Hey guys, my daughter found herself a nice low miles very well maintained 09 C300 sport. (It's 2wd. NOT 4matic)
She loves everything about the car EXCEPT it's too stiff and bumpy. Hurting her back. I"m assuming it's because it's a sports model? Do they put stiffer struts and shocks on the C300 sport model? Does the C300 luxury model have softer struts and shocks?
If so, could I simply install a set of C300 Luxury oem style SACHS struts and shocks? Are they interchangeable with the 300 sport struts and shocks?
Additionally, figured we should first check the tire psi & make sure it's not too high. She currently has 41 psi all around BUT she can't find the factory tire sticker. She said it's not on the drivers door jamb where it should be. Does anyone know the correct tire pressure front and rear?
the factory tire sizes on the C300 are:
225/40R18 (front)
255/35R18 (rear)
She's in Florida, I'm in NJ. Trying to help her out. Any info appreciated.
Thanks!
I searched on MBUSA for operation manual, but found it only goes back to 2012. Then I found this site https://tirepressure.com/mercedes-be...20rear%20tires.
This site shows the same pressures for 17 inch tire as my 2011 17 inch tire pressures, 28 psi for the front and 33 psi for the rear.
I usually add couple of psi to compensate gradual pressure loss. 41 psi seems way too high.
My 2012 calls for 36 in the front and 41 in the back. MB started recommending higher tire pressures for the same car, throughout the years, to improve fuel economy during testing. So for the 2009, you can run lower pressure like 33 front and 36 rear. Start with that and experiment from there.
Regarding the shocks, yes I think you can just swap them to the luxury ones.
Before I decided on 2011 Sports model, I tried both Luxury and Sports on different days, not on highway but just a few blocks around the dealer. I could hardly tell any significant difference in handling, how the car bounced etc. I think it must be just me. At the beginning I feel it is firmer than my other Japanese cars but never feel any uncomfortable. Been ten years and it is like day one, with everything original only tires replaced twice.
Tire pressure should be in fuel cap door, should be around 30/34psi. She’s probably looking at tire sidewall info which shows psi at max. Load. The sport sits lower then the luxury model and has staggered wheels front to rear. Does ride harder due to stiffer springs. Anything else?
Mac Morgan
retired MB sales/tech
Tire pressure should be in fuel cap door, should be around 30/34psi. She’s probably looking at tire sidewall info which shows psi at max. Load. The sport sits lower then the luxury model and has staggered wheels front to rear. Does ride harder due to stiffer springs. Anything else?
Mac Morgan
retired MB sales/tech
Sorry to dig up this old post--I'm having the same issue with my C300 Sport. Is it possible to just "swap out" the springs with luxury/oem springs to reduce the harshness of the ride? And do staggered tires make the ride and steering stiffer?
