C43 Sedan Suspension / Ride Quality
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Joined: Jun 2018
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C43 Sedan
C43 Sedan Suspension / Ride Quality
Greetings All,
Just picked up my new C43 Sedan. Overall the car is great (with the exception of steering that's a tad numb, brakes a tad spongey). My biggest issue I would love some advice on - from user's EXPERIENCE - is regarding ride quality adjustments / improvements.
I own an '09 C63 as well - that ride is firm and solid on any terrain. The car stays flat, there is no 'boaty and floaty' feel, or jiggly bounciness that I am feeling CONSTANTLY in my new C43 sedan. New car is running on stock 18's, all-season tires (not run-flats), and no modifications. Even at the firmest suspension setting, the car causes passengers to jiggle, bounce, and rock at any speed. I am trying to keep the body from rolling, bouncing, and jiggling. I don't mind a 'firm' ride -I just want the car to be much more stable and firmly planted.
Stiffer springs? Stiffer shocks? Anti-sway bars? I'm desperately looking for a cost-effective solution so I don't remain car-sick for the next 3 years
Thanks!
Just picked up my new C43 Sedan. Overall the car is great (with the exception of steering that's a tad numb, brakes a tad spongey). My biggest issue I would love some advice on - from user's EXPERIENCE - is regarding ride quality adjustments / improvements.
I own an '09 C63 as well - that ride is firm and solid on any terrain. The car stays flat, there is no 'boaty and floaty' feel, or jiggly bounciness that I am feeling CONSTANTLY in my new C43 sedan. New car is running on stock 18's, all-season tires (not run-flats), and no modifications. Even at the firmest suspension setting, the car causes passengers to jiggle, bounce, and rock at any speed. I am trying to keep the body from rolling, bouncing, and jiggling. I don't mind a 'firm' ride -I just want the car to be much more stable and firmly planted.
Stiffer springs? Stiffer shocks? Anti-sway bars? I'm desperately looking for a cost-effective solution so I don't remain car-sick for the next 3 years
Thanks!
Last edited by GG C43; Jun 1, 2018 at 11:16 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
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2017 C43
Are you sure you have non-runflats? You mentioned you have stock 18’s and no mods. Wouldn’t that mean you have the runflats then? If the new car came stock, with non-runflats, mercedes would most likely provide you with a jack and a spare...
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,577
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From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
Do you have 18" or 19" wheels on yours?
I think spec is slightly different depending on wheel size.
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,577
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From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
Greetings All,
Just picked up my new C43 Sedan. Overall the car is great (with the exception of steering that's a tad numb, brakes a tad spongey). My biggest issue I would love some advice on - from user's EXPERIENCE - is regarding ride quality adjustments / improvements.
I own an '09 C63 as well - that ride is firm and solid on any terrain. The car stays flat, there is no 'boaty and floaty' feel, or jiggly bounciness that I am feeling CONSTANTLY in my new C43 sedan. New car is running on stock 18's, all-season tires (not run-flats), and no modifications. Even at the firmest suspension setting, the car causes passengers to jiggle, bounce, and rock at any speed. I am trying to keep the body from rolling, bouncing, and jiggling. I don't mind a 'firm' ride -I just want the car to be much more stable and firmly planted.
Stiffer springs? Stiffer shocks? Anti-sway bars? I'm desperately looking for a cost-effective solution so I don't remain car-sick for the next 3 years
Thanks!
Just picked up my new C43 Sedan. Overall the car is great (with the exception of steering that's a tad numb, brakes a tad spongey). My biggest issue I would love some advice on - from user's EXPERIENCE - is regarding ride quality adjustments / improvements.
I own an '09 C63 as well - that ride is firm and solid on any terrain. The car stays flat, there is no 'boaty and floaty' feel, or jiggly bounciness that I am feeling CONSTANTLY in my new C43 sedan. New car is running on stock 18's, all-season tires (not run-flats), and no modifications. Even at the firmest suspension setting, the car causes passengers to jiggle, bounce, and rock at any speed. I am trying to keep the body from rolling, bouncing, and jiggling. I don't mind a 'firm' ride -I just want the car to be much more stable and firmly planted.
