But it is...all you need to do is read a Data Card...."SA Code 677 - AvantGarde/Standard Suspension" along with "SA Code 951 - SportPackage USA". The only difference that would affect suspension is "SA R32 - 18" Light Alloy Wheel.."

Mercedes' current suspension differentiation is confusing, to say the least. For the W205, there are three different suspensions-- the 677 avantgarde, and then a comfort suspension (485) and sport (486) (or maybe the 485 and 486 are reversed; I get them confused). The avantgarde and comfort are exactly the same except for a 15mm height difference (avantgarde is lower). The sport is also 15mm lower than the comfort, but uses different components as well.

The W212 facelifted sport suspension may just ride 15mm lower than the comfort suspension--but when you combine it with the larger wheels and, apparently, somewhat different steering feel, the result is a different vehicle. Not to mention that some of us prefer a standing star :-)

Yes, the wider and narrower sidewall tires gives it a decidedly sportier feel but the only thing "lower" about the sport trim is the body work. The axles height is the same. I still maintain that the springs are identical for the sport and luxury trim and they achieve the so called "sports suspension tuning" solely with the wheel differences on the facelift.

The Sports versions ride lower than the Luxury. Probably a combination of factors, including the wheels and tires. But I do know my Luxury versions has cleared every sidewalk, curb, parking block, etc. I have pulled up to since I first got it.

"Sport-tuned suspension

E-Class Sport Wagons feature springs and shock absorbers tuned for sharper handling response and a more aggressive stance"

^https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/build/standard_features/modal/class-E/model-E350S4/allStandardFeatures-true^

Under "Performance and Handling" there is an option to receive the "Sport-tuned Suspension" or the "AGILITY CONTROL Suspension".

^https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/model/class-E/model-E350W#!layout=/vehicles/model/packages&class=E&model=E350W&waypoint=model-packages^

Oh also,

"Optional
Sport Styling Package:
-Sport stylingTwo-bar grille with integrated Star
-Sport-tuned suspension
-18-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels
-Brushed aluminum pedals"

And

"-Sport styling-

Bold wheels and aggressive body detailing highlight the thoroughbred performance of the Sport Sedans. The double-slatted grille incorporates the legendary Star, reflecting its place among the most sporty models in its family. The sport-tuned suspension gives it a confident stance, set off by more pronounced sculpting of its bumpers and side sills. Inside the cabin, crisp white gauge faces express its more performance-focused character."

^All of these excerpts are from the MBUSA website. Oh, also there is this as well, which I believe you were trying to refer too:


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a784681582.png

The reason is the air dam is lower with the sport. It has nothing to do with the tires. 17" Luxury and 18" Sport tires have the same radius/diameter achieved by different tire aspect ratio.

Maybe I'm not being clear enough for you. The USA Sports Package uses the Standard Suspension per the Data Sheet that lists the build specifications for my car. You keep referring to the advertising verbiage. I'm not saying the verbiage is wrong....I'm saying they attribute the handling improvements or Sport-tuned suspension in advertise speak to the tires since it can't be the springs because they are the same for Sport and Luxury. Show me a Data Sheet that shows "Sports Suspension" along with "USA Sports Package".

More than the air dam
 

Must be more than the air dam because it also clears the panel under the engine on the bottom of the car.
My 2010 came with a "Comfort Suspension" as part of the Luxury version.

Data Card from my W212 Luxury:


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5aa72d6941.png


Data Card from a W212 Sport:


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...fd5de88b89.jpg

When I first bought my car I thought I could live with the a Sport trim because I couldn't find a deal I liked on a used Luxury. I liked everything about the Sport except the low air dam and the low profile tires (although I like the look). After a year of bumpy driving I was sorry so I went to buy some Luxury front springs (only $100 for both) because I thought that would help. The part was the same for both trims. Was this only true for 2011 E350 like mine and the OP's? Maybe. I learned two lessons 1. Used may be a better deal but not if you have to compromise 2. I don't like low profile tires. I just ordered a new car and insisted they downgrade the tires to a lesser model that were not low profile.....they were surprised but granted me the request. :)

Years? What are the SA code and description for the different suspensions? Part number doesn't necessarily mean it's a different function part. Mercedes notes any changes (even protective finish) with a unique part number.....could be anything. Or it could be something. Here's my data sheet. Note SA codes 677 and 951.

Mine is a luxury and it has package 485 which is comfort running gear. Yours doesn't. From this and driving both and consumer reports comments I conclude that there is a difference between the luxury and sport suspensions.

FWD vs. RWD the suspensions should be different. After seeing parts of Skyline45 Datacards it looks like there may not be standard information to even judge by. What does your data sheet look like for a '10?

You know after going over this thread for weeks, i am going to stick with the factory 17s. My W212 feels like I am driving on clouds, and I do not want to lose that.

Just food for thought, these are factory MB W212 tire sizes.


245/45/17 have 4.3" of rubber

245/40/18 have 3.9"

245/35/19 have 3.4"

275/30/19 have 3.2"

So, 17 inch wheels have just about 25% more rubber and cushion than 19s, that is pretty dramatic for a heavy vehicle.

Pretty informative thread. But what's the verdict? Is the suspension really different or they visually lowered the car by adding the air dams and sidewalls? Is there a real difference in the ride height as measured from the "axle'?

Datacard attached

I ride on 19s, I have the E550 with airmatic, lowered with links, and the ride over rough roads and railroad tracks is crap. It came with stock 18s but I only drove with them for like a week before switching so I can't remember what it was like before. But on the bright side, I've done some fast driving and it feels very planted. I've never felt like I was going to lose grip during some quick turns and stuff. Would I trade that for comfort? Nah.

My Data Card shows SA Code 485 for Comfort Running Gear. No mention of suspension, springs, etc.
In 2009, CR tested the 2010 Sports version and was very critical of the ride and comfort compared to the previous W211. A year of so later, they tested one with the Luxury version and were impressed with the ride and comfort levels.

Both W212's that were ran are 2014's, and both 4matic's. My SA code for suspension shows:

"485 for Comfort Running Gear"

Hey! 10 years later I come to ask, did you do it? I'm thinking about doing the same to my current 2014 e400 which has a harsh ride when road is not perfect.

Regards

I would share my experience to you.
My 2011 E250 Avantgarde comes with 225/45/17 rims, l changed them to 225/55/16, with tire pressure down to 33(F)/31/(R), the ride is definitely softer.

ln case you might want to know, l changed the springs as well, from 677(Avantgrade) to 485 (Comfort), the taller springs also help making the ride softer too.

Thank you for your feedback Dingo.

I think I'll go with smaller wheel size (from staggered 18's to square 17's) and a softer tire. I'm currently on Michelin Pilot Sports 4 and while they perform great they're kind of noisy too.
Then I'll consider replacing as well since I have the sport package.

I hope this helps cause even I love my car's ride and handling on perfect roads, It's a nightmare on rough or broken pavement, it's already developing cracking noises on door panels and somewhere on dash. I'm even considering switching to something like a Lexus ES :(

Thanks for your input, is very valuable.

the 16's won't fit over the larger front brakes on US model W212 E350's and such.

Thank you. Yes, According to user manual 17's is the smallest I can go.

My pleasure!

I believe the first step to go is changing the rims with 'softer' tires first, and with lower tire pressure. You will get a better ride I'm pretty sure.

Changing suspension is the ultimate step. Get a 485 (Comfort) setup and you'll further improve the ride quality.

Good luck