W211 Rough tide??!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
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W211, W212
Originally Posted by Falcon7
I have the airmatic option so personally I like the sport mode when driving by myself as well as comfort mode when I drive the family. The 5 series does have a nice suspension and manages the weight very well (close 50/50) but styling interior/exterior is not a winner for me. Also, the E500 has more torque and 0-60mph in less than 6 seconds. I would have to go to the 545 to get comparable numbers which cost a bit more.
Sorry to hear that prices over there are so ridiculously above what others pay. My E500 with almost every option was only in the low $50K (scored a nice deal because it had little less than 3K on the OD and a 2005).
Sorry to hear that prices over there are so ridiculously above what others pay. My E500 with almost every option was only in the low $50K (scored a nice deal because it had little less than 3K on the OD and a 2005).
I agree with you on the look. E does have a more handsome and elegant look than the 5 or 7 series.
It would be a dream to drive the E500, I don't think I would care about the ride or squeaks of I have a E500
The largest engine available here is the 2.6 V6 E240. The next step up is the E55 AMG, which cost more than a Bentley in the US. I think it is more than $300k!
The good news is the Local Assembled CKD E280 with 230+ horses will be available early next year, so I may consider upgrading. Will test drive it first to see if it is much faster. The suspension on the new E280 supposed to be the same as my E240, so I guess the ride will not improve.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Sydney, Australia
2008 C300 Avantgarde
I've also been quite disappointed with the lack of plushness in the ride of the W211 E320. My wife drives the W211 E320 Elegance but optioned with sports suspension and 245/45/17s whilst I have a W210 E55 with 265/35/18s. I decided to confirm my suspicion by conducting a test. I got her to chauffer, me riding in the back seat over the same roads. Over the 30 min journey in each car, my conclusion was that the W210 E55 although more sports oriented; in fact exhibited a more supple ride compared to the W211 E320. It feels as if the E55 had progressive spring where the initial 20-30% of suspension travel is soft and only if u push the car hard, with athletic driving will the suspension firm up. However, on the W211 E320, the sports suspension option and 17 inch wheels combo picked up every bumps and imperfections on the road. It is bearable but not as plush as what we come to expect of a Benz; especially those of yesteryears. I'm thinking of maybe even going out and replacing the OEM springs with a set of progressive spings to see if that improves the ride. And the rubbish Conti tires that came with it may also be contributing to the harshness; due to very stiff sidewalls; and hence may need to be replaced with Michelin PS2s. Apparently these tires are reknowned for quiteness whilst giving top performance.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
W211, W212
Originally Posted by V8 AMG
I've also been quite disappointed with the lack of plushness in the ride of the W211 E320. My wife drives the W211 E320 Elegance but optioned with sports suspension and 245/45/17s whilst I have a W210 E55 with 265/35/18s. I decided to confirm my suspicion by conducting a test. I got her to chauffer, me riding in the back seat over the same roads. Over the 30 min journey in each car, my conclusion was that the W210 E55 although more sports oriented; in fact exhibited a more supple ride compared to the W211 E320. It feels as if the E55 had progressive spring where the initial 20-30% of suspension travel is soft and only if u push the car hard, with athletic driving will the suspension firm up. However, on the W211 E320, the sports suspension option and 17 inch wheels combo picked up every bumps and imperfections on the road. It is bearable but not as plush as what we come to expect of a Benz; especially those of yesteryears. I'm thinking of maybe even going out and replacing the OEM springs with a set of progressive spings to see if that improves the ride. And the rubbish Conti tires that came with it may also be contributing to the harshness; due to very stiff sidewalls; and hence may need to be replaced with Michelin PS2s. Apparently these tires are reknowned for quiteness whilst giving top performance.
About 1 month ago, I changed the stock Spring in my E240 (with stock suspension) to Iback's spring. The car get lowered by about 1 inch, but the ride over small bump is improved, probably due to the Ibach's spring being Progressive, as you said.
The ride improve slightly, but the car was too low and the chassis would scratch the pavement when I go up the Ramp in my office building. So I switched back to the Stock Spring.
The funny thing is I called Daimler Crysler and ask for the suspension part numbers of the parts that are different between my car (Avantgard) and Elegance (which rides much softer), they told me the Springs are actually the same, the only difference are the Shocks.
The Shocks in my car is much firmer and have a slower rebound rate. I gues that is why it is really bad over the bumps.
