Question on E55 ride quality
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
1995 e320 wagon
Question on E55 ride quality
Hey everyone,
I’m in the market for a W210 E55 and I live in Michigan- that means lots of potholes and less than perfect roads. I’ve driven the W210 chassis before, but not the E55 and I wanted to get opinions on ride quality from those who daily drive these cars in the Midwest and Northeast parts of the country. How does the suspension handle rough roads and how harsh is the ride?
Thanks!
I’m in the market for a W210 E55 and I live in Michigan- that means lots of potholes and less than perfect roads. I’ve driven the W210 chassis before, but not the E55 and I wanted to get opinions on ride quality from those who daily drive these cars in the Midwest and Northeast parts of the country. How does the suspension handle rough roads and how harsh is the ride?
Thanks!
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 133
Likes: 3
From: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
'99 E55t AMG
I'm in Winnipeg, MB, and our roads make yours look like a cloud I'm sure, lol. The suspension is very good considering the low profile tires, it does a good job of taking the jarring hits and dealing with them rather than transferring them to the passengers. Imagine the W210 you rode in, on 18 inch wheels w/ low profile tires, and a bit stiffer springs, and that's what you'll get with an E55.
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
2001 E55 AMG
They do ride fairly firm, but its not jarring by any means. If you are hoping for a gliding smooth ride like an old buick.. not gonna happen. But if you like firm rides that wont shake your eyes loose its all good.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 1,322
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
W210 E55 compared to W211 E55.
W210 E55 ride is supple and comfortable. On the other hand it has more pitch and body roll and takes a moment longer for the suspension to take a set when cornering. Seats are not as form-fitting so one will tend to slide a bit if cornering aggressively. Throttle response off-idle is a faster than the W211 (I find I have to feather the throttle so others don't think I'm trying to get the jump on them off the line.) Muted exhaust note noticeable at full throttle but does not intrude during cruise. Relatively easy to repair but you'll still want a Xentry diagnostic system.
W211 E55 ride is firmer, less body pitch and roll, confidence-inspiring if cornering aggressively, seats conform to the body to keep one in place. Accelerates like a scalded ape and the digital controls are awesome. Louder and more burbling exhaust note noticeable during cruise phase. You definitely need a Xentry diagnostic system with one of these.
Now...which do I prefer for an 8-hour drive across the state of Texas? The W210. If I could only have one? The W210. Both are good but I just prefer the W210 E55.
And both relegate my Mazdas (multiple) to "ho-hum transportation".
Hope this helps.
W210 E55 ride is supple and comfortable. On the other hand it has more pitch and body roll and takes a moment longer for the suspension to take a set when cornering. Seats are not as form-fitting so one will tend to slide a bit if cornering aggressively. Throttle response off-idle is a faster than the W211 (I find I have to feather the throttle so others don't think I'm trying to get the jump on them off the line.) Muted exhaust note noticeable at full throttle but does not intrude during cruise. Relatively easy to repair but you'll still want a Xentry diagnostic system.
W211 E55 ride is firmer, less body pitch and roll, confidence-inspiring if cornering aggressively, seats conform to the body to keep one in place. Accelerates like a scalded ape and the digital controls are awesome. Louder and more burbling exhaust note noticeable during cruise phase. You definitely need a Xentry diagnostic system with one of these.
Now...which do I prefer for an 8-hour drive across the state of Texas? The W210. If I could only have one? The W210. Both are good but I just prefer the W210 E55.
And both relegate my Mazdas (multiple) to "ho-hum transportation".
Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
1995 e320 wagon
Thanks for all the input- huge help! Looking for a new summer daily driver to replace my 1995 Volvo 940 for the 85 mile daily commute. Requirements are V8, 4 doors, RWD, 20+ mpg highway, and decent handling & ride quality for less than $8k. Been looking at the the Lexus GS430/LS400 and BMW 540i wagon, but I think the E55 has the most to offer overall and I’ve had my eye on them for the last few years. I just haven’t been able to find one around here to test drive and get a feel for the ride