cwh1969

Hi all, I've owned my C32 for about 2 months now. Prior to this I was the proud owner of a Porsche 968 for 6 years. Of course these are very different cars and the straighline performance of the AMG is in another league. What i do miss is the feed back through the steering wheel and overall bullet proof handling of the 968. I've read with interest how other owners describe the AMG as cornering on rails. Not my impression - so I'm wondering if mine is a little tired or the tyres are dulling my enjoyment.

The car is in generally excellent condition and pulls like a train. 110,000 kms on the clock, Bridgestone Playz tires (which will be replaced soon). Everything else, suspension wise, I believe is standard.

On the Porsche I used Bridgestone RE002's and Bilsteins. I was also looking at thicker sway bars. The ride in the AMG is great and I don't want to make it too harsh so was thinking that stiffer sway bars might do the trick.

Really interested in others opinions as I've a lot of learning to do.
Cheers

fleishman

I've found some very informative threads on our suspensions by searching google and here. I plan a swap for the c55 suspension shortly. People with coilovers rave about the improvement. I believe a thicker rear sway bar will help curb understeer. I've looked into a strut brace but as noone seems to be investing in it maybe there isn't much room for tower stiffness improvement.

macbryanie

Lol, I wish. Hopefully the CLA and A45's will establish AMG's reputation in that regard. C55 conversion seems to be the middle ground.

macbryanie

Coilovers etc
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...t-springs.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...n-vs-koni.html

cwh1969

Appreciate the feedback and links. I'll start with the tyres and go from there. I think I'll resist any lowering as I like the sleeper status of the AMG.

wawy

When I had my C32 I never once felt it was "cornering on rails". To address this, I went with an H&R rear sway bar and Vogtland lowering springs. The thicker rear sway bar reduced understeer a bit and alleviated some body roll. The springs lowered the car about an inch and may have added some improvement in the handling. I also went with some Falkin Azenis RT 615 tires which definitely helped………..

cwh1969

Thanks wawy.
It doesn't sound like you we're overly impressed with the mods. Body roll and lack of confidence on turn in are my main concerns. If I'm taking it by the horns - so to speak- then things are not so bad, but at 70% driving effort, which is where I'd like to enjoy the handling, is where I think improvements are needed.
Which of the mods gave the most improvement in your opinion?

wawy

There is no doubt the rear sway bar helped body roll during very hard cornering. I could "feel" the difference. The particular brand of tires I went with has a very stiff sidewall and this helped cornering. The Vogtlands contributed aesthetically but not so much handling wise – at least this was my experience with them. In hindsight, I think the right adjustable coilovers would have served me best. Live and learn. If you go with adjustable coilovers do your homework as some of them are better than others…