C55 Struts/Shocks on C32
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From: OC
C32
C55 Struts/Shocks on C32
I just wanted to give some feedback here on this modification in case anyone else is considering it:
The reason I wanted to try this was because the C32 shocks/struts are slightly underdamped for the stock C32 springs and also the H&R's I put on 30K miles ago.
After 2 weeks with the C55 shocks/struts on my car I can say for sure that my car has one stiff ride. I am starting to here rattles in my interior that I never heard before. Freeway cruising is not as enjoyable now and I am occasionally saying "Ouch" if I hit a big bump. Speeds above 90 mph seem more controlled, but how often do you hit these speeds in everyday driving.
If I never took my car to driving events at road courses I would change back to the C32 struts/shocks. But since I do I will leave them on to see if they have any advantage on the track.
I can't imagine what some of these coilovers feel like on the street since they are stiffer than the C55 suspension.
The reason I wanted to try this was because the C32 shocks/struts are slightly underdamped for the stock C32 springs and also the H&R's I put on 30K miles ago.
After 2 weeks with the C55 shocks/struts on my car I can say for sure that my car has one stiff ride. I am starting to here rattles in my interior that I never heard before. Freeway cruising is not as enjoyable now and I am occasionally saying "Ouch" if I hit a big bump. Speeds above 90 mph seem more controlled, but how often do you hit these speeds in everyday driving.
If I never took my car to driving events at road courses I would change back to the C32 struts/shocks. But since I do I will leave them on to see if they have any advantage on the track.
I can't imagine what some of these coilovers feel like on the street since they are stiffer than the C55 suspension.
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From: Sin City
12' C63 P31, 06' Supercharged Range, 08' BMW 550i
I guess it's just a matter of opinion, because I thought the C55 suspension was very comfortable and the PSS9s are just a comfortable. I can't really notice a difference between the two.
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I've had a few lowered cars in my life with stiffer suspensions. The C55 rides very firm in comparison to some cars I've had in the past but the only difference is that the C55 isn't lowered. All the negatives of being lowered but without the benefits. I guess the low profile tires doesn't help either. 
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From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
Yup, that's the price we pay for better handling than the old C32. At least it's still not as harsh as an M3. Although I find the C55 to be much stiffer than my old C240, I still don't find it uncomfortable over most paved roads in Toronto. It's not very different from my wife's A4 with sport suspension.
And I agree that the low profile 18" rims/tires don't help. When I switched to 17" winter wheels, the ride is less bumpy. It's not a big difference, but it is noticeable.
And I agree that the low profile 18" rims/tires don't help. When I switched to 17" winter wheels, the ride is less bumpy. It's not a big difference, but it is noticeable.
Last edited by PC Valkyrie; Nov 28, 2005 at 12:38 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: OC
C32
Glad to hear it's not just me and my old age that thinks the C55 dampers are a little too stiff. Also tells us that the springs are not the stiff part of the C55 suspension, the struts are.
