w205_C43

I currently have a 2018 C43 and my lease is up in a couple months. I'm considering on getting the facelift but, I'm watched several videos and feel as if the preface lift is better IMO. I haven't driven it but It seems like the facelift is too refined; smoother ride quality, PE sounds quieter, and shifts are smoother. Anyone who's had/driven both have any feedback?

TModelle

Having driven both, this is what I feel. Pre-facelift is much easier to mod, if that’s something you want to do. It makes more horsepower than the facelift in this respect. Other than that, you are right, the exhaust is quieter. Shift quality is the same, but facelift starts in 1st gear always, so that is quite irritating. Both have bucking issues when moving off. Ride quality is the same, shocks and suspension are the same parts, no updates. Digital dash on the facelift looks nicer, if you prefer that.

batman719

Ride quality is wildly different in my opinion. The PFL I drove was much harsher across all drive modes.

TModelle

Feels the same to me. Part numbers for the shock absorbers and arms are the same too. We’re you on runflats on the PFL and non-run flats on the FL maybe? What year was your PFL? I’m comparing 2018 PFL and 2018-production FL.

W205C43PFL

Never driven the facelift but I too heard that the suspension is nicer. If the parts are same maybe the suspension tuning is different.
But ya non run flat will be a world of difference in terms of ride quality.

TModelle

Maybe all it needs is a software update.

places

This. Have not driven but read the same. More refined and driveable . RF's will never help.

batman719

I was on runflats on both. I've since gotten rid of the runflats on the car I bought.

PFL was a 2017 coupe. FL was the car I ended up buying, a 2019 coupe. My suspicion is that it's software related to the electronic dampening. The experience was night and day different. I took both cars on a 45-minute test drive on the same 12 mile route.

superswiss

AMG overhauled the Ride Control software for the FL. At least the C63, so I assume the C43 got overhauled as well. The FL C63 also has slightly softer springs than PFL. About 8-10%. Not sure about the C43, but did you compare the spring part numbers, too? The slightly softer springs and the overhauled software makes all the difference in the C63. More noticeable on rougher roads, of course. I'd be surprised if the FL C43 didn't get some of the same improvements. AMG is systematically overhauling their suspensions, because a lot of customers have complained about rough ride quality. The just announced FL E63 supposedly rides a lot more comfortable now, too.

TModelle

Spring part numbers for C43 PFL and FL are the same too.

W205C43PFL

Sorry if I am getting a little off topic but is the shift on the facelift smoother? (except for it downshifting to gear 1 even in comfort mode for the facelift, still don't know why they made that change)
If it does I am not surprised the software change to the AMG ride control and how they tuned the adaptive damping like superswiss mentioned, that alone made a world of difference to the facelift's suspension and ride quality.

W205C43PFL

@stockbmw Hmmm reading this thread reminded me of you buddy, I hope you are doing well and staying safe.
Curious though, how is your car going and do you want to comment on this thread.
Sorry if I tagged you when you are busy though, looking forward to hearing about your experience with your new car : )

cjaredscott

I can say first-hand that the 2019 has a less firm suspension across all modes than my 2016 C450, for what it's worth.