- Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Why is My Suspension bouncy?
Guide to diagnose trouble and recommended solutions
Browse all: Steering and Suspension
Disappointed in this cars suspension qualities over rough roads.
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 :-)




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:
Last edited by Skyline45; Jun 15, 2016 at 04:29 PM.




My 2010 came with a "Comfort Suspension" as part of the Luxury version.
Last edited by El Cid; Jun 16, 2016 at 12:02 PM.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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.
Last edited by Diesel #2; Jun 16, 2016 at 09:41 PM.
So, 17 inch wheels have just about 25% more rubber and cushion than 19s, that is pretty dramatic for a heavy vehicle.




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.
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.
Last edited by Dingo L; Dec 8, 2021 at 01:40 AM.
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.




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






ata Card from a W212 Sport: