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Have you driven a W204 Lux? I have owned a 2011 C300 Sport with 17" rims, and my current 2014 with 18" rims. I have had W204 Lux models as loaners. Honestly, I don't know that there is a huge difference in tuning. It seemed very slight. The big difference seemed to be the smaller wheels and larger profile tires.
It might be worth it from a price standpoint to just pick up some wheels/tires off a luxury version rather than trying to convert the suspension.
Have you driven a W204 Lux? I have owned a 2011 C300 Sport with 17" rims, and my current 2014 with 18" rims. I have had W204 Lux models as loaners. Honestly, I don't know that there is a huge difference in tuning. It seemed very slight. The big difference seemed to be the smaller wheels and larger profile tires.
It might be worth it from a price standpoint to just pick up some wheels/tires off a luxury version rather than trying to convert the suspension.
Ah, I see. Thank you. You asked a perfectly valid question, and my response is "no". I haven't driven one. The comments on this board seem to indicate things like the lux version is very floaty so I thought it was night and day. I guess I was wrong
It is definitely not night and day. The Lux version was somewhat softer, but it felt like mostly tires in comparison to my C300 with the 17" rims. It's definitely not so different to warrant a huge investment. Are you running the common 225/40-18 255/35-18 staggered setup?
It is definitely not night and day. The Lux version was somewhat softer, but it felt like mostly tires in comparison to my C300 with the 17" rims. It's definitely not so different to warrant a huge investment. Are you running the common 225/40-18 255/35-18 staggered setup?
Thanks. I'm running 17's and staggered right now. I guess it wouldn't be that big of a difference for me then?
Thanks. I'm running 17's and staggered right now. I guess it wouldn't be that big of a difference for me then?
The sport suspension sits 5mm lower than the luxury model. The only real difference is the sport suspension is a bit more stiffer to reduce body lean with aggressive driving.
You'll be looking at about $3-4k (Canadian dollars at least..) in just parts, no labour from the dealership.
Here's a basic list of parts that need to be changed out (The spring colour codes may be inaccurate)
Realistically, I think looking for a more comfort oriented tire may be a better (and far cheaper) option than retrofitting the lux suspension. That being said, if you think your car is riding unusually rough (jarring bumps, etc), have your front struts inspected. Worn out/damaged struts will make the ride extremely rough in my experience..
Just swap for the lower possible rims and good tires... Maybe 16"...
Then get the tires with a confortable psi.. (not too hard)...
You will notice a big jump in confort..
A easy and cost-save solution!!
I run them 30 front and 35 back for my staggered summers
And 31 all around for my winter setup (not staggered)
Funny you bring this up. I had a REALLY long conversation with MB Canada. Apparently back in 2008, the guidance for the W204 was exactly what I run it at. In 2012, they started to up the PSI recommendation.
I asked why that is.
They said to increase MPG numbers.
Those [expletives]. Cheats!
Thanks to the poster above for the detailed part list. I'm already running comfort oriented Michelins (have done so since day 1). Primacy MXM4 IIRC? I love comfort tires.
I guess I miss the wafetyness of the Airmatic S classes (Yes, I get what I paid for them). I just dislike big boats. I think the E is the next Benz in the family...
Good morning and merry Christmas ,,,, Steve D here, my 1st Merc was a 2008 c class 4 matic luxury had for 3 years and put over 50,000 miles from 70,000 to 120,000 miles and absolutely loved the suspension now that I currently own a 2009 c class sport 4 matic w/ amg sport pkg you only can put 1 finger between the top of the front tire tread and the fender gap, and had for 6 months now and absolutely luv the look of the sport stance,,,, looks like it's doin a hundred mph parked every where he sits! Oh, and his name is buddy! My last Merc luxury was Lizzie and she was an absolute joy to drive and I miss her, what a significant difference comparing the overall handling for sure the fender gap difference is 4 finger gap to 1 finger gap that's huge so you can imagine the change in harsh handling and pot hole absorption, I literally developed hawk eyes spotting and dodging for pot holes my amg sport suspension is stiff to say the least and would swap out for the luxury struts in a second!!! Xsorry for rambling on all my master under car repair technician recommends to you is go on eBay and buy yourself a set of low mile McPherson strut assembly's make sure you specify to the salvage yard or type in c class 300 4 matic " luxury model only,strut units as a pair and that's it,,,,,and have a shop of your choice remove and replace them and there's no alignment needed even if they say it does? it doesn't,,, cause they're fixed and not adjustable camber bolts so it will go back together exactly as the old ones come off, they're gonna disagree regardless because theyre off a different vehicle? So,,, an alignment wont hurt to have done,your just gonna be a hundred dollars poorer that's all,,,,if he's a friend of yours he won't steer you wrong and save u the extra hundo for the 4 wheel align,,,and one "key" component and highly recommend when doing the change buy yourself a front strut tower brace it's a fixed alloy or steel bar that mounts to the top 3 bolts from strut tower to strut tower and that will stiffen the steering sway significantly,,,, and I have one on my sport and wished I bought it for my luxury? you will thank me big time! the range from 100 to 300 dollars,,,my 100 dollar one works perfect and is 2 bills cheaper same place eBay, just take your time to look for that one? the struts should cost for complete units no more than $240.00to $300 for low mileage luxury model units and rear wheel drive and 4 matic struts are completely different. Hope i shead a little light on the subject?
Last edited by sdenney89; 12-25-2016 at 02:13 PM.
Reason: Several grammar adjustments after all I gotta rep to protect? I'm a Merc owner and operator!
P.S. There is 3 different 2008 to 2014 C class front and rear suspension setups luxury model
Sport model 4 matic and non 4 matic and my suspension the sport amg package which is the lowest and harshest,,in 4 matic
I highly disagree with this statement. There is considerably more "bounce" to the Sport suspension and if you've spent time in both going over the same roads you'll notice a huge difference in the way it feels going over potholes or other types of uneven road surfaces. The Lux setup is much softer, less overall bounce in the cabin, and less harsh thuds when going over potholes.
The Luxury is a much softer ride. It's still bumpy, but sport will always feel stiffer and bumpier. The shocks, springs, and bump stops have a lot to due with the feel of the ride. You likely have to change all to get closer to Luxury suspension.
You should probably find a Luxury model to test drive so you can feel the difference before making the repair.
12-24-2016, 03:36 PM