So you might want to check with MBUSA and see if you need to change the spring or the shock.
If you do change, can you please let me know the result, and also the part number of the shocks? I am interested in changing also.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 464
Likes: 20
From: long island , ny
2016 G63 ; 981 boxster GTS
Originally Posted by Andrew88
I suggest you test drive a 5 or 7 series. I tried them a few days ago and am very impressed with the handling and ride comfort. The only downside is the lower quality plastic feel in the 5 series. 7 Series is almost perfect in every espect.
I am considering switching to a 7 series, the only problem is only the Long Wheelbase version is available here, which will make me look like the driver of a limo
I am considering switching to a 7 series, the only problem is only the Long Wheelbase version is available here, which will make me look like the driver of a limo
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
W211, W212
Originally Posted by jago1244
hi andrew, i did drive a new 530i and felt a bit of that 'drive by wire' feel in the throttle that reminded me of the E. i just cant get past the face on that thing either. i want to try the 7 as its looks have grown on me, and i did enjoy the A8 also. thanks , j.
The 7 Series is a really great car. I test drove the 730Li version and it is actually a very nimble car, despite its size and weight. The new 3 liter engine has 260 horses, so it accelerate pretty hard. Too bad only the Long Wheelbase version if available here, which is probably the only thing that keep me from trading in my E for it.
I am 5'7", so it would make me look strange in such a large car. Probably make me look like a limo driver as well.
In terms of handling, comfort, and interior fit and finishes, I think it is probably the best car out there.
Last edited by Andrew88; Aug 31, 2005 at 09:37 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
W211, W212
The Lexus dealer here invited me to "track test" the GS300 along side with 525 and E240 this coming saturday, at the Michilin track here in Bangkok. They probably know I am in the market for a new car.
I went to the Lexus dealer last Sunday, I have to say, their pre-sales service is top notch. I was served with Mocha and expensive Chocolate Cheese cakes while waiting for them to prepare the test car. The reception girls are really polite and cute too. Almost like a 5 star hotel. Much better than any MB dealers I have been to.
I will let you know which car turned out to be my favorite.
I went to the Lexus dealer last Sunday, I have to say, their pre-sales service is top notch. I was served with Mocha and expensive Chocolate Cheese cakes while waiting for them to prepare the test car. The reception girls are really polite and cute too. Almost like a 5 star hotel. Much better than any MB dealers I have been to.
I will let you know which car turned out to be my favorite.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Sydney, Australia
2008 C300 Avantgarde
Originally Posted by Andrew88
About 1 month ago, I changed the stock Spring in my E240 (with stock suspension) to Iback's spring. The car get lowered by about 1 inch, but the ride over small bump is improved, probably due to the Ibach's spring being Progressive, as you said.
The ride improve slightly, but the car was too low and the chassis would scratch the pavement when I go up the Ramp in my office building. So I switched back to the Stock Spring.
The funny thing is I called Daimler Crysler and ask for the suspension part numbers of the parts that are different between my car (Avantgard) and Elegance (which rides much softer), they told me the Springs are actually the same, the only difference are the Shocks.
The Shocks in my car is much firmer and have a slower rebound rate. I gues that is why it is really bad over the bumps.
So you might want to check with MBUSA and see if you need to change the spring or the shock.
If you do change, can you please let me know the result, and also the part number of the shocks? I am interested in changing also.
The ride improve slightly, but the car was too low and the chassis would scratch the pavement when I go up the Ramp in my office building. So I switched back to the Stock Spring.
The funny thing is I called Daimler Crysler and ask for the suspension part numbers of the parts that are different between my car (Avantgard) and Elegance (which rides much softer), they told me the Springs are actually the same, the only difference are the Shocks.
The Shocks in my car is much firmer and have a slower rebound rate. I gues that is why it is really bad over the bumps.
So you might want to check with MBUSA and see if you need to change the spring or the shock.
If you do change, can you please let me know the result, and also the part number of the shocks? I am interested in changing also.
Hi Andrew,
With regards to the suspension, if the springs in the Elegance and Avangarde are the same then maybe we should look into getting better shocks. From past experiences, I've always been told to have whatever shocks I get matched to the springs for bump rates (via valve adjustments). This apparently helps the shocks and spring work in harmony so that u get the intended effect of the upgraded suspension (Prevents the skipping effect u see on many lowered cars where the shocks are not matched to the sport springs). Hopefully, this may allow for a more compliant and supple ride. On a side note, the pad size used are different on the Elegance and Avangarde models and switching over to the pads used on the elegance might also afford a less harsh ride.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by Andrew88
The Lexus dealer here invited me to "track test" the GS300 along side with 525 and E240 this coming saturday, at the Michilin track here in Bangkok. They probably know I am in the market for a new car.
