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Rough ride @ 24k miles

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Old 05-09-2009, 09:15 PM
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2008 MB C300 Sport (Mars Red)
Rough ride @ 24k miles

Either I've become hyper-sensitive about road bumps lately or my C300 sport (with original Conti's) is reacting differently. There appears to be ample tread wear on the tires still... However, I am an entheusiast-style driver and am concerned that the passively-adaptable struts have "locked" into sport driving without relaxing. Has anyone else noticed this or do I need to get on some perscription-strength meds?
Old 05-09-2009, 09:45 PM
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'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
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Originally Posted by 08w204
Either I've become hyper-sensitive about road bumps lately or my C300 sport (with original Conti's) is reacting differently. There appears to be ample tread wear on the tires still... However, I am an enthusiast-style driver and am concerned that the passively-adaptable struts have "locked" into sport driving without relaxing. Has anyone else noticed this or do I need to get on some prescription-strength meds?
It's known that as the tread wears down, the ride gets harder. Have you measured the depth with a gauge? This might be a good excuse to get rid of those awful Contis.

I got rid of my Contis before delivery but even the Bridgestones I've had since mile zero are not exactly quiet on rough pavement. I've been running them at 32/35 but decided to increase the pressures to factory standard and I noticed right away that the ride was noticeably rougher. I may deflate the rears down a few pounds.

I don't think it's your struts.
Old 05-09-2009, 11:47 PM
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I'm right at 25K and have noticed two things about the ride:
1- it's softer and quieter than it has been
2- it's more responsive to ruts in the road ... and to wind

My tread is still good, so I doubt that has anything to do with this. We have had a lot of wind lately. Those road ruts are actually much worse after this winter ... so I guess the car is doing fine.
Old 05-10-2009, 04:20 AM
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2008 C300 Sport, RWD, US
If your outside air temperature has gone up, you've gained 1 lb pressure for each 18degrees change in temperature. Recheck your tire's cold inflation pressure and adjust to manufacturer's specs.

By the way, there were days when I could have sworn that my suspension firmed up as every bump in the road seemed much worst. I'm still not convinced that the car wasn't doing something on its own.
Old 05-10-2009, 05:50 AM
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2008 MB C300 Sport (Mars Red)
Originally Posted by JimPap
If your outside air temperature has gone up, you've gained 1 lb pressure for each 18degrees change in temperature. Recheck your tire's cold inflation pressure and adjust to manufacturer's specs.

By the way, there were days when I could have sworn that my suspension firmed up as every bump in the road seemed much worst. I'm still not convinced that the car wasn't doing something on its own.
I've checked my tire pressure and released air. However, I have always been running the tires at the +4 psi as stated in the fuel door for driving over 100 mph. (I do a lot of autobahn driving.) I guess it's getting time to kiss these lousy Conti's goodbye and try something else.

Thanks all for your ideas.
Old 05-10-2009, 07:30 AM
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Before you chunk the Continentals, check tirerack.com . Seems to me that between the Michelins and the Contis, the Contis are suppose to be quieter and better riding.
Old 05-10-2009, 10:47 PM
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'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
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Originally Posted by JimPap
Before you chunk the Continentals, check tirerack.com . Seems to me that between the Michelins and the Contis, the Contis are suppose to be quieter and better riding.
You didn't notice that he's in Germany?
Old 05-10-2009, 11:21 PM
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2008 MB C300 Sport (Mars Red)
Originally Posted by RLE
You didn't notice that he's in Germany?
They deliver to APO addresses over here.

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