When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
i was just wondering if anyone knows if the c450 AMG adaptive sport suspension still uses airmatic? i have read reviews about the older c400 had airmatic option and when in comfort mode the ride was very plush. I know the older model could vary it ride hight and even had a button to do so. I know that button no longer exists on the c450. does the c450 vary automaticaly or not at all? My c450 doesn't seem to change much from sport+ to comfort modes..it feels pretty stiff no mater what suspension mode i select. I also have the optional 19" wheels and have already swapped out the run flats with continental DWS06 because I live in New England ...has anyone driven both the c400 and c450 back to back and can tell a difference in comfort mode?
Last edited by Gungaslow; Nov 22, 2015 at 09:34 PM.
Reason: Tires were changed
I had a C400 before and I can confirm that the "comfort mode" in the C450 is indeed a harsher ride. It's a noticeable difference, but love everything else about it
i was just wondering if anyone knows if the c450 AMG adaptive sport suspension still uses airmatic? i have read reviews about the older c400 had airmatic option and when in comfort mode the ride was very plush. I know the older model could vary it ride hight and even had a button to do so. I know that button no longer exists on the c450. does the c450 vary automaticaly or not at all? My c450 doesn't seem to change much from sport+ to comfort modes..it feels pretty stiff no mater what suspension mode i select. I also have the optional 19" wheels and have already swapped out the run flats with continental DWS06 because I live in New England ...has anyone driven both the c400 and c450 back to back and can tell a difference in comfort mode?
The c450 uses conventional sport tuned steel suspension comparing to the c400 airmatic suspension is not as comfortable and no height adjustment. The ride in c450 is more stiff.
Thanks for the information.. Was the c400 with airmatic a lot softer than the c450? How would you rate comfort mode in the c450 compared to sport or sport+ in the c400? Is comfort mode in c450 equal to any mode in the c400 with airmatic?
Do you think aftermarket companies may come out with softer spring rates for this type of car even though the c450 is meant to be sprung stiffer on purpose by AMG? Not to lower it, but make it a softer ride?
Last edited by Gungaslow; Nov 23, 2015 at 02:02 PM.
Do you think aftermarket companies may come out with softer spring rates for this type of car even though the c450 is meant to be sprung stiffer on purpose by AMG? Not to lower it, but make it a softer ride?
While you never know, I can't imagine there being a big market for people who paid extra money for an AMG tuned suspension to provide great handling only to lessen the handling capabilities in favor of a softer ride. Doesn't seem like a profitable business plan. While it may be firmer than a C400 with Air, I'm surprised anyone finds the C450's ride in comfort mode so stiff they want to change it. That said, I'm not one for soft cars, so while I am surprised, I recognize that is a valid desire/opinion.
I actually like the ride in comfort mode but my wife finds I stiff.. I was just thinking if softer springs could make comfort mode really soft but sport mode would be equal to comfort mode now.. Then sport+ would be equal to sport.. So in essence drop each level down a notch cause sport+ is really only for the track
I guess I am not sure why one would select a vehicle with an AMG-tuned suspension and then want to put softer springs on it. The suspension on the C450 was set up very specifically for better handling than the standard C class (even using a unique steering knuckle design). Also, if a smoother ride was desired, the standard 18" wheels/tires would have been the better choice.
Just a guess, but going for a softer ride on the C450 would entail more than just new springs. The entire suspension system may need to be revamped. It could be done, but it is going to cost $$$. Maybe a nice E400 4Matic would do the trick?
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
