TighTT

So here is the scoop:

I ordered a HIGHLY optioned (73k) CLA45 from my dealer….due for delivery in January. Today I happened to pass by another local dealer and they had a very nice CLA45 on the floor…pretty much all the options I want (didn't have the sport seats) but it DID have an option that I don't want….the performance suspension. From what I have seen, it does not lower the car….just adds stiffer dampeners which, for me, isn't very appealing. I'd really like to cancel my order and just grab this one off the floor (instant gratification is the best).

So the question is: Is the performance suspension a deal breaker?

dremorg

Not answering your question but....$73K?!! How the hell did you manage that? Where are you from?

TighTT

Same area as you!

If you really load it up with all the option plus flat silver color (frozen silver), sport seats, carbon outside, carbon inside, midnight package or whatever (black outer trim), etc, the price gets up there.

Back to the suspension….Im curious If I can just replace the "performance" shocks with the standard AMG CLA ones.

dremorg

Yeah I did hear that it was pretty stiff. I'm not sure if you could change the suspension. Why don't you just test drive it & see if you could live with it. It might not be as bad as you think.

TighTT

They won't let me. The car is on the showroom floor and they said they do not allow AMG test drives as the car will be difficult to sell with extra miles on it. I know….pretty stupid.

Jupiter Red

I don't buy cars I can't test drive. I just would not do it. I understand the dealers position but they would never make a sale to me.

dremorg

+1

cookstar

Ive driven C63's and GL63's off the lot for 30 min test drivers without a sales rep, so its b.s, if you can test drive 458's than you can test drive a CLA45. I have heard the suspension is stiff for everyday use, personally i prefer soft suspension like in the S-class.

jonnyrt

I own a CLA45 with performance suspension and it is stiff...but unless I am missing something, its a sports car....sports cars have stiff suspensions people!! If you want something that floats on air....buy an s class. Handling in the CLA 45 is the best I have ever driven, even compared to E63 AMG, C63 AMG and SL65 AMG, reason being is the CLA 45 is that much lighter, can throw it around corners like crazy!

vracer

I'm a waiter, so I understand your frustration. I got to spend an hour with the Merc AMG rep when he came through "my" dealership. He said, "Don't get the suspension unless you are a serious track rat." I sold an M3 after one year when I FINALLY admitted that my wife was right, and that it was too harsh to live with.


Can it be retrofitted? Probably; they are both AMG suspensions, and you could probably sell the track suspension to someone else to recoup some of your money, but you will lose a ton on labor. Ask Tech at the MBCA. Time and money - you're probably better with your original order.

jonnyrt

I have no idea if it can be retrofitted, probably for a high price like everything in life. Its funny that your AMG rep talked you out of getting it...my AMG sales rep talked me into getting the suspension upgrade. He was one of the first North American salesman to test the car out in Germany back in early October and after he came back, he said 'you have to get the upgraded suspension, the car feels entirely loose without it!' Granted it was more money, I am still so happy that I got it....mind you I am only 30 and possibly more naive and tolerant of an uncomfortable ride!

Nachtsturm

I never understood this logic. Same thing happened to me when the Evo first came stateside in 03. Not one dealer would let me test drive one, so I bought a 2004 STi. Subaru had no issue letting me test drive the car.

Test drives sell cars.

If they do let you test drive it eventually, please post what you thought about it.

jaffa12

I have a A45 with AMG suspension and a BMW 1M which has the M3 setup. Contrary to press/media reports that it is extremely stiff and unsuitable for the streets, I find the AMG suspension nowhere as stiff nor as harsh as the M suspension. Yet no such remarks for the M. 45 should have the best in its setup and IMO it includes the AMG suspension.

msk74717

H&R out of Germany already have progressive springs for the A & CLA 45 AMG that are 25mm lower than stock & 20% firmer once thru the soft progressive part of the spring for comfortable street drive & firm for the loaded spring on the track.They sell for about $500.00 at the H&R dealer.

gixxer

Progressive is good and I hope benz had done the same with their OEM spring.

When H&R tuned in this setup, I wonder what the wheels, tire setup works for that suspension. I personally hate lowered cars for daily driver.

BuckeyeBenz

I have a cla 45 on order and was a little nervous that I ordered the performance suspension until I test drive one without it. To me it felt like a regular sedan, not stiff or sporty at all. I think with the AMG suspension it will feel just right.

I would get the suspension, I highly doubt it will be unbearable.

Dan

nlpamg

Why don't you wait a week or so and get the car that you did order and want?

TighTT

It wouldn't have been a week or two…more like March delivery.

Anyway, Im happy to say that I picked up a new CLA45 today with the sport suspension. So far…I don't find it to be harsh at all.

zer0t

The dealer my wife and I use let her test drive anything. Including the CLS63 (which we bought) an CL63, and an e63 on the same day.

I wouldn't buy from that dealer. A well equipped ML350 cost almost as much. I don't get their issue.

You should also ask the dealer you ordered from to try and locate a car. There aren't many but there are a fee that have been ordered and not picked up. I doubt you'll find one completely loaded like you ordered but I'd be hesitant to buy a 73k version when most are running 58-62. Just some thoughts.