noka

C55 does not get speed sensitive steering like the other AMG cars (according to brochure I downloaded from mbusa)?

Rgds,
Norm

SUNILP

yes that is correct. It's a pretty cool system and VERY VERY expensive to retrofit since the steering rack has to be changed out.

noka

Seems like they skimmped a bit on the C55.

99bmw740il

maybe weight?

rguy

In my opinion the other AMGs are largely technology cars that exhibit a lot of problems with electrical gremlins. As much as the dodge viper was a back to basics car for dodge, the c55 is a back to basics car for mercedes.

The c55 has real spring, real brakes that are actually controlled by the brake pedal, the steering is more direct, it doesn't change the way it works according to how fast the car is going, which helps its linearity.

I dropped my e55 because I would be riding on air, asking my car's permission to brake the way I wanted to and giving it veto power over my right foot on the left pedal, having to over steer the car in the parking lots and under steer the car on the highway. Trust me... it just wasn't better.

Mercedes' goal of having a car completely driven by wire was noble, but not better. They are starting to discover that fact. Anyway, I drove the sl55 with active steering and it was way underboosted during parking lot driving. In fact, I almost hit a car because the turning ratio changed and I had to physically turn the wheel more in mid turn. For those thinking this is understeer or something, it wasn't. I was going 5-10mph. Scared the crud out of my dealer friend and I.

Anyway, let me know what you guys think of this perspective, but I say if it ain't broke don't fix it.

noka

It's an interesting perspective. Not having owned any MB before, it's a little difficult for me to comment on it specifically. However, I think there is something to (over) showcasing technology in a car. Witness the revised 7-Series with I-Drive. Don't get me wrong, there is some wonderful technology in that car, however they get the big black circle for reliability with all the gremlins. I'm sure the C55 will have it's share (like my M5 had a few). I should be own one next week to see for myself.

Rgds,
Norm

DbleNckel

my sentiments exactly!!!!!

SUNILP

I doubt weight has anything to do with it. The steering rack is very similar except for a valve that controls flow of power steering fluid into the rack.

scorchie

That must have been one of those "BMW SL55s" because there are no "Mercedes" with "active steering" where the steering ratio changes. Pretty much all Mercedes in the USA have rack & pinion steering with fixed ration. Most have variable assist power steering, with only a couple cars not having it (SLK and new C-class). It used to be standard in the USA but since it was an option in Europe, MBUSA has been looking at ways at reducing costs which include now not including it where it was once standard. (It is a 226 Euro option in Germany.)

I think Mercedes USA is just hold the line in pricing and with the devalued dollar, the formerly standard features need to be removed. And MBUSA has never been one to offer too many options to the US market.

-s-

SUNILP

the new SLK shows speed sensitive steering as an option. the c class does not. My 2003 c320 also does not have speed sensitive steering.

SUNILP

Dean, is variable assist steering and speed sensitive steering the same?