Curious as to if anyone is aware of changes made to the C300 steering associated with the facelift. I drove a 2013 C300 4matic back to back with a 2010 C300 4matic and found it to feel less Mercedes-like in the steering. To me the 2010 feels nearly perfect. Can't pinpoint the difference exactly perhaps the 2013's steering was lighter. The car tracked ok but it didn't convey that Mercedes "hunkered down" feeling that makes these cars special to me.

Any awareness of the 2000 changes made to the facelift involved the steering or front end geometry?

 

My last loaner was a 2013 and I felt no difference to my 2011. Then again I never got to highway speeds traffic was just to heavy.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am wondering if the difference could be attributed to the tires.

 

I can't find the link right now, but I do remember reading about changes to both.

I like the post facelift better, personally - to me it feels more alive but not darty... the pre facelift cars seem to have more heft to me in the steering feel, like it is slightly dampened by something.

 

Thanks MDMercedesGuy for your comment. This is consistent with my observation of the additional heft of the prefacelift. To me the pre facelift cars have more resistance to changing direction on the highway which I personally like because it is more old school Mercedes.

I think the facelifted cars are more responsive as you observed and I agree they aren't darty. I'm sure most automotive reviews would find as you do the steering is improved.

I just happen to like the sensation of freight train like tracking.

 

There's nothing that feels as good as the recirculating ball setup Mercedes used to use

 

My sentiments exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself. I remember being a young kid in the Mercedes dealer standing at the parts counter with my dad. They had a little video machine which showed a guy driving a W116 down the highway and yanking the wheel and it showed how the car whould self correct. Demonstrating that it was the pinnicle of stability...