Stiffer springs? Stiffer shocks? Anti-sway bars? I'm desperately looking for a cost-effective solution so I don't remain car-sick for the next 3 years
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 264
From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
36 and 33 are the specs for 19s. Just had the car serviced Friday and yesterday I checked the pressures. Sure enough, they had overfilled them. I think a lot of the MB techs misread the fuel door placard and use the specs for a fully laden vehicle.
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From: Massachusetts USA
2017 C43 sedan
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Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 166
Likes: 35
2018 C43 Sedan
Set tire pressure to specs on your door jam sticker. The dealers overinflate for some reason. On my car with 18 inch continentals the pressures are 42 front 41 rear, cold.
My car has a really nice ride with the 18s.
My car has a really nice ride with the 18s.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,255
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From: Massachusetts USA
2017 C43 sedan
[QUOTE=CFG;7471907]Then use either. 
[/QUOTE
NO!!! He has to use the gas tank specs!! The door specs are made by polar bears!! It doesn’t matter if both specs have the same #, if you use the door specs it will fill the tires with polar bear wet fart gas..
[/QUOTENO!!! He has to use the gas tank specs!! The door specs are made by polar bears!! It doesn’t matter if both specs have the same #, if you use the door specs it will fill the tires with polar bear wet fart gas..
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
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2018 Mercedes C43 AMG Coupe
My 2018 door sill placard and gas cap placard shows the SAME numbers for a fully loaded vehicle (or 4 adult passengers), somewhere around low 4x's and mid-high 3x's.
I know for certain, from my gas cap placard, that the values for an unloaded car (driving by myself with nothing in trunk) is 36 fronts, 32 rears.
^ I recommend to follow that as most people won't have more than 2 people or heavy loads in a coupe. I also have the stock Pirelli P-Zero summer tires.
When the car was delivered, all 4 wheels were at 42,42,42,42. Blew one right away but I suspect that tire had a defect. Also keep in mind this is for cold tire pressure.
I know for certain, from my gas cap placard, that the values for an unloaded car (driving by myself with nothing in trunk) is 36 fronts, 32 rears.
^ I recommend to follow that as most people won't have more than 2 people or heavy loads in a coupe. I also have the stock Pirelli P-Zero summer tires.
When the car was delivered, all 4 wheels were at 42,42,42,42. Blew one right away but I suspect that tire had a defect. Also keep in mind this is for cold tire pressure.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
2017 C43 AMG (W205), 2012 AM Vantage V12, 1989 964
Greetings All,
Just picked up my new C43 Sedan. Overall the car is great (with the exception of steering that's a tad numb, brakes a tad spongey). My biggest issue I would love some advice on - from user's EXPERIENCE - is regarding ride quality adjustments / improvements.
I own an '09 C63 as well - that ride is firm and solid on any terrain. The car stays flat, there is no 'boaty and floaty' feel, or jiggly bounciness that I am feeling CONSTANTLY in my new C43 sedan. New car is running on stock 18's, all-season tires (not run-flats), and no modifications. Even at the firmest suspension setting, the car causes passengers to jiggle, bounce, and rock at any speed. I am trying to keep the body from rolling, bouncing, and jiggling. I don't mind a 'firm' ride -I just want the car to be much more stable and firmly planted.
Stiffer springs? Stiffer shocks? Anti-sway bars? I'm desperately looking for a cost-effective solution so I don't remain car-sick for the next 3 years
Thanks!
Just picked up my new C43 Sedan. Overall the car is great (with the exception of steering that's a tad numb, brakes a tad spongey). My biggest issue I would love some advice on - from user's EXPERIENCE - is regarding ride quality adjustments / improvements.
