A few weeks ago, I drove a 2009 C300 loaner from my dealer. I definatley preferred the ride over my 2008 C300.

So it occurred to me today that maybe the only difference is in the shocks or struts and hopefully not the springs, idea being that I might be able to get closer to my preferred ride by changing out these pieces.

Does anyone know (Calling Vic) if they're the same or if other pieces contribute to the difference in ride between the two years.

I am wondering the same thing...don't know what MB did to the 09 w204, but even w/ 18" amg, the loaner c300 I got rides more comfy than my 08 w/ 17" stock...

the loaner had 18 inch AMGs?

Yes, my dealer has a huge loaner fleet...I think they have around 100 loaner cars and has about 50 of the 09 c-class in service..
most of the c-class loaners has at least P1 and some even w/ P2, pano, AMG or MM..this particular 09 I got has P2+AMG+iPod..