I went to the Lexus dealer last Sunday, I have to say, their pre-sales service is top notch. I was served with Mocha and expensive Chocolate Cheese cakes while waiting for them to prepare the test car. The reception girls are really polite and cute too. Almost like a 5 star hotel. Much better than any MB dealers I have been to.
I will let you know which car turned out to be my favorite.
I went to the Lexus dealer last Sunday, I have to say, their pre-sales service is top notch. I was served with Mocha and expensive Chocolate Cheese cakes while waiting for them to prepare the test car. The reception girls are really polite and cute too. Almost like a 5 star hotel. Much better than any MB dealers I have been to.
I will let you know which car turned out to be my favorite.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
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W211, W212
Originally Posted by V8 AMG
Hi Andrew,
With regards to the suspension, if the springs in the Elegance and Avangarde are the same then maybe we should look into getting better shocks. From past experiences, I've always been told to have whatever shocks I get matched to the springs for bump rates (via valve adjustments). This apparently helps the shocks and spring work in harmony so that u get the intended effect of the upgraded suspension (Prevents the skipping effect u see on many lowered cars where the shocks are not matched to the sport springs). Hopefully, this may allow for a more compliant and supple ride. On a side note, the pad size used are different on the Elegance and Avangarde models and switching over to the pads used on the elegance might also afford a less harsh ride.
With regards to the suspension, if the springs in the Elegance and Avangarde are the same then maybe we should look into getting better shocks. From past experiences, I've always been told to have whatever shocks I get matched to the springs for bump rates (via valve adjustments). This apparently helps the shocks and spring work in harmony so that u get the intended effect of the upgraded suspension (Prevents the skipping effect u see on many lowered cars where the shocks are not matched to the sport springs). Hopefully, this may allow for a more compliant and supple ride. On a side note, the pad size used are different on the Elegance and Avangarde models and switching over to the pads used on the elegance might also afford a less harsh ride.
You said "On a side note, the pad size used are different on the Elegance and Avangarde models and switching over to the pads used on the elegance might also afford a less harsh ride."
May I know what is the "Pad"? I am bring my car to the Dealer tomorrow, please let me know so I can check while I am there.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Sydney, Australia
2008 C300 Avantgarde
Originally Posted by Andrew88
Hello,
You said "On a side note, the pad size used are different on the Elegance and Avangarde models and switching over to the pads used on the elegance might also afford a less harsh ride."
May I know what is the "Pad"? I am bring my car to the Dealer tomorrow, please let me know so I can check while I am there.
You said "On a side note, the pad size used are different on the Elegance and Avangarde models and switching over to the pads used on the elegance might also afford a less harsh ride."
May I know what is the "Pad"? I am bring my car to the Dealer tomorrow, please let me know so I can check while I am there.
By pads, I am referring to the "spring pads" which can affect the ride height and also indirectly affect ride comfort. From memory i think it goes from size #1 to 5. Ask your Benz dealer and they will be able to elaborate on the differences between the spring pads used on the elegance vs avangarde models. Here's also a few links on topics relating to spring pads from this forum :
https://mbworld.org/forums/c36-amg-c43-amg-w202/118366-spring-pad-s-same-each-model.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w210/79016-question-suspension-experts.html
Hope this helps ....
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,439
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From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
Originally Posted by Andrew88
I went to the Lexus dealer last Sunday, I have to say, their pre-sales service is top notch. I was served with Mocha and expensive Chocolate Cheese cakes while waiting for them to prepare the test car. The reception girls are really polite and cute too. Almost like a 5 star hotel. Much better than any MB dealers I have been to.
Originally Posted by CE750
someone needs to get his attention! I'm dying to hear his reaction! 
