2010 C63 PROBLEM
There are two issues at work here. One is due to camber in the turn and the other is bump steer. At least that's the way I read the problem he's describing.
I have 2 C class and its just the way the car is.
Jim
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I'm not slamming the Merc. I have 2 of them and sold my last BMW a week ago. I'm just stating it for what it is, the Merc is vaguer in corners and it is what it is.
That said, you should check alignment specs and tire pressures. Plus examine all of the suspension for worn or damaged parts. Because the Merc isn't bad, its just not a BMW.
Jim
I'm not slamming the Merc. I have 2 of them and sold my last BMW a week ago. I'm just stating it for what it is, the Merc is vaguer in corners and it is what it is.
That said, you should check alignment specs and tire pressures. Plus examine all of the suspension for worn or damaged parts. Because the Merc isn't bad, its just not a BMW.
Jim
Jim
Jim
If the car is aligned properly and the tires are inflated correctly and there are no worn or broken components, you have to just take what the people are telling you. Its acting normally. Personally, I think there's an issue with the suspension being stiff and America generally having third world roads.
The OP doesn't say much about it other than he perceives it to be worse than expected. I'm just coming at it from the perspective of driving these cars off the lot and knowing they already had compromises in their suspension that affects how they handle on bumps, particularly in corners. I know exactly what he's talking about. I have a rough patch leaving my house in a curve every day and the car dribbles and skates. BMWs do it too, its just not so pronounced unless the thrust arm bushings are shot.
Jim
Jim
1) tie-rod ends are worn (which will definately create a loose feeling plus the car would wander a bit on a unevenly tarmaced road)
2) Worn out control arm bush (also creates more slack)
3) Worn out front shock absorber mountings (they are rubber with bearings)
Once you change some or all of the above, depending on what's worn, the car should have some sharp steering.
Top gear gave the new C63 kudos for having better steering feel than the M3 if I'm not mistaken.
1) tie-rod ends are worn (which will definately create a loose feeling plus the car would wander a bit on a unevenly tarmaced road)
2) Worn out control arm bush (also creates more slack)
3) Worn out front shock absorber mountings (they are rubber with bearings)
Once you change some or all of the above, depending on what's worn, the car should have some sharp steering.
Top gear gave the new C63 kudos for having better steering feel than the M3 if I'm not mistaken.
Test is simple. Go to a free (no traffic!) brick road or an irregular surface (bad recapped road, for example) and accelerate slightly. Then remove your hands from the wheel and observe it. It will slightly "rumble", going left and right, while the vehicle maintains its course.
This does not happen, or happens with much more discretion in other brand performance cars, such as the AMV8 Vantage and the M3. It also does not happen in my 130i, which is clearly an inferior car. Although, it happens even more in Audis, specially the entry-level or lesser models, such as A3, S3, A4 etc.
You can reduce - but not eliminate - this feeling by keeping the mentioned pieces in perfect condition and by inflating your front tires a little more. You'll feel it stiffer, with less variation, but it will still be there. If it is an issue for you, don't go for the C63.
But if you just don't want that because you are not used to it or because you may think it is dangerous, go for it. You will eventually get used to it.
On the highway, at speeds over 60 mph, the steering feels "loose". When traveling on a straight line at those speeds, if I shake the wheel a bit side to side there almost seems to be a delay in the response and when the car does move it does so with an almost floaty feel.
I brought it to the dealer and they said it was due to my upgrading to 275mm tires in the back! Of course I explained to them that the problem was occurring before I switched to the wider tire, but they insisted that was the problem. I have since completely swapped out the stock wheels to 19" wheels all around with 235/35 on the front and 275/30's on the rear. This did not seems to fix the problem (but they look cool so what the heck).
So here I am with a c63 that I do love (it's my second one), but that I don't feel really comfortable driving "briskly".
My initial thought was a bad tie rod, at least that's how it felt. My MB dealer quickly confirmed that all the suspension parts were fine, although I question if they even really looked.
The question is, do I bring it back to the dealer and tell them I swapped out the wheels/tires per their advise to no avail? I'm sure they will just blame it on the non stock wheels/tires, even though we all know that this is not the case. What do you guys think?
I have noticed it before in numerous other vehicles over the years that have either low profile wheels/tires and firm suspension, or both.
The first vehicle I noticed it in was back many years ago when I got to drive my Dads 450 SLC. It did it. Most recently I had two 07 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel's and they both did it as well. Particularly when I had the tire pressures maxed out and hitting the same bumps that make the Mercedes do it.
As well as rattles and squeeks, this is probably the biggest issue that brings up thoughts to sell the car.
All C class (including C63) may have this problem.
Mention it to your dealer, most don't have a clue.
This could be the OPs prob--GL



Although I do have h&r coilovers.