GLC43 ride quality (choppy/bouncy)
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
2018 GLC43
GLC43 ride quality (choppy/bouncy)
I've had my 2018 GLC43 since January, and have about 3500 miles on the odometer. I have the 20" wheels with all-season Goodyear tires.
I understood & expected that the ride wouldn't be as smooth as the base GLC300, and I don't have a problem feeling bumps in the road. Honestly, they're less harsh than my prior vehicle, an 8 year old Subaru WRX. However, what I'm finding very annoying is a slight "chop" or bouncy feeling that is present all the time, regardless of road surface. 30 MPH on new pavement in my neighborhood, 70 MPH on the highway (new or old pavement), there's never a moment when the car feels smooth. It's not severe, but it's enough that with just 30-45 minutes on the highway, I feel tired and worn out! Curious if anyone else is having a similar experience.
Had my car in for a recall item, and they "investigated" my comment about the ride quality and proclaimed it rode like any other similar vehicle. Honestly, if this is normal, then I'll probably be trading the car in and it will definitely be my first AND last Mercedes.
I understood & expected that the ride wouldn't be as smooth as the base GLC300, and I don't have a problem feeling bumps in the road. Honestly, they're less harsh than my prior vehicle, an 8 year old Subaru WRX. However, what I'm finding very annoying is a slight "chop" or bouncy feeling that is present all the time, regardless of road surface. 30 MPH on new pavement in my neighborhood, 70 MPH on the highway (new or old pavement), there's never a moment when the car feels smooth. It's not severe, but it's enough that with just 30-45 minutes on the highway, I feel tired and worn out! Curious if anyone else is having a similar experience.
Had my car in for a recall item, and they "investigated" my comment about the ride quality and proclaimed it rode like any other similar vehicle. Honestly, if this is normal, then I'll probably be trading the car in and it will definitely be my first AND last Mercedes.
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I've had my 2018 GLC43 since January, and have about 3500 miles on the odometer. I have the 20" wheels with all-season Goodyear tires.
I understood & expected that the ride wouldn't be as smooth as the base GLC300, and I don't have a problem feeling bumps in the road. Honestly, they're less harsh than my prior vehicle, an 8 year old Subaru WRX. However, what I'm finding very annoying is a slight "chop" or bouncy feeling that is present all the time, regardless of road surface. 30 MPH on new pavement in my neighborhood, 70 MPH on the highway (new or old pavement), there's never a moment when the car feels smooth. It's not severe, but it's enough that with just 30-45 minutes on the highway, I feel tired and worn out! Curious if anyone else is having a similar experience.
Had my car in for a recall item, and they "investigated" my comment about the ride quality and proclaimed it rode like any other similar vehicle. Honestly, if this is normal, then I'll probably be trading the car in and it will definitely be my first AND last Mercedes.
I understood & expected that the ride wouldn't be as smooth as the base GLC300, and I don't have a problem feeling bumps in the road. Honestly, they're less harsh than my prior vehicle, an 8 year old Subaru WRX. However, what I'm finding very annoying is a slight "chop" or bouncy feeling that is present all the time, regardless of road surface. 30 MPH on new pavement in my neighborhood, 70 MPH on the highway (new or old pavement), there's never a moment when the car feels smooth. It's not severe, but it's enough that with just 30-45 minutes on the highway, I feel tired and worn out! Curious if anyone else is having a similar experience.
Had my car in for a recall item, and they "investigated" my comment about the ride quality and proclaimed it rode like any other similar vehicle. Honestly, if this is normal, then I'll probably be trading the car in and it will definitely be my first AND last Mercedes.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
From: Gilbert AZ
2018 GLC 43
I set my tire pressure to 32/32 psi as indicated on the gas filler door based on load, the door jamb will indicate a higher number 35/38 psi. On my GLC43 I have the same 20" setup and these runonflats do have stiffer sidewalls. In comfort/eco mode ride is grand touring smooth, I have been on a couple long trips and its very comfortable.
Have you tried adjusting your Sport suspension settings? normal/1/2 are they changing? is your Air body control has two settings, that you can raise the height -should lower automatically at speed. Its possible your tires might have flat spots or just need a balancing redone
Have you tried adjusting your Sport suspension settings? normal/1/2 are they changing? is your Air body control has two settings, that you can raise the height -should lower automatically at speed. Its possible your tires might have flat spots or just need a balancing redone
Last edited by Chip4; Apr 30, 2018 at 10:27 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
2018 GLC43
I already have the tires set to the light load setting, I mainly drive in Comfort mode, and I'm aware of all the different settings. Wouldn't call the ride "grand touring smooth" with any setting.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 9
From: San Rafael CA
2017 GLC 43 AMG, 2013 Boxster
I have had my GLC43 AMG for over a year, 21" wheels, and have enjoyed the ride, especially the air suspension. If you feel that the ride and choppy and harsh (which I disagree with), then a sports type SUV is not your ride. I have rented and drove many Mercedes vehicles and they do a great job with the ride and handling feel of your vehicles. If you are unhappy with Mercedes, perhaps Toyota is your brand, for their ride is smooth, if uninspiring.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 136
From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
If you've tried to change the settings (Comfort, etc) and still get the choppy/bouncy, it's probably the crappy runflats. Worst tires ever and precisely why I went with the 21's. Burn them up as quickly as possible and get regular tires. If you don't think it's the tires, try and find a good indy mechanic and get their take. Sucks you have to do that, but never hurts to get a second opinion. Or, go back to the dealer and drive another GLC43 with the same tires and see if you feel the same choppy/bouncy. If so, looks like you may be trading in your MB...if not, you know it's something else. Good luck!
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 22
Likes: 5
GLC 43
Hi - I bought one in January as well and have about 4300km on the clock. The Australian Model comes standard with 21" wheels and Continental Contisport Contact 5P normal tyres. I run 36 in the fronts and 38 in the rears. In comfort mode the ride is firm but supple. I generally drive around in individual mode with the steering and suspension in sport and engine in ECO as its a very smooth and still has more than enough go. Sport is obviously a little firmer than comfort but its definitely not harsh/bouncy or choppy. Hope you get it sorted to your satisfaction - Im very happy with mine