Sorry guys.... Not biting.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, CA
11 W212 E350 Sport, sold 06 W211 E350
There must be something wrong with me........I like the ride quality of my car and I have the airmatic. It is much more comfortable than my previous BMW 5 series. There is some road noise from grooved pavement but the 5 had that too. The only small things I can say I have a slight irritation with......are the pump noise (sounds like a squeak noise) from the SBC system when I apply the brakes and the air conditioning, not as powerful as the 5 series - miss that in the very hot summers here in Sacramento. Otherwise, a great car so far!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
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W211, W212
Originally Posted by V8 AMG
By pads, I am referring to the "spring pads" which can affect the ride height and also indirectly affect ride comfort. From memory i think it goes from size #1 to 5. Ask your Benz dealer and they will be able to elaborate on the differences between the spring pads used on the elegance vs avangarde models. Here's also a few links on topics relating to spring pads from this forum :
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=118366
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=79016
Hope this helps ....
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=118366
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=79016
Hope this helps ....
Thanks. I will check it out.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Sydney, Australia
2008 C300 Avantgarde
Sorry, found out more info... Spring pads range from Size #1 to 4....not 5 as previously posted.... Here's a good post that goes into details of pad sizes...
https://mbworld.org/forums/w210-amg/99363-w210-e55-lowering-lowdown.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w210-amg/99363-w210-e55-lowering-lowdown.html
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,425
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
I agree on the ride of the 7. Will be picking up a 750Li for the smooth ride and roomy rear quarter but will certainly keep the E55.
I find the interior of the E much nicer than the 7. To make the 7 work for me, I actually ordered the Individual Piano Black trim so all the metallic pieces don't clash with the walnut.
I find the interior of the E much nicer than the 7. To make the 7 work for me, I actually ordered the Individual Piano Black trim so all the metallic pieces don't clash with the walnut.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
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W211, W212
Originally Posted by V8 AMG
Sorry, found out more info... Spring pads range from Size #1 to 4....not 5 as previously posted.... Here's a good post that goes into details of pad sizes...
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=99363
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=99363
I just came back from the dealer. While I was there, they let me test drove a E220 CDI Classic, which has the same suspension as Elegance, except that it has 205/60/16 tires. It rides really good over the bumps. I tried full throttle over some high frequency small bumps and big speed bumps and it take it flawlessly.
So I request them to change the shock of my Avantgarde to the same shock in the Classic. I also ask them to check the Pad, and they said the Pad part number is the same for all E's. I hope they didn't make a mistake on this.
I will get my car back tomorrow, hopefully it rides comfortably then. I will let you know the result.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
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W211, W212
Originally Posted by V8 AMG
By pads, I am referring to the "spring pads" which can affect the ride height and also indirectly affect ride comfort. From memory i think it goes from size #1 to 5. Ask your Benz dealer and they will be able to elaborate on the differences between the spring pads used on the elegance vs avangarde models. Here's also a few links on topics relating to spring pads from this forum :
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=118366
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=79016
Hope this helps ....
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=118366
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=79016
Hope this helps ....
I just replaced the shocks with the shocks from Elegance, and the ride is better, but still not as good as the 5 series. Still feel harsh over sharper bumps. The dealer said the Pads on Avantgarde and Elegance are the same, so they didn't replace the Pads.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Westlake Village, CA
2005 E320 Platinum Blue/Ash, Appearance Pkg, Premium Pkg
I have an E320 w/ airmatic and it is a firm ride in all modes with a moderate level of harshness over less than smooth roads. I have driven in a non-airmatic w211 and feel that it is very smooth and also spongy unlike airmatic. Over bad road the non airmatic is quite accomodating. I would try a different tire and tire pressure.
The airmatic smooths out with speed and weight. I have found that a full load of luggage and passengers as well as high speed make for a very plush yet controlled ride. I feel the E500 rides with less harshness, and though the E55 is more firm, it is less harsh.
The BMW E60 does have less body roll when equipped with the sport pkg and a very non harsh ride over nearly any surface, however it does not have the shock compression or rebound dampening of the airmatic w211. I have personally experienced that the w211 will hoar out an E60 over any road that has deep bumps and broken pavement, not unlike the road in my video I posted.
The airmatic smooths out with speed and weight. I have found that a full load of luggage and passengers as well as high speed make for a very plush yet controlled ride. I feel the E500 rides with less harshness, and though the E55 is more firm, it is less harsh.
The BMW E60 does have less body roll when equipped with the sport pkg and a very non harsh ride over nearly any surface, however it does not have the shock compression or rebound dampening of the airmatic w211. I have personally experienced that the w211 will hoar out an E60 over any road that has deep bumps and broken pavement, not unlike the road in my video I posted.
