E 500 vs C 320
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Paradise Valley, AZ
2002 C320 Bril Slvr,NAV
E 500 vs C 320
I picked up an E500 at the factory in Sindelfingen in September and drove it
through southern Germany and Austria. It is a simply fabulous car. It looks
so good that it makes the W210 seem old. The performance leves nothing
to be desired. There was only one thing that really bothered me and that
was the steering. The steering seemed too light to me and also seemed
slow compared to my C320. In fact I actually felt uneasy with the steering
for the first couple days although I became used to it later. Steering has been
a complaint for me beginning with the W210 Models of which I have owned
5. My CLK 320 & CLK 430 had great steering and fortunately the C320 also
feels good to me. I realize I"m very much in the minority but felt I should at
least share my feelings
through southern Germany and Austria. It is a simply fabulous car. It looks
so good that it makes the W210 seem old. The performance leves nothing
to be desired. There was only one thing that really bothered me and that
was the steering. The steering seemed too light to me and also seemed
slow compared to my C320. In fact I actually felt uneasy with the steering
for the first couple days although I became used to it later. Steering has been
a complaint for me beginning with the W210 Models of which I have owned
5. My CLK 320 & CLK 430 had great steering and fortunately the C320 also
feels good to me. I realize I"m very much in the minority but felt I should at
least share my feelings
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 125
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From: SF Bay Area
C240
W203
I haven't driven a W211 but the steering in the W203 C Class is indeed excellent and would be hard for even the W211 to beat - in edmunds 2001 Comparison Review several editors said it was better than the BMW 3 Series - the acknowledged benchmark for sporty sedans.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 392
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From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
Agreed.
They just moved to Power Assisted, Rack and Pinion this model year on the E, CLK and probably others which may have something to do with it (meaning they still need to work some things out).
The ADC suspension settings in SI and SII actualy tighen it up but it seems a bit artifical.
As you said though, Fabulous!!
They just moved to Power Assisted, Rack and Pinion this model year on the E, CLK and probably others which may have something to do with it (meaning they still need to work some things out).
The ADC suspension settings in SI and SII actualy tighen it up but it seems a bit artifical.
As you said though, Fabulous!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,080
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From: San Diego, CA
C32 AMG
You could try increasing the front tire pressure to give you a little bit quicker turn it, but it will not help make the steering quicker in ratio obviously, and it might make the steering feel even lighter.
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: California
2000 E430 Desert Silver
Steering
I just drove the C320 for 4 days. It's a very nice car and very fun to drive. However, the steering is a little bit too heavy comparing to my E430. I agree that the E430 steering is light but it's very accurate, precise and excellent for city drive. It also reacts much much faster the C320's. Again, nothing is wrong with the C320, it's just a different car.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Switched
I too just switched from a 2001 C320 to a new E320. The E is lighter, indeed. And not quite as sporty as a result - but for long drives and city parting a much better option.
Indeed, for rally driving the C is a tad better, and that is the way it was intended: the C is for sprty driving, the E for comfort. That having been said, it is VERY good, much better than most luxury sedans.
Indeed, for rally driving the C is a tad better, and that is the way it was intended: the C is for sprty driving, the E for comfort. That having been said, it is VERY good, much better than most luxury sedans.
