stallion150

Thanks Glyn--I think the Contisport 3's need to go...lol

Glyn M Ruck

Oh my - You have Conti SC3s as well - awful noisy, uncomfortable tyres. Chucked mine of at 15,000Km in disgust.

AMGTTV8

my suspension and steering has finally settled after 5k miles and i have to say i love the car much more than my 07 e350...

in terms of the tracking issues described below, i do agree with you guys - it is a little washy at times. i solved this by putting my old 18" e350 rims on and slapping 235's up front...

tracking is spot-on now...

aranu

bigger rims will definitely make a cars ride harsher.. best option to do is lower down to 17s i think. smaller rims make the ride better i guess, and stay in C mode? I find Tires dont make much difference unless its low profiles. but rather sound is a big side effect of certain tires. I drove a 350 for awhile and thought the ride was fine tbh, even compared to the w203 models.

spoolIT85

anybody who thinks that the ride on the benz is too harsh need to sell the car asap and buy themselves a cadillac deville

stallion150

HaHa--I'm 40K a little too late for that advice!

stallion150

Hey all---after driving the 350 a little more tonight...the only word I can come up with to describe it is very secure at high speeds; at low speeds it feels "wobbly" because of road imperfections--damn those 18'' rims..lol

Sportstick

If tire pressures are correct, the culprit is 18" wheels and tires. The step from 17" to 18" does make a difference...less sidewall to absorb impact, more unsprung weight from larger wheel acting as a pendulum in the vertical plane. It will also take longer to brake to a stop, with more mass in the wheel. Drive another with 17s and feel the difference.

AMGTTV8

with you that one!

Krytech

Where are you from? Maybe you can find another member in your area who has 17's you can put on and go for a test drive. I have an extra set if you're in MN. Maybe your dealer could swap them for you for a day?

There really shouldn't be much of a difference between a C300/C350 assuming they are equipped with the same wheels/tires.

Also, has the service department looked at your car or given it a test drive? If not, I would press the issue once more and ask them to give it a look on the lift and drive it to get their opinion. Maybe go with them on the test drive.

Good luck!

stallion150

Thanks all---I had the service department take a test drive with me today--they say that it drives as it should...meaning the sport suspension and 18'' rims together are going to produce a rougher ride.

I'm in North Carolina---but that's a great idea, to try the 17's for a day and see if that helps.

Krytech----What's your experience been with the C350?


And the techs measured the tire pressures today, apparently they are correct.

spoolIT85

ill trade you my stocker 17s + some cash if you like

stallion150

Hey Spool---I'm gonna further discern the issue a bit more, but yeah that could work. I'll be in touch with you regarding this.

Krytech

If you mean regarding handling, overall I've been impressed. I haven't noticed what you are describing but we all have different butt sensors if you know what I mean. My only real complaint is how the car handles when turning on uneven pavement. I'm with holding judgment right now until I get new tires on my car since I just upgraded my 17s to 18s and the rear tire is a 275/35 so it's rather large and weighs more than a 255 would. But when I had my 17's on and I would take a hard or fast turn and the pavement was bumpy or rough the car feels like it skips as it goes over the bumps. Also when taking high speed twists at 70-80mph the body roll seems a bit excessive, but never unsafe.

dmatre

You don't say where in NC, but feel free to PM me if you're nearby.

TRauppius

I drove C300 and C350 models several times at my dealership before deciding to order a 2009 (US spec) C350W for pickup at the factory in Germany. The cars that I drove with the 18" AMG wheels and performance tires were noticeably "stiffer" riding, particularly when going over the many potholes we have in eastern Pennsylvania. Consequently I ordered the standard 17" AMG/6-spoke wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Hx tires and find the ride an excellent balance between crisp and predictable handling and a smooth compliant ride.

AF330i

I know you read this many times on this thread but I am going to agree it has to be the 18" wheels and Conti summer tires.

I have the same set up and while I agree the ride can be considered a little harsh I am coming from a BMW 335i which had runflat tires which were hard as h*ll over 'any' bump. In comparison the C350 feels much softer.

If I were you, I would find a set of almost new 17" C350 wheels which come with the all-season tires and try them out. It will cost you very little because you can easily sell them and recoup some $$ when you are ready to get rid of them.

skillz1318

New tires will help a lot....summer performance tires are known for a harsher ride....replace with all season and you will immediately notice a ride improvement.

stallion150

Guys---I'm in chapel hill, NC---Quick question----Just called the dealer and the agreed to swap out my 18'' for 17'' rim and tires---I'm obviously taking a hit in an even swap, so do you guys recommend just privately selling the 18'' rims and tires? What would they go for in a private market? I don't want to rip anyone off or get ripped off---want to sell the 18'' rims and tires at a fair price.

Glyn M Ruck

You are doing the right thing. If you value the Mercedes ride then it is a quiet fact that low profile tyres disturb it. Enjoy. BTW Michelin Summer & AS tyres have the softest/most compliant sidewalls on the market.

stallion150

Thanks Glynn. Could someone tell me in US $ what a set of 4 AMG 18'' Twin-5-spoke wheels should go for? The Wheels alone are a $1000 option on MBUSA.com to be added to the C350.

Going to Test Drive a C350 with 17'' rims today, hopefully i'll be able to make the difference.

AF330i

I don't know the price but please make sure you post back here with the difference's between the 17" and 18" wheels/tires.

I would be very interested in hearing your opinion.

Krytech

IIRC, I've seen sets of 18" with good tires and TPMS installed sell for $1300-$1800 plus shipping. There were a few sets on ebay for over $2300 but I don't think they ever sold or had any bids. I think if you wanted to sell them quickly you could get up to $2k shipped assuming the wheels are flawless and the tires are not under 8 or 9/32.

stallion150

Hey Guys---Just came back from the Test Drive.

Test Drive: C350 with 17'' wheels and Contisport Tires and C300 Luxury with 17'' wheels and Contisport Tires vs. My C350 with 18'' AMG wheels and Contisport 3 tires.


2 sets of salesman drove all three cars (It was a long day!!!): One noted a difference between my C350 and the stock C350, while the second felt that the ride difference between the 18'' and 17'' was imperceptible.

Well it comes down to the driver's opinion: I noticed a HUGE difference between the C300 Luxury and my C350 and a significant difference between my C350 and the C350 they had with stock 17'' wheels and tires.


I've got 3 options: 1) tough it out and get used to car (best economically) 2) Ditch the 18'' Contisport 3's and go with comfort 18'' 3) Try to swap out my 18'' rims and tires to the dealer for a set of 17'' rims and tires (I get screwed money wise).

My major question to you guys: Is it worth the extra money and hassle to go from 18'' rims/tires to 17'', or can I get the same ride quality from Comfort oriented 18'' tires (much cheaper option)


Thanks so much! you guys have been great.

dmatre

I would bet if you offered a 'trade-in' of someone's 17" wheels/tires against your 18" wheels/tires, you'll find several takers here on this forum. It'll save you having to deal with the stealer, and it'll help out both you and the person wanting the 18's.