I own an '09 C63 as well - that ride is firm and solid on any terrain. The car stays flat, there is no 'boaty and floaty' feel, or jiggly bounciness that I am feeling CONSTANTLY in my new C43 sedan. New car is running on stock 18's, all-season tires (not run-flats), and no modifications. Even at the firmest suspension setting, the car causes passengers to jiggle, bounce, and rock at any speed. I am trying to keep the body from rolling, bouncing, and jiggling. I don't mind a 'firm' ride -I just want the car to be much more stable and firmly planted.
Stiffer springs? Stiffer shocks? Anti-sway bars? I'm desperately looking for a cost-effective solution so I don't remain car-sick for the next 3 years
Thanks!
I think the springs are too soft and the dampers are even softer. Even at "sport +" they are not powerful enough to control the rebound of the springs. I am waiting for an aftermarket full coilover setup.
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Joined: Jun 2019
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C190
I am so glad you brought this up. After owning my car for 8 months, the suspension has been my biggest issue. Its very similar to when I put my Vantage on lower springs, the dampers were not matched properly so the car was bouncy and jiggly. It would scare passengers if i hit a bump at high speeds because it would catapult the car up and it was unstable, however fortunately they make KW cup coilovers for my vantage and it fixed that issue.
I think the springs are too soft and the dampers are even softer. Even at "sport +" they are not powerful enough to control the rebound of the springs. I am waiting for an aftermarket full coilover setup.
I think the springs are too soft and the dampers are even softer. Even at "sport +" they are not powerful enough to control the rebound of the springs. I am waiting for an aftermarket full coilover setup.
i'm on their HAS Springs and ride is a lot more flat
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C190
The HAS springs are very similar to the V3 springs, but shorter to accommodate the extra hardware, but the number of coils, coil diameter, etc are actually quite similar. However, I’m more interesting in the shock absorbers of the V3 and the improved damping characteristics they offer. Plus, just having one mode is quite tempting to have, at least to me.
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From: Toronto, ON
2021 Mercedes C63s AMG Coupe
The HAS springs are very similar to the V3 springs, but shorter to accommodate the extra hardware, but the number of coils, coil diameter, etc are actually quite similar. However, I’m more interesting in the shock absorbers of the V3 and the improved damping characteristics they offer. Plus, just having one mode is quite tempting to have, at least to me.
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Joined: Jun 2019
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C190
Anyone on KW V3's who can share their experience on their W205/S205/C205/A205?
KW V3's are almost always good across all makes and models, sometimes alarmingly good to the point that you wonder why the manufacturer couldn't do better. I've had them on Audi RS4, RS5, Porsche 993, 996, 997, and many BMWs. However, nothing like first hand experience to hear from and I've not tried them on a Mercedes before.
KW V3's are almost always good across all makes and models, sometimes alarmingly good to the point that you wonder why the manufacturer couldn't do better. I've had them on Audi RS4, RS5, Porsche 993, 996, 997, and many BMWs. However, nothing like first hand experience to hear from and I've not tried them on a Mercedes before.
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Joined: Jun 2019
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C190
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 194
C190
The C43 suspension in anything other than Sport+ mode is totally undriveable and unusable. The shock absorbers are way too under-damped and you get jostled about and there's too much unwanted motion in Comfort and Sport modes. In Sport+ mode, the shock absorbers just begin to become controlled enough to control the springs. In comparison, the 2019 C43 suspension in Sport+ mode is like my Audi in Comfort mode. I am going to have to drive this car in Sport+ suspension mode 100% of the time now.
The suspension setup is just weird. What I really need is Sport+ as Comfort mode, and then a Sport++ and Sport+++ for a sportier drive.
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'20 GLC300 SUV
Okay, so I just collected my 2019 C43 yesterday and now have a couple of hours of driving time on familiar roads. I spent 9 years driving an Audi S5 Sportback (4 door) with factory 20" wheels on these familiar roads, so now I can compare with the C43 experience.
