W205 AMG Line Suspension / Ride: Good or Bad?

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Apr 8, 2021 | 02:52 PM
  #1  
Hi all-
I currently have a 18 C300 and am looking to get into a 20/21 model.
I'm considering the AMG Line, but knowing how the standard model rides I am a bit concerned about the AMG Line being even harsher.
Can anyone provide their POV on the standard suspension vs the AMG Line? Not a huge difference? Or avoid at all costs (especially if you live in NYC)?
The easy is answer is to go and drive one and find out for myself, but I'm trying to avoid a visit to a dealership at all costs!
Appreciate the insight!
Thanks!
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Apr 8, 2021 | 04:10 PM
  #2  
Hi, I just recently purchased an '18 C300 with the AMG package and love the ride. When I was looking at cars, I drove both a non AMG and AMG packaged car, and there is certainly a difference, but the AMG did allow for more spirited driving and felt the road a little more, but I wouldn't say it was worse than non amg, just different. I am in NJ, so there are absolutely no shortage of potholes and crappy roads here, and the suspension still feels good to me. Now if you never leave NYC for any type of spirited driving, maybe it's not worth it.

Just my two cents!
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Apr 8, 2021 | 05:59 PM
  #3  
Thanks for the feedback. Can't say I do much spirited driving these days. Just mostly driving down the GSP to Exit 0.
It's nice to have the extra feel, but I also think the look really brings something to the overall aesthetic. I know #Poser.
Thanks!
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Apr 8, 2021 | 06:05 PM
  #4  
Relying on others' opinion of something so subjective is not a good idea...because "stiff" to one person can be "smooth" to the other. You REALLY need to drive it yourself. There's no obligation at the dealership if you test drive a car.

Personally...my cars have always had the stiffest suspension available, and two weeks ago when I had a brand-new loaner with only 46 miles and it was the non-AMG suspension, I thought it was horribly too soft.
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Apr 8, 2021 | 06:13 PM
  #5  
100% agree. Was just trying to get a general consensus among people who have driven both and if it's generally understood this is one of those options to stay away from.
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Apr 8, 2021 | 06:17 PM
  #6  
Quote: 100% agree. Was just trying to get a general consensus among people who have driven both and if it's generally understood this is one of those options to stay away from.

It's like asking if Coke or Pepsi is better. Some will be firmly in one camp or the other. For me, Pepsi is WAY too sweet.

A thought...if you don't like new car dealerships find used ones and test drive one of each.
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Apr 9, 2021 | 07:23 PM
  #7  
Quote: Thanks for the feedback. Can't say I do much spirited driving these days. Just mostly driving down the GSP to Exit 0.
It's nice to have the extra feel, but I also think the look really brings something to the overall aesthetic. I know #Poser.
Thanks!
Hi mine is a 2015 AMG line. I wish it was a 2021 😂 I have never driven a non AMG line car so I am not sure about the difference. The suspension is good on my car I enjoy driving it. By the way you are right about the look of the AMG line. So if you can afford a 2021 I highly recommend you go for it. Good luck 👍
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Apr 10, 2021 | 02:52 PM
  #8  
I have a 2020 C300 with the AMG line and 19s. It rides like absolute crap, but handles so well. I’ve driven both, and personally wouldn’t buy one without the AMG line, too floaty imo. I’m in SoCal and have some absolutely terrible roads, which is rather ironic as we pretty much have one season year round . If you’re willing to watch for potholes I say go for it, there’s a noticeable difference in driving dynamics over the standard suspension. The 18s ride softer, but it’s very marginal.
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Apr 10, 2021 | 06:24 PM
  #9  
Some have commented about their ownership of non-AMG production C-Class with "AMG Sport Package" - exterior/interior/sport-wheels, etc

There is a difference here - I "think" the OP is asking about the "AMG Ride Control Suspension" which is feature #488 in the "standard features" for a AMG W205 for example 2020 C43.

Frankly - on AMG Ride Control in standard Comfort Mode is only "tick" harsher than Comfort in non-AMG W205's.

In ANY W205 - do yourself a Big Favor - switch-out to "regular" Sport Tires rather than OE "Extended Mobility Run-Flats"... way different handling... the OE ExtM sidewals fight back on high speed turns, it's the nature of that beast
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Apr 12, 2021 | 10:03 PM
  #10  
I have a C400, AMG suspension (H&R lowered, with Bilstein struts.), the car handles great. Ride-wise, crappy!! Definitely not what you would think a Mercedes would feel like. The ride didn't change much after I lowered it, however, if I had to do it over again I would not get springs. I would buy coil overs from the start.

I've driven a C300 with 18 rims and larger profile tires, a totally different monster.

Alex
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Apr 13, 2021 | 01:42 AM
  #11  
Quote: Some have commented about their ownership of non-AMG production C-Class with "AMG Sport Package" - exterior/interior/sport-wheels, etc

There is a difference here - I "think" the OP is asking about the "AMG Ride Control Suspension" which is feature #488 in the "standard features" for a AMG W205 for example 2020 C43.

Frankly - on AMG Ride Control in standard Comfort Mode is only "tick" harsher than Comfort in non-AMG W205's.

In ANY W205 - do yourself a Big Favor - switch-out to "regular" Sport Tires rather than OE "Extended Mobility Run-Flats"... way different handling... the OE ExtM sidewals fight back on high speed turns, it's the nature of that beast
Everytime I get a C300 loaner, it feel soft and bouncy! Love it! Then I get in my car the next day... Jaw shattering.
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Apr 13, 2021 | 03:50 PM
  #12  
Run flats vs non run flats will have more to do with it.
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May 8, 2021 | 09:08 PM
  #13  
AMG line is a must
I test drove a C 300 without the AMG line and found it dull and disconnected. Today, I leased a C 300 with AMG line which I found significantly more enjoyable to drive.
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May 9, 2021 | 12:20 PM
  #14  
It depends also on wheel size etc. But you if you want a soft ride take the air suspension if you can find a car equipped with it
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May 11, 2021 | 10:03 AM
  #15  
Quote: I have a C400, AMG suspension (H&R lowered, with Bilstein struts.), the car handles great. Ride-wise, crappy!! Definitely not what you would think a Mercedes would feel like. The ride didn't change much after I lowered it, however, if I had to do it over again I would not get springs. I would buy coil overs from the start.

I've driven a C300 with 18 rims and larger profile tires, a totally different monster.

Alex
i can definitely attest to that... on amg line suspension originally and changed to coilovers... definitely rides much better
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