I took the delivery of the updated 07 G55 last week. First thing to mention is that interior update is worthy; especially new command works excellent and is easy to operate via steering wheel. So far I did 1500 km and the engine performance and sound are stunning. The bad side of the story is that the suspension is really stiff; no matter where you drive you always suffer with even small bumps beeing directly forwarded to your body. In this setup it is impossible to drive the car on 100km + journeys, simply it is hard to survive even on relatively smooth German roads. It is huge difference compared to 03G 400CDI(it had also 19" wheels) I tried before. Does anyone know if there is any chance to make suspension softer? Is there any difference in springs preload or changing the shock absorbers could solve it? Thanks for your advice, without mods I would consider to sell or to swap to G500, although I really love the sound and power.

 

congratulations on your new G.

there have been many posts on this board about softening the G55 suspension. i think if you search "suspension," then you will find plenty. and i'm certain you'll receive many replies from others who have had the same concern and managed to resolve it.

from your post, it looks like you are in germany. i think you should contact the AMG factory and ask whether they have had other clients request such changes. either way, i'm fairly sure they could arrange a fix for you.

please post your findings as they occur.

thanks,
dave

 

I was wondering if the new 07 suspension got better......because one of my friends were telling me there cousin got a new G55 and he thought I should trade my 05' G55 because it drove softer.....also I was thinking about getting 22 inch rims on it but as the suspenion is already rough I think it would make it worse also maybe the rims can bend more when the suspension is stiff...anyone know of a G55 with aftermarket rims????

 

The only difference between the AMG and non-AMG G-Class models are the shock absorbers which are easy to swap and not that expensive. I got a quote of $1,200 to swap all four from my dealer in Dubai. No need to buy a new car.

 

........+1

Ted

 

Its kind of dangerous changing the shocks on the G55 because the G55 has so much power thats the reason why it has harder shocks to keep it grounded if the shocks was soft the thing would flip

 

Not quite true. Renntech and Brabus offer spring and shock options for the G500 and G55.

 

What we are talking about here is replacing the shocks on a 2003/2004 G55 with the newer one used in the 2005+ G55, so there is no danger. AMG tuned the shocks in newer models to offer excellent cornering without the bone-jarring firmness.

 

You guys think its a bad idea putting aftermarket 22s on the G55 since the suspension is so stiff?? It will proberly make it worse right? and the rims would be a little heavier than stock so they would proberly bend???

 

So do new 07 G55 handle better then 05 G55 ??? What is the diff ???

Is there any point to make this upgrade ??? I know about rough ride and so on...I had 2 of them like 10 year ago...

I only need to change shock absorbers ???

 

If money is no object then definitely go with the newer G. You will get hit by easily $30K when you drive off the lot. When you buy it from the dealer it will be the hottest thing around. When you go to trade or sell then nobody wants it and they heard about the V12 that's coming out, this change, that change, blah, blah, blah. I chose the 2005 strictly out of frustration of the changes with the G and never knowing what's next. If you want a classic and want to know exactly what you're getting then stick to your search for a nice 2005. It would just suck to pay top dollar for an '08 then find out that there will be a change with '09....trust me - it would hit you in the stomach.

IMO - 2005 Kompressor

 

I know that..I was asking about suspension difference...

 

Sorry - got ahead of myself.

I personally think it would be a shame to switch out the shocks. You want the stiffness. It adds to the sportiness. Softer ride? Get a Range Rover.

 

I want to know the diff in ride btw 05 and 08 models...If 08 rides better cause of updated suspension then I would wanna do this updates...

 

I think it's just us 2 on here. No one with an '08 is chiming in. Any dealers in Moscow or nearby that you could test drive? There must be.

 

Let me chime in..my brother owns both a 2005 limited Edition Silver G55 and a 2008 black G55. One is his and the other one is his wifes. I have driven both cars a lot.

The suspension is 10000 times softer on 2008 model. It actually was changed in the late 2007 models, that also have the updated interior, and the updated xenon and led lights too. The Car is also a lot softer to ride too.

The late 2007/2008 models finally drive like cars and you don't feel every bump either..if go to a dealership and drive an 2008 G55 you would definitely would want it!

I hope that helps

 

couldn't say it any better ...I drove the 2008 G55 and after 30 seconds I could tell the ride was much softer than my 2005 G55 but stiffer than our 2008 G500. I'm picking up an 08 G55 next month and yes I like the 09 changes but I'll drive it for 2-3years and maybe by then keyless go and some other updates will be added!