C55 scary at high speeds...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 694
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From: Bethesda, MD
Porsche
C55 scary at high speeds...
My parents live in central PA and there are some nice deserted 4-lane highways to cruise at autobahn speeds. I've driven plenty of Bimmers, Audis, Porsches, and Mercs at 150mph+ on one particular stretch. Interestingly enough, when going 120mph+ in the C55 you can REALLY feel the speed unlike other cars I've driven at that those speeds. I think the biggest problem lies in the ride. The sports suspension is VERY harsh and the C55 skips over pavement imperfections which results in an unsettled high speed ride. It's as if the sensation of speed is greatly amplified... In contrast, I could cruise forever in the S4 at insane speeds w/out feeling nervous. Anyone else notice this about the C55?
Eric...
I'm only 30 and think the ride is so annoyingly harsh....
Eric...
I'm only 30 and think the ride is so annoyingly harsh....
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Bethesda, MD
Porsche
Originally Posted by naadp
I've driven my C32 at retardedly high speeds on more than one occasion, and not just in a straight line. Never once did it feel anything other than firmly glued to the road.
I used to have an 03' C32 and its ride quality was definitely significantly more compliant than the C55's.. As a matter of fact automags praised the C32's ride quality....
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=2
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=2
and criticized the C55's harsh ride:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=2
I wonder if there's anything I can do to improve the ride quality w/out dramatically changing the driving dynamics of the car...
Eric...
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Originally Posted by EKaru
I used to have an 03' C32 and its ride quality was definitely significantly more compliant than the C55's.. As a matter of fact automags praised the C32's ride quality....
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=2
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=2
and criticized the C55's harsh ride:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=2
I wonder if there's anything I can do to improve the ride quality w/out dramatically changing the driving dynamics of the car...
Eric...
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=2
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=2
and criticized the C55's harsh ride:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=2
I wonder if there's anything I can do to improve the ride quality w/out dramatically changing the driving dynamics of the car...
Eric...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 694
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From: Bethesda, MD
Porsche
Originally Posted by Vomit
As a matter of fact, there is. Trade your 55 for a 32. :p
I think when my tires are worn, I'll try the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...e1=yes&place=0
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Eric, I posted about a cross country trip where I exceeded 130-140 for as long as 15 to 20 minutes going around bends, up and down hills and worse yet, over bridges and the corresponding expansion cracks, sometimes while cornering. You could certainly feel it, but it in no way lost any composure or made me nervous.
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Marlboro, New Jersey
05 C55, BMWX 3.0, Subaru Forester (Shaggin Wagon)
It almost sounds like something's out on your car. Check alignment, tire pressure, but most of all.........wheel balance. Even the slightest unbalanced wheel(s) can make the ride...unduly "edgy". Had a weight off by so much as 1/4" on one tire. Maybe you lost an inner weight.
My 05 C55 is unbelievable at those speeds. Passengers have commented that you can't tell how fast the car is going. No way you should be getting that from your ride.
It's an AMG. Have it checked.
My 05 C55 is unbelievable at those speeds. Passengers have commented that you can't tell how fast the car is going. No way you should be getting that from your ride.
It's an AMG. Have it checked.
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From: Montclair,N.J.
06 CLS55
No way
I just yesterday was racing and wooping,my friend in his cayenne turbo.We were doing 120-140 on turns and shoulders.The car is insane,I passed at 130 on a turn,no tire sound or body roll.His all wheel drive turbo almost spin out!I think something is amiss for you. I came from a 540 sport and a 440hp all wheel drive STI and this car out handles both. :v
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Ahhh....
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 832
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From: Los Angeles
C 230K Coupé
Well if you have a c55 and want c32 ride why don't you just go and buy some c32 springs. There was a lil discussion on the C Class thread about putting c32 springs on reg c sedans. So i don't see why you wouldn't be able to achieve that.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
I've gone up to 158mph on a slight downhill on the fwy when the car was stock and it never showed any sign of lift. the C32 doesn't like uneven roads that's for sure, but you should try the e46 M3 on the same road. I drove my friend's 02 SMG, the M3 felt like it had no suspension compare to our car.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by GC55
I just yesterday was racing and wooping,my friend in his cayenne turbo.We were doing 120-140 on turns and shoulders.The car is insane,I passed at 130 on a turn,no tire sound or body roll.His all wheel drive turbo almost spin out!I think something is amiss for you. I came from a 540 sport and a 440hp all wheel drive STI and this car out handles both. :v
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Bethesda, MD
Porsche
Originally Posted by AMG PWR
PISH POSH!
CMON! Harsher = better! Its a luxery sports sedan. Sport = FUN
Sometimes that means your need to settle!!
This car is FUN!
CMON! Harsher = better! Its a luxery sports sedan. Sport = FUN
Sometimes that means your need to settle!!
This car is FUN!
The S4 is just as fun w/out the punishing ride....
Eric...
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From: Sacramento
AMG C43, 1999
FrankW,
While your W203 C32 most likely can't out handle a WRX, Sti, my 1999 C43 will certainly do so and in the whole process will pretty much leave them for dead. At least in the NASA, HPDE Group 4 class I run at various tracks in California, like Sears Pt and Thunderhill.
And my C43 has just a stock motor with a cat back exhaust.
Jeff
While your W203 C32 most likely can't out handle a WRX, Sti, my 1999 C43 will certainly do so and in the whole process will pretty much leave them for dead. At least in the NASA, HPDE Group 4 class I run at various tracks in California, like Sears Pt and Thunderhill.
And my C43 has just a stock motor with a cat back exhaust.
Jeff
Last edited by speedybenz; Jul 13, 2005 at 05:16 PM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by speedybenz
FrankW,
While your W203 C32 most likely can't out handle a WRX, Sti, my 1999 C43 will certainly do so and in the whole process will pretty much leave them for dead. At least in the NASA, HPDE Group 4 class I run at various tracks in California, like Sears Pt and Thunderhill.
And my C43 has just a stock motor with a cat back exhaust.
Jeff
While your W203 C32 most likely can't out handle a WRX, Sti, my 1999 C43 will certainly do so and in the whole process will pretty much leave them for dead. At least in the NASA, HPDE Group 4 class I run at various tracks in California, like Sears Pt and Thunderhill.
And my C43 has just a stock motor with a cat back exhaust.
Jeff
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 87
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From: Montclair,N.J.
06 CLS55
Sti
Dont get me wrong the STI is awesome but at 120+ on banking turns it feels real unstable. You should drive one to see.I even had prodrive suspension put in. Because of the rally inspiration the car is fairly high of the ground so lots of roll.The C55 has no roll on the banks.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 394
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From: Pasadena, CA
C63 / ////AMG
Originally Posted by GC55
I just yesterday was racing and wooping,my friend in his cayenne turbo.We were doing 120-140 on turns and shoulders.The car is insane,I passed at 130 on a turn,no tire sound or body roll.His all wheel drive turbo almost spin out!I think something is amiss for you. I came from a 540 sport and a 440hp all wheel drive STI and this car out handles both. :v
However, in defense of the Cayenne turbo, it's the best handling SUV on the market and if driven well can kick some serious booty on many automobiles. I once passed a 540i at around 120mph in my Cayenne TT on a very curvy highway and scared both him and myself ...last time I'll ever do that again....
