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I’m in the market for a $70k-ish sport coupe and I test drove C43 and C63 convertibles (because the dealer didn’t have any coupes for testing) and was kind of surprised that the C63 seemed to ride a bit better - still shockingly poor compared to an M4, but perhaps just enough to be tolerable. Everyone I’ve asked about it seems to assume the C63 is setup harder, but they can’t point me to a source showing it runs a higher factory spring rate or anything. Yes, I checked I was in “comfort” mode in both cars (and scrolled through the settings just to feel the difference). The C43 that felt harsh was running 19” Summer High Performance MOE tires and the specs had a tire mobility kit in it (so I assumed these weren’t runflats?). The C63 was running 19”/20” combo Summer Performance, also with tire mobility kit. If I had thought of it at the time I would have brought my tire pressure gauge and let the pressures down to the minimum listing on the gas flap.
tldr; is there any official source saying the C63 is actually stiffer than the C43, or is this just an assumption we make?
I have both a 2017 C43 sedan and 2016 C63 S sedan. Both cars came with (horrible) run-flat tires and both were changed to Michelin Pilot Sport S4 tires (for the street) shortly after I received the cars. The ride is now comparable between these cars, though they do differ a little in various conditions ... under some conditions the C43 is a little rougher and other conditions the C63 S is a little rougher. On smooth roads, they have a very similar ride.
What I can't express strongly enough is that the tire type (i.e., run-flat vs non), the tire brand and the tire pressure can all have a _significant_ effect on the ride (handling, traction/control, road noise) with these cars. In particular, the C43's "high performance summer Conti" run-flats were extremely harsh-riding and I would have been quite unhappy with that ride quality. The C63 S's "high performance Maxx Dumbslop" regular tires were very noisy and had extremely poor traction/control characteristics. In both cases, the PSS4 tires constituted a huge ride and driveability change ... though, as is often noted, neither car is what you'd call "an always soft 'n cushy" ride. From what others have posted, AMG has been adjusting the comfort-setting ride in these models as the years progress ... some say for the better and some say not.
From virtually every posting I've seen, the PSS4 tires are the best street-tire match for AMGs. If you can, test drive one with those tires.
The MOE designation means run-flat (E stands for Extended Mobility), and the C43 only comes with MOE tires in the US. I've never seen a C63 come with MOE/run-flat tires as claimed above. The C63 come with MO/MO1 tires, which are summer non run-flat performance tires. But I agree, tires make a big difference and the MOE tires on the C43 are a common complaint as are run-flat tires in general. My 2019 C63S coupe came with the Pilot Super Sport, which I soon replaced with the PS4S for an overall improvement. The PSS is a step back from the PS4S in ride comfort, handling and grip. AMGs historically ride stiff, though. The 2019+ C63 rides much better, while also being more dynamic. They revised the suspension, because of the harsh ride complaints that AMGs have gotten in the past. Also keep in mind that the convertible is the heaviest variant, so it has a lot more weight to manage with its suspension. FWIW, the coupe rides more comfortable than the sedan, but I've never driven the cab. Still, prior to 2019 they all kinda ride too harsh. Tire pressure is definitely another important point on these cars. They have a huge range of recommended pressures depending on load and speed. Below is the fuel door sticker from my 2019, but I believe it hasn't changed from prior years. I can tell you if I run the wrong tire pressures the ride gets brutal. I run 33f/32r for the 19/20 setup as recommended for normal load and speeds <155mph. The C63 definitely has the much better suspension, though. Handling is significantly better and I wouldn't be surprised if it rides better as well relative to the model year. I've only driven a C43 on the track at the AMG Driving Academy. Wasn't the best car of the day, but it held up.
While I don't have a written source of information like you're requesting, I have owned both. I drove a C43 for years prior to getting my C63S. I never looked into the why, but my C63 definitely feels smoother than my C43 did. Most of that, as others have mentioned, is probably due to my C43 having the Pirelli run flats and my C63 having PS4S. Nonetheless, I have no issues or complaints with the ride quality in the C63.
Thank, and I cannot stress this enough, all y'all. Especially superswiss, you absolutely nailed the answer to my question. Finally some answers from actual owners with actual experience (after reddit's peanut gallery).
It's clear the shocking ride in the C43 was due to runflats at excessively high pressure. The most likely reason why the C63 was so clearly superior is because it was fitted with non-run-flats. What a shame I can't find any C43s near me, new or used, with non-run-flats installed so I can try it out. I'm going to try the C63 and C43 side by side once again, but this time I'm bringing my tire pressure gauge and airing down to the lower pressures indicated on the inside of the fuel filler. I hope that will give me as good an indication as possible about whether a C43 fitted with proper go-flat tires fitted would be acceptable. If it's "close enough" with 19" RFTs, I can only assume it would be downright pleasant with 18" go-flats.
