I believe that one of the rear shocks needs to be replaced (it makes a loud thud when going over potholes). Anyways, I find the stock suspension on the c-class a bit harsh for my taste and if I do have to get new shocks for the rear I would like to get a softer shocks. (I know most of you love a firm suspension but the roads here are pretty bad, so softer it is.)

My c-class has the stock regular suspension... no sport or anything fancy like that. Any recommendations on what shocks to get that would give me a slightly softer ride than stock?

Softer ride? I don't think so... It's normal to hear a thud going over potholes. I hear the same thing.. Just put a pillow under your butt.. It'll soften up the ride. Hehe

I've been dealing with this issue a lot recently, although starting from a different relative position. If you are already on standard OE shocks (btw, they are the same between Sport and Luxury models), I don't know of anything softer. There are two things you could do.....

1) Get a set of Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires.....considered "Grand Touring" tires, specifically developed for ride comfort and have done a great job of that in testing.

2) I believe the Luxury model (which seems to be what you have) is equipped with antisway bars,, just thinner than on the Sport. Removed, they may make an additional contribution to ride comfort although will also allow for increased body lean in turns, depending on your speed. Sounds as if you are a "relaxed" driver, so this may not matter to you and may be a positive trade-off.

Start with the tires and see if you cross your comfort threshold.

Do you have the 17 or 18" wheels? I remember reading there are wheels as small as 16" that will fit. The smaller the wheel, the softer the ride will be. Also there are tires designed with soft sidewalls for more ride comfort.

Yes, excellent point.....I assumed he had 17". But, if larger, 17 or 16, if they fit over the brake calipers, are definitely improvement opportunities!

I have 16" wheels (yes, 16") with OE shocks & tires . When you go over bumps (or un even roads) I hear a hard thud only from the rear left hand wheel.

16" and you still want a softer ride? I think you may have bought the wrong car.

Possibly, but before he gives up, he should at least have the car up on a lift to be sure nothing is broken, and the original equipment tires are likely as lousy wherever he is as the ones we get here. A new set of ride-prioritized tires may help quite a bit.

You likely have a bad shock/strut.

Get rid of the thud and you will likely be happy with the intended ride quality. Even a firm ride when appropriately "damped" will be better than a soft ride with a bad strut or shock

I totally agree about the harsh ride... I can't wait to trade my C350 in for that reason!

Take the rear wheel off to check whether the shocker has lost its oil & whether the mountings are still in one piece. JC