MB-JIM

I would like to get a C350 sedan but with the ride comfort of the Luxury models.
Since a C350 Luxury isn't offered in the US, does anyone know what could be done to modify the sports version to make it ride like the luxury?

xXHotelCrazyXx

Just buy a C300...the extra .5 litre engine is not worth the price for the amount of power you get...

MB-JIM

I have the 350 cgi in my 2012 E350 and the engine is excellent. It has much better performance than the 300. The acceleration is smooth with no lag. I realize that the 300 is adequate but I like the 350 response. I also don't have any need for a four wheel drive car.

xXHotelCrazyXx

If your really concerned about the ride quality, thing to do would simply purchase oem luxury springs/shocks, or oem luxury springs/aftermarket shocks...

MB-JIM

Any idea of the cost to replace the springs and shocks?

xXHotelCrazyXx

You might be lucky and find someone on here who has a set of oem luxury springs and shocks for sale.

Sportstick

You can approach the Luxury ride with the following changes:

- Purchase 4 Michelin MXV4 17" tires to replace whatever comes as original equipment. They are noted for ride comfort. Depending on the car you select, you may need 17" wheels as well instead of the 18s which might be on it.

- Have the dealer order Luxury model front and rear antisway bars and (ask if needed) appropriate sized bushings. I think the bushings may already be bonded to the bar. Expect about $400 for labor, but also check parts pricing.

- You may be able to swap out struts/springs as well, but I have not checked for fit compatibility (but it should work), but the service department can advise. This will easily be a 4 digit cost.

I am guessing $4000 to accomplish all these changes. Of course, by then you are about halfway to an E350 which can be had without a sport suspension as standard equipment, and likely larger discounts to make the step easier.

These are the major items which contribute to the different ride. I don't think these changes represent a good value, but you asked!

EDIT: Sorry for repeating items suggested in other posts while I was typing!

xXHotelCrazyXx

I believe the shim pads are thicker in the rear also

joshg1001

He would have to buy a C250 now unless he wanted 4matic.

MB-JIM

Thanks for the thoughtful responses.
I do have a 2012 E350 Luxury, which is a great car, but I was also considering a C Class. It sounds like the only practical solution would be to settle for the C250 Luxury version.

joshg1001

^^ yes, just do that and change out the grill.

MB-JIM

What is the opinion of performance of the C250? Is there any objectionable turbo lag? What about engine noise?

AZN Optics

C250 has ok power for general day to day, but being a turbo and not a N/A, you'll get way more benefits from a tune once the local US tuners start getting into it. I believe right now only Brabus and Vaeth have ecu tunes offered, but it's still early in the game.

MB-JIM

Thanks for all the suggestions. It looks like I will just keep my 06 C350.
It is really a great car with only 37,000 miles. It doesn't look like it would be practical to convert a C250 and I would probably be disappointed with its performance. Realistically, my current cars make a good combination.
Jim

kevink2

One last thought ....

With moderate hastle, you could market the staggered AMG wheel/tire set, and go with replica 17"x7.5" AMG's all around with soft DWS tires, and just swap out sway bars with C300 lux's from a discount vendor, or bone yard. Tire/wheels may be close to even swap.

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