C55 vs C32 ride quality
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From: Texas
2002 C32
C55 vs C32 ride quality
Guys - I'm thinking about trading the C32 for a C55. One of the articles I saw in a previous thread mentioned the C55 is tuned for a firmer ride. Is this a big difference? I take my car to the track a few times a year and will probably appreciate new suspension tuning, but the other 350 days a year I don't want the crap beaten out of me on Houston's bombed out roadways.
Thanks
Thanks
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From: Phoenix, Az
02 C32R
why wouldnt you just get some good coilovers, or springs...? that would seem to me to be a better cheaper route, since I think that once you got the C55 you would still want to get coilovers or springs....
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From: OC
C32
I have the C55 struts on my C32 and it is much harsher than stock. So much so that I might put the stock C32 struts back on. Also the C32 suspension is just as fast at the road courses as compared to the C55 suspension.
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From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
if you are getting the C55 for its suspension.. don't do it.
if you are getting it for its low end torque and V8 sound.. then yes.
c32 with Coil Overs is the way to go. If you don't have the money, springs and sway bars will help.
I do want more low end torque for my C32, specially under 2.5k rpms.
I'm hoping the ECU flash can provide a better torque curve above 2.5k just about when the kompressor kicks in.
However, i might need to go with headers is want a bit of more torque under 2.5k
if you are getting it for its low end torque and V8 sound.. then yes.
c32 with Coil Overs is the way to go. If you don't have the money, springs and sway bars will help.
I do want more low end torque for my C32, specially under 2.5k rpms.
I'm hoping the ECU flash can provide a better torque curve above 2.5k just about when the kompressor kicks in.
However, i might need to go with headers is want a bit of more torque under 2.5k
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1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
Originally Posted by cntlaw
you will be addicted to the C55 's harsh ride - perfect balance!
trust me
trust me
I once tried to drive my C4S from SF to LA.... man that really sucked.... especially when no one "played" with you the whole trip.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Texas
2002 C32
Damn I'm getting scared the more I read learn about the C55. I'm torn. I can't seem to have my cake and eat it to w/ the C55 vs. C32, especially when it comes to the daily ride balance. Why live with a punishing ride which may only give a marginal improvement on the track. WTH goes thru those German AMG engineers??? 
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From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
Originally Posted by iceback
Damn I'm getting scared the more I read learn about the C55. I'm torn. I can't seem to have my cake and eat it to w/ the C55 vs. C32, especially when it comes to the daily ride balance. Why live with a punishing ride which may only give a marginal improvement on the track. WTH goes thru those German AMG engineers???
Also, check out the Audi S4. It should be as good as the C55 in terms of comfort.
The only reason i would sell my C32 at this point is for a E55 03 or 04.
But if you liike the C55, go for it. Just know that that a new updated version of the C-class AMG is due fairly soon.
specualations are it will continue to be a 5.5 with 7sp auto or 6.3 with 7sp... either way, it will have more power and 2 more gears.
just food for thought.
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From: Phoenix, Az
02 C32R
OK so why dont you grab some nice coil-overs? go with Tein's that have the EFDC that you can control the ride and how smooth it is. If I was allowed to buy more for the car I would get them (darn wife)... Well no I wouldnt, first I would buy: headers, plugs, magnecore wires, & a stoptech BBK front/rear kit... then I would get coilovers
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by iceback
Damn I'm getting scared the more I read learn about the C55. I'm torn. I can't seem to have my cake and eat it to w/ the C55 vs. C32, especially when it comes to the daily ride balance. Why live with a punishing ride which may only give a marginal improvement on the track. WTH goes thru those German AMG engineers???
I did not like the harsh ride. Now, done 26000km , as the springs and suspensions went thru breakin , the ride quality is improving. I must say, I love the feel as it is now. I can't seem to go back to any softer cars.
Believe or not, even my E90 330i non sports is as harsh.
Also, after I use PS/2 , the ride is also nicer.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by zoink
Not for me.... I don't think my back could stand driving C55 for 3+ hours on US highways..... I'd bring my E55.... smoother ride.
I once tried to drive my C4S from SF to LA.... man that really sucked.... especially when no one "played" with you the whole trip.
I once tried to drive my C4S from SF to LA.... man that really sucked.... especially when no one "played" with you the whole trip.
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From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
Originally Posted by iceback
Damn I'm getting scared the more I read learn about the C55. I'm torn. I can't seem to have my cake and eat it to w/ the C55 vs. C32, especially when it comes to the daily ride balance. Why live with a punishing ride which may only give a marginal improvement on the track. WTH goes thru those German AMG engineers???
In hands of professionals or good drivers, the C55's handling prowess is comparable to the benchmark M3 in terms of track times and slalom times. Whether you are capable or have the opportunity to use the handling advantage of the C55 over the C32 is a question you have to ask yourself.
I use my C55 as a daily driver, and it is a pleasure. I guess it's all relative to what you're used to. Compared to my old C240, I feel many more bumps in the road. Compared to my colleague's M3 convertible, the C55 feels comfortable.
Last edited by PC Valkyrie; Feb 23, 2006 at 11:48 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Scripps Ranch, San Diego, CA
'05 C55 AMG '15 Jeep SRT '11 G37S
Originally Posted by iceback
Damn I'm getting scared the more I read learn about the C55. I'm torn. I can't seem to have my cake and eat it to w/ the C55 vs. C32, especially when it comes to the daily ride balance. Why live with a punishing ride which may only give a marginal improvement on the track. WTH goes thru those German AMG engineers???
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
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From: Burbank, Ca.
C55
great ride
I have had my C55 for almost one year and the ride is great; great combo of firmness without it being harsh. Once I drove it from Seattle to LA in one day; no problem, no back pain, just a sweet fast ride down I5
HPC55
HPC55
Out Of Control!!
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From: Scripps Ranch, San Diego, CA
'05 C55 AMG '15 Jeep SRT '11 G37S
Originally Posted by HPC55
I have had my C55 for almost one year and the ride is great; great combo of firmness without it being harsh. Once I drove it from Seattle to LA in one day; no problem, no back pain, just a sweet fast ride down I5
HPC55
HPC55
What was your average MPH?
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From: Burbank, Ca.
C55
I drove above the speed limit, not by much; 5-10-15 mph. It took me some 18 hours to drive with stops; great trip. My wife was with me and she would give me a break, here and there, but I did most of the driving. It was great going down I5 especially from Medford, Oregon to Redding, Ca, through the mountains. The car handled extremely well and I actually enjoyed the Nav system with the map
