Zed82

I drive my fathers E320 CDI Avantgarde (Sport) from 2008 and I always get surprised that it feels so much more nimble and firmer then my 2003 E500 Avantgarde.

My 500 has new airmatic in the rear as well as new front suspension parts. In other words it is in good condition. E320 is running on 17:s while E500 runs on staggered 18:s Sport wheels. Both cars have new tires.

What is your take on the matter? Is it supposed to be a big difference?

JeffyPooh

You say that your Dad's '08 is Sport; is yours?

Barry45RPM

I had an 04 before my 07. I know the steering was revised. I feel the steering in the 07 is more nimble/easier to turn (more assist w/ less effort?) with a better, automatic return to center after the turn.

Zed82

Yeah, both cars are Sport with Airmatic.

Dexion

Could be F/R weight ratios, the 320 is a smaller motor so less understeer, etc.

05e320cdi

The E320 CDI is probably still heavier on the front end than the V8, I know the old inline 6 engines were. Don't forget diesels have forged components, turbo, intercooler, etc adding weight.

fila0220

"To sharpen the car's dynamics, a Direct Control Package adds a 10-percent-quicker steering ratio and improved front suspension geometry for a more direct response to driver inputs and reduced understeer in hard cornering."

check this out

http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-b...benz-e550.html

Dexion

According to what I found the E320 is about 100lbs lighter, still not enough to notice such a difference so I withdraw!

Zed82

That´s what i´m talking about. The feeling is substantial. I thought that there was something wrong with my car but my friend who has driven several pre-facelifts reacts on the same thing.

Airmatic system is also more responsive and stiffer but not less comfortable. The overall feeling is that facelift feels like a smaller car to drive.

JeffyPooh

fila0220's got it. :-)

gaazmon

Maybe also the updated springs and shocks as the part numbers have changed through the years.

Dexion

Agreed, aside from springs and shocks the rest of the suspension should be the same for 03-09