The MOE designation means run-flat (E stands for Extended Mobility), and the C43 only comes with MOE tires in the US. I've never seen a C63 come with MOE/run-flat tires as claimed above. The C63 come with MO/MO1 tires, which are summer non run-flat performance tires. But I agree, tires make a big difference and the MOE tires on the C43 are a common complaint as are run-flat tires in general. My 2019 C63S coupe came with the Pilot Super Sport, which I soon replaced with the PS4S for an overall improvement. The PSS is a step back from the PS4S in ride comfort, handling and grip. AMGs historically ride stiff, though. The 2019+ C63 rides much better, while also being more dynamic. They revised the suspension, because of the harsh ride complaints that AMGs have gotten in the past. Also keep in mind that the convertible is the heaviest variant, so it has a lot more weight to manage with its suspension. FWIW, the coupe rides more comfortable than the sedan, but I've never driven the cab. Still, prior to 2019 they all kinda ride too harsh. Tire pressure is definitely another important point on these cars. They have a huge range of recommended pressures depending on load and speed. Below is the fuel door sticker from my 2019, but I believe it hasn't changed from prior years. I can tell you if I run the wrong tire pressures the ride gets brutal. I run 33f/32r for the 19/20 setup as recommended for normal load and speeds <155mph. The C63 definitely has the much better suspension, though. Handling is significantly better and I wouldn't be surprised if it rides better as well relative to the model year. I've only driven a C43 on the track at the AMG Driving Academy. Wasn't the best car of the day, but it held up.
Wow, no wondering I was hating the ride in my new coupe. My tire shop put it at 48 all around cause they said these cars run high tire pressures. You can really drop it to 33/32 then? Is this the pressure after you get going? Or resting?
Be careful running low tire pressures like 33/32 psi. If you hit uneven pavement or a pothole, it's more likely to end up damaging your wheels. So if you live in an area with rougher roads, you'd be better off keeping the tire pressure higher on the spectrum. I tend to keep mine in the 37-40 psi range.
Wow, no wondering I was hating the ride in my new coupe. My tire shop put it at 48 all around cause they said these cars run high tire pressures. You can really drop it to 33/32 then? Is this the pressure after you get going? Or resting?
Yeah, in my experience many places have no clue about proper tire pressure. It's partly because in the USA, the door sticker only lists the highest tire pressure, which is 46f/48r in our case, but that pressure is only intended for a fully loaded car and if you are planning on taking it up to 180 mph. Notice the more load in the car the rear tire pressure is higher than the front because it expects that you have the trunk full of cargo. 48 all around would be completely wrong. At least if they had gone with the door sticker.
Yes, you can take it down to 33f/32r. Just one word of caution, don't hit potholes or you will most likely bend your wheels. Higher tire pressure will give you more protection. For me that's generally not an issue, but I did hit some raised pavement entering the highway a couple of months ago and ended up bending the lip of the left front wheel and also the left rear wheel, which I discovered only later and it bubbled the front tire. Got the front wheel straightened and tire replaced. The rear is not bent enough to do anything about it. It's only the lip, though, which seems to be the weakest part of the 5-spoke 19/20 wheels. It protrudes more than with the other wheel designes.
Last edited by superswiss; Jan 31, 2021 at 07:22 PM.
I leased a BMW 740 several years ago and had an amazing delivery. They flat-bedded the car from the dealership which was around 45 miles away. The salesperson met me at my house and took the tire pressure of each tire after delivery. I purchased several BMW's after that from him and each time did the same procedure. Yes I know it may have been a little showmanship, but nun the less, he took the time to check. He did have a love for the BMW brand even to the point of owning a BMW motorcycle. Yes, a rare breed of sales associates.
Before ordering my 2021 C63s Cabriolet I drove it three times. I never found the ride too harsh. Be it known I was coming out of a 2017 911S so that could be why although I never felt the 911 was too bone Jarring, especially in comfort mode.
2019 C63S Selenite Grey, 2018 911 Turbo, Guards Red
My wife has a 2019 C43 that we switched out the run flats the day we picked it up. I have a 2019 C63S. Both cars ride about the same. I do keep my tire pressure at 33/32 and that made a big difference. As others have said, tire selection and pressure make all the difference.
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