vodkarocket

Hey guys. I bought my CLS63 PP brand new in July 2012, and immediately ordered KW V1's from Vivid Racing. I ran them on stock wheels for about 14k miles. The suspension was always firm, always planted, and the ride always enjoyable. A couple months back I installed brand new Vossen CV3's with 255/30/20 and 305/25/20 Hankook Ventus V12.

The ride has gotten progressively worse over the last 2 months and I can't figure out why. The car now feels uncomfortably bouncy (not in a firm rebound type of way, it feels soft) and even loose in corners. I can only imagine the issue is with the airmatic shocks, but haven't read anything in this forum sub-section regarding that. Any insight? Should I look into having the shocks replaced or revalved?

Thanks guys.

vdubpower

okayyyyyyy........so u changed wheels and u are blaming the suspension?? The wheels are probably off balance...or oval..

there have been noted issues with air bellows in the rear, atleast in the E section and thats been mainly the car sinking more than it should

E-SICKTY3

I have the same car with PP and I changed mine with 20" wheels with same exact tire setup as yours and lowered on KWs. I do felt the difference in having more rough (you can feel the road even more due to thinner tires and 20" wheels upgrade) driving experience. This felt more uncomfortable, however, my car still ride good IMO -- still planted during highway cruising and going through corners. I'm currently using my stock wheels and I can't really tell the difference in going through corners and highway cruising.

I believe your car should be factored in by the weight of those Vossen wheels. While you up-size the wheels to 20" wheels, from what I know Vossens are pretty heavy because they are cast wheels. In my opinion that could play a factor to your driving experience? Just my thoughts.

Vic55

I think someone didnt read your post LOL (vdub thinks your wheels are the cause)---- if what you say is 100% correct (bouncy and progressively worse) it could be the suspension. First off you and all of us know that as you increase metal (more diameter in the wheel) and reduce rubber (lower profile) you will get more road feel and feedback from undulations, bumps, holes, etc but this should not cause your bouncy or soft feel. In fact your ride should have become more hard and uncomfortable.

So it might be in your head as change does bring different feelings but you could have ruined one or more of your shocks due to excessive compression and a reduced focal point since you dropped it. The shocks in the front are more compressed due to the springs and the rears could be compromised. You should get it on a lift and check for hydraulic fluid leaks on them.

vdubpower

he had 14 k on the kw's with stock wheels, and then changed wheels and issues arose. simple deduction leads to the wheels maybe being the problem. let me add in, maybe tires too.

sure if could be the suspension too....i guess he will have to lift it and check...

Vic55

Then its placebo on his part- but less rubber and more metal doesnt create bounciness. It will create more kidney punches though.


General rule of thumb: springs control height and shocks control dampening coupled with springs.

vodkarocket

Thanks for the responses guys. I've had a plethora of cars slammed on aftermarket wheels and haven't experienced this before, which is why I also believe that it's something to do with the shocks. When I enter a corner, my car now feels like an S550 now instead of the M5-like handling characteristics it previously had.

I had the wheels rebalanced and car realigned before I had made my initial post, so I also am not attributing this to them.

Vic, thanks for the tip. I'll take your advice and have the shocks checked for hydraulic fluid leaks and figure out what to do next.