C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

w204 Terrible suspension

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Old Sep 27, 2018 | 10:27 PM
  #1  
My baby C's Avatar
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2009 W204
Unhappy w204 Terrible suspension

Hi guys, I just recently acquired a 2009 w204 and I noticed that the suspension is really bad. I have a w124 and despite it running well over 250,000kms the ride is great- way better than the C class.
A small pothole will bring the driver bouncing and after crossing a speed bump, the car wobbles bad. Is this normal for w204 as I heard that the ride really makes you "Feel the road"? Or are there parts that I really have to inspect and take into account?

Substantial replies will highly be appreciated.

Thanks guys!
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Old Sep 28, 2018 | 10:31 AM
  #2  
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A car
Originally Posted by My baby C
Hi guys, I just recently acquired a 2009 w204 and I noticed that the suspension is really bad. I have a w124 and despite it running well over 250,000kms the ride is great- way better than the C class.
A small pothole will bring the driver bouncing and after crossing a speed bump, the car wobbles bad. Is this normal for w204 as I heard that the ride really makes you "Feel the road"? Or are there parts that I really have to inspect and take into account?

Substantial replies will highly be appreciated.

Thanks guys!
Because this is a very subjective item, I don't know how any of us can help you. The W204 ride is firm, as has been noted by several car reviewers. 7 years into owning the car, I've made the decision that my next car will be one with an air ride.

That said, is it far too firm? No, just...it's too firm for me. I don't know how to tell you if there is or is not a problem with your car though.

Maybe take out another one at a used car dealership for a test drive?
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Old Sep 28, 2018 | 11:37 AM
  #3  
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2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera.
My 2011 is a bit firmer than my other three Japanese cars It is very comfortable, stable. I wish all my other cars have the same suspension as the C.
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 03:44 AM
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
Originally Posted by My baby C
Hi guys, I just recently acquired a 2009 w204 and I noticed that the suspension is really bad. I have a w124 and despite it running well over 250,000kms the ride is great- way better than the C class.
A small pothole will bring the driver bouncing and after crossing a speed bump, the car wobbles bad. Is this normal for w204 as I heard that the ride really makes you "Feel the road"? Or are there parts that I really have to inspect and take into account?

Substantial replies will highly be appreciated.

Thanks guys!
What's the mileage on the car? Any service records? Maybe it needs new shock absorbers or other suspension parts (link, struts, arms)?
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 04:02 AM
  #5  
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S204 C250 CDI Sport
New dampers for sure , they don't have to leak to lose their ability as the miles rack up .
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 05:49 AM
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2009 W204
Thank you, all for the replies!

I'll definitely bring these up to my mechanic once I'm able to see him.

ps
im amazed by the quick responses, appreciate it!
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 05:50 AM
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2009 W204
Originally Posted by xsever
What's the mileage on the car? Any service records? Maybe it needs new shock absorbers or other suspension parts (link, struts, arms)?
its on 70,000km I should really check out for those. Thanks!
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 05:52 AM
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2009 W204
Originally Posted by C300CA
My 2011 is a bit firmer than my other three Japanese cars It is very comfortable, stable. I wish all my other cars have the same suspension as the C.
This gives me hope and excitement for the better ride of my C. Thanks for the benchmark!
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 03:38 PM
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2017 C250 W205
Congratulations!

Quote;
”Hi guys, I just recently acquired a 2009 w204....”

Congrats, good choice!

Got my W204 since September 2017 and covered 38.500 km (24.000 miles) so far.

I’m more than happy and I frigging love that car!
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