2010 "Dynamic Handling Package" US W204's - Worth the money?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
From the W204 design DVD & handbook verbatim - Advanced Agility Control - quote " With sports mode selected, the system adjusts not only the firmness of the damping, but also sharpens the accelerator response. Whatever the selected mode, the electronically controlled damping system CONSTANTLY adjusts to the driving situation and the condition of the road. This makes for a smoother ride, increases handling safety and, above all, makes the vehicle more agile. The ADVANCED AGILITY package also includes speed-sensitive power steering, which has a sportier feel and conveys an even greater sense of control, plus a lower slung chassis (lowered by 15 millimetres) Available from approx August 2007." unquote
They mention the change in TCU mapping in another section related to a more sensitive throttle.
They mention the change in TCU mapping in another section related to a more sensitive throttle.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Dec 28, 2009 at 08:12 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
2019 AMG C63S coupe / 2015 BMW X6 xdrive 50i
Yes, that's right. The button at the gear shift becomes an "M" with this option. 
Everytime the car starts, it is in non-sport mode (or comfort mode). And each time the sport button is seleted, all steering, gear shifts and suspension firms up at the same time. You cannot choose just sport for the transmission and leave the steering or suspension in comfort. However, in non-sport mode, you can still change gears on demand with the flick of the paddles or moving the gear shift left or right. Moreover, pressing sport does not electronically lower the car by 15mm each time. It means the car's stance is always 15mm lower than "classic" or "elegance" models only. Honestly, I would prefer it another 10mm lower than what it is now.
Everytime the car starts, it is in non-sport mode (or comfort mode). And each time the sport button is seleted, all steering, gear shifts and suspension firms up at the same time. You cannot choose just sport for the transmission and leave the steering or suspension in comfort. However, in non-sport mode, you can still change gears on demand with the flick of the paddles or moving the gear shift left or right. Moreover, pressing sport does not electronically lower the car by 15mm each time. It means the car's stance is always 15mm lower than "classic" or "elegance" models only. Honestly, I would prefer it another 10mm lower than what it is now.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
Excellent
I can only speak positively about this package. I got the AMG pack with it, lowering the car. Today I just completed another super smooth 600Km trip with ease.
In comfort the throttle response is slower ignoring small variations of footpressure. On Sport mode small variations of footpressure relates to erratic accellaration, as your foot may vibrates up and down over small bumps, so more sensitive it becomes. I like the Dr Jeckall & Mr hide nature of Sport & Compfort modes. The 1st thing everybody mention is that the car is supersmooth in Comfort mode, ride and gearchanges. In comfort mode it may feel sloppy at times at slow speed, but it always hugs a corner even if in comfort mode, so no sloppyness cornering.
The models without this package felt more bumpy but firm like a B170.
I am so very impressed with this option, have completed 28 000Km.
I use the paddles mostly to accellerate from lowest gear or to make sure it is in 7th when applicable.
The other day I took a 300Km trip with the B170 with 5 adults in it and we all was pleasantly surprised.
In about say two monts time I will do a 700Km trip with same 5 adults in the C350 and it will be interesting to see how it match up to the B170[Leave out the power].
Note:The manual say you must use Comfort mode for Autobahn driving[Interesting].
In comfort the throttle response is slower ignoring small variations of footpressure. On Sport mode small variations of footpressure relates to erratic accellaration, as your foot may vibrates up and down over small bumps, so more sensitive it becomes. I like the Dr Jeckall & Mr hide nature of Sport & Compfort modes. The 1st thing everybody mention is that the car is supersmooth in Comfort mode, ride and gearchanges. In comfort mode it may feel sloppy at times at slow speed, but it always hugs a corner even if in comfort mode, so no sloppyness cornering.
The models without this package felt more bumpy but firm like a B170.
I am so very impressed with this option, have completed 28 000Km.
I use the paddles mostly to accellerate from lowest gear or to make sure it is in 7th when applicable.
The other day I took a 300Km trip with the B170 with 5 adults in it and we all was pleasantly surprised.
In about say two monts time I will do a 700Km trip with same 5 adults in the C350 and it will be interesting to see how it match up to the B170[Leave out the power].
Note:The manual say you must use Comfort mode for Autobahn driving[Interesting].
Last edited by Moto_Guzzi; Dec 29, 2009 at 01:59 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2010 C 300
this is a must option for me. Since it was around $1500 and includes the AMG 18" wheels (which I really like and was gettting anyways) you are really getting this for $500. The car is much more fun to drive, I have it in sport all the time.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 964
Likes: 2
\
How feasible do you think it would be to use the AMG TCU settings for M mode when in gear selectable mode? Could someone with the equipment capture the settings and apply it to a non-amg? Gear selection lag is why I quit even bothering with this mode.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, ON
2008 C300 Sport 6-spd, 1991 BMW 850i, 1985 BMW 635 CSi 5-spd, 1974 Porsche 911 (964 Turbo-Look)
Bilstein HD Dampers, Eibach Sway Bars & H&R SuperSports...
Fellow MB Enthusiasts / W204 Owners...
For the majority of Us who didn't get a chance to opt for the Advanced Agility Control (AAC) option, and want a sporty but not compromised ride, I suggest the combination of:
- Bilstein Strut & Shocks
- Eibach Front & Rear Sway Bars
- H&R SuperSport Lowering Springs
- SPC Rear Camber Adjustment Kit
I've had nothing but great enjoyment with this set-up! Its behaved and docile for everyday driving, but can handle its own when asked to carve corners and soak up dips in the road. My C300 is also equipped with the 6-Spd manual, and so gear selection while slicing the corners is always a Driver's selection which helps carry consistent speeds through corners, but I'm sure the ManuMatic option does the same as well.
The one thing I would like is to adjust/increase the throttle response to mimic what the AAC option does. Any suggestions on affordable throttle re-mapping?
For the majority of Us who didn't get a chance to opt for the Advanced Agility Control (AAC) option, and want a sporty but not compromised ride, I suggest the combination of:
- Bilstein Strut & Shocks
- Eibach Front & Rear Sway Bars
- H&R SuperSport Lowering Springs
- SPC Rear Camber Adjustment Kit
I've had nothing but great enjoyment with this set-up! Its behaved and docile for everyday driving, but can handle its own when asked to carve corners and soak up dips in the road. My C300 is also equipped with the 6-Spd manual, and so gear selection while slicing the corners is always a Driver's selection which helps carry consistent speeds through corners, but I'm sure the ManuMatic option does the same as well.
The one thing I would like is to adjust/increase the throttle response to mimic what the AAC option does. Any suggestions on affordable throttle re-mapping?
Last edited by KozzyKoz; Feb 10, 2018 at 03:03 PM. Reason: Submitted too early / without finishing
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