The C43 suspension in anything other than Sport+ mode is totally undriveable and unusable. The shock absorbers are way too under-damped and you get jostled about and there's too much unwanted motion in Comfort and Sport modes. In Sport+ mode, the shock absorbers just begin to become controlled enough to control the springs. In comparison, the 2019 C43 suspension in Sport+ mode is like my Audi in Comfort mode. I am going to have to drive this car in Sport+ suspension mode 100% of the time now.
The suspension setup is just weird. What I really need is Sport+ as Comfort mode, and then a Sport++ and Sport+++ for a sportier drive.
The C43 suspension in anything other than Sport+ mode is totally undriveable and unusable. The shock absorbers are way too under-damped and you get jostled about and there's too much unwanted motion in Comfort and Sport modes. In Sport+ mode, the shock absorbers just begin to become controlled enough to control the springs. In comparison, the 2019 C43 suspension in Sport+ mode is like my Audi in Comfort mode. I am going to have to drive this car in Sport+ suspension mode 100% of the time now.
The suspension setup is just weird. What I really need is Sport+ as Comfort mode, and then a Sport++ and Sport+++ for a sportier drive.
If I'm driving on the highway or a country road anywhere in the 40-60 mph and there's a small hump or rise in the road, the car literally feels like it is floating/lifting off the ground in C Mode.
At lower speeds, the suspension dispatches certain pavement imperfections with relative ease. But randomly, some imperfections will cause the suspension to react in a way that sends your spine through the base of your skull.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 40
From: Deep South, Taiwan
Tuned '18 C43 coupe & Stock '18 GLE43 coupe
Okay, so I just collected my 2019 C43 yesterday and now have a couple of hours of driving time on familiar roads. I spent 9 years driving an Audi S5 Sportback (4 door) with factory 20" wheels on these familiar roads, so now I can compare with the C43 experience.
The C43 suspension in anything other than Sport+ mode is totally undriveable and unusable. The shock absorbers are way too under-damped and you get jostled about and there's too much unwanted motion in Comfort and Sport modes. In Sport+ mode, the shock absorbers just begin to become controlled enough to control the springs. In comparison, the 2019 C43 suspension in Sport+ mode is like my Audi in Comfort mode. I am going to have to drive this car in Sport+ suspension mode 100% of the time now.
The suspension setup is just weird. What I really need is Sport+ as Comfort mode, and then a Sport++ and Sport+++ for a sportier drive.
The C43 suspension in anything other than Sport+ mode is totally undriveable and unusable. The shock absorbers are way too under-damped and you get jostled about and there's too much unwanted motion in Comfort and Sport modes. In Sport+ mode, the shock absorbers just begin to become controlled enough to control the springs. In comparison, the 2019 C43 suspension in Sport+ mode is like my Audi in Comfort mode. I am going to have to drive this car in Sport+ suspension mode 100% of the time now.
The suspension setup is just weird. What I really need is Sport+ as Comfort mode, and then a Sport++ and Sport+++ for a sportier drive.
I'm looking at other options, but need to overcome the suspension signal first... i hear coding can shut it off... still researching...
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C190
Sounds like the V3 is the only way to go for ya. Local owners here swear by it. It's like a must have mod.. especially for the 5 door~ lol... only two complaints I've heard are 1) not easy to dial in.. needs expertise to get it right... 2) the rear springs does go soft after a while....
I'm looking at other options, but need to overcome the suspension signal first... i hear coding can shut it off... still researching...
I'm looking at other options, but need to overcome the suspension signal first... i hear coding can shut it off... still researching...
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 40
From: Deep South, Taiwan
Tuned '18 C43 coupe & Stock '18 GLE43 coupe
Ya, the V3 is the only set up that comes with signal cancellers. Hate that we can't choose... at least at the moment... some local shop claims that they can shut off the signal.. still trying to confirm
where are you located TModelle?
