 325i
why buy a mercedes if the BMW feels better on the road?
Heres why I chose Mercedes instead of getting another BMW:
The BMW is lower and harder to get in and out of frequently.
The standard (vinyl) seats in the BMW do not breathe as well as the standard Mercedes seats causing me to perspire more while driving.
The Mercedes exterior paint color palette appears to have more depth and shine than the BMW.
The Wheels/rims look nicer on the Mercedes.
The blue tinted windows
Updated DVD Nav with integrated Sirius radio
The center console is more substantial for my elbow to rest on
The car feels more comfortable inside
The BMW is lower and harder to get in and out of frequently.
The standard (vinyl) seats in the BMW do not breathe as well as the standard Mercedes seats causing me to perspire more while driving.
The Mercedes exterior paint color palette appears to have more depth and shine than the BMW.
The Wheels/rims look nicer on the Mercedes.
The blue tinted windows
Updated DVD Nav with integrated Sirius radio
The center console is more substantial for my elbow to rest on
The car feels more comfortable inside
