Crappy steering
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
The W204 steering does feel a bit light for the sport suspension, but Like it overall.
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From: Romania
Audi A4 1.9 TDI 2002, MB C200 CDI 2004, MB C220 CDI 2009
Really is to light. I use regulary two cars, Audi A4 1.9 TDI 130 HP and Mercedes C220 CDI 170 HP and I tend to oversteer when driving the Mercedes.
Also my usual play is flooring the gas (diesel) pedal when exiting a corner when using the Audi, tried with the mercedes and scared all the drivers around (myself also).
Also my usual play is flooring the gas (diesel) pedal when exiting a corner when using the Audi, tried with the mercedes and scared all the drivers around (myself also).
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 4Matic
Really is to light. I use regulary two cars, Audi A4 1.9 TDI 130 HP and Mercedes C220 CDI 170 HP and I tend to oversteer when driving the Mercedes.
Also my usual play is flooring the gas (diesel) pedal when exiting a corner when using the Audi, tried with the mercedes and scared all the drivers around (myself also).
Also my usual play is flooring the gas (diesel) pedal when exiting a corner when using the Audi, tried with the mercedes and scared all the drivers around (myself also).
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From: Dallas
2015 Carrara White Metallic Porsche Cayman
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I found that the steering feels a little on-center lightness, but as soon as I turn the wheel it weighted nicely. The suspension firms up automatically during cornering, and it helps a more linear feel on the steering because I wouldn't need to minor-adjust my steering input to compensate body lean.
I actually don't mind the steering feels this way, it makes long distance cruising more relaxing. Afterall, it was one of the reasons my wife and I chose the Mercedes because we hoped for comfort followed by some sportiness, which I think Mercedes balanced them quite nicely.
Just my experience.
With best regards,
I actually don't mind the steering feels this way, it makes long distance cruising more relaxing. Afterall, it was one of the reasons my wife and I chose the Mercedes because we hoped for comfort followed by some sportiness, which I think Mercedes balanced them quite nicely.
Just my experience.
With best regards,
Last edited by axhoaxho; Dec 18, 2008 at 08:10 PM.
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From: nyc
528i, GLK
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From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
Yes you are right. Mine is a 2005 and the steering is much heavier. When I had 2006 and 2007 C-Class as loaners I noticed the steering was much lighter, so much so that I wondered if something was wrong with mine.
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From: Singapore
W204
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From: Dallas
2015 Carrara White Metallic Porsche Cayman
Well I'm young so I'm all about firm seats. I love the W204 seats. They could have a bit more side support though. The BMW sport seats are better for that reason.
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From: Dallas
2015 Carrara White Metallic Porsche Cayman
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
I feel like I should already know this, but is the steering controlled by software? I assume most are these days (engine/road speed) and may be something the dealer or aftermarket can adjust...maybe in conjunction with an engine reflash, etc.??
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Joined: Oct 2009
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2008 C300 Sport
Somehow during the test drive I missed the fact that the W204 steering is SUPER light and numb. I only test drive it with the 18" AMG wheels, and mine now has the basic 17" sport wheels. Would the smaller wheels make the steering feel lighter?
I love the car and this isn't that big of a deal, I just prefer the heavier feel of a BMW. Even Toyotas have more steering feel than this Benz.
I plan on throwing some 19" wheels on in the near future...would that make a difference? Any other ways to improve the steering feel?
I love the car and this isn't that big of a deal, I just prefer the heavier feel of a BMW. Even Toyotas have more steering feel than this Benz.
I plan on throwing some 19" wheels on in the near future...would that make a difference? Any other ways to improve the steering feel?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
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2008 C300 Sport
Yes, I agree, the steering is too light. I am interested in fixes for this as well. I have asked a mechanic whether it is possible to retrofit the speed-sensitive steering option available as part of the dynamic suspension package ($1500). As you can see from the posts here that some people like it. Personally, I am ready to trade in for a 328. If you find yourself driving around turns with white knuckles, you know what I am talking about.
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
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From: Homeless
'20 Targa 4 DD, ' 18 Volvo S60 T6
Air pressure affects feel greatly.
I like my fronts around 30 VS 28 spec. I'll go 32 if I know will be on twist mountain roads for few hours with 34 in rears.
Often dealers cars are way overinflated to max pressure ion side walls. Every loaner I've had is overinflated and I feel it right away.
Every time my car comes back from the tire service they are overinflated and every rental car I've ever drivin is over inflated.
I like my fronts around 30 VS 28 spec. I'll go 32 if I know will be on twist mountain roads for few hours with 34 in rears.
Often dealers cars are way overinflated to max pressure ion side walls. Every loaner I've had is overinflated and I feel it right away.
Every time my car comes back from the tire service they are overinflated and every rental car I've ever drivin is over inflated.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
gets me from point A-B
I find the steering in w204 VERY SIMILAR to my Lexus IS250's. VERY light in the city and ABSOLUTELY NO FEEL until about 60mph. Basically, it sucks in the city, but once youre on the highway, its great 
Member
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From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
gets me from point A-B
And i think w204s steering is still hydraulic, whereas my IS250's is electric...so i think w204 should feel more natural...IS250s steering kinda feels like stretching a piece of gum/rubber
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Alexandria, Egypt
2009 C200K
It's definitely heavier than Toyota.
It's lighter than BMW 3 series but similar to 5 series. I feel 3 series is a bit too heavy and Toyota is too light.
Increase air pressure will help on steering wheel feedback. Make sure you have an accurate gague and put front tire at 30+ psi.
It's lighter than BMW 3 series but similar to 5 series. I feel 3 series is a bit too heavy and Toyota is too light.
Increase air pressure will help on steering wheel feedback. Make sure you have an accurate gague and put front tire at 30+ psi.
I was driven Bmw 3 & 5 series
All Japs cars have now electrical steering which is very light & feel like park toys !!
For me the W204 steering is very good/well handling like the Bmw 5
Last edited by Batman372; Oct 5, 2009 at 08:00 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Toronto, Canada
09 C300S 4M
Steering is like power, everyone relates to them differently. The only way steering can be light or hard is when you compare it to another car. For the W204 the steering is perfect, you may prefer the steering of another vehicle, and that's fine, but that's something you figure out in a test drive 
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: San Diego, CA
2018 GLE AMG 63
just got my car finally after rebuilding a salvage c300, everything looks great except the part where i try to drive and when turning, my steering wheel want to return back to center every time i turn left or right. it jerk back to center position no matter what. Alignment place thinks car needs to be cleared of codes since esc was on before brought to them. Has anyone ever heard of anything similar??? i doubt the 2010 c300 has auto pilot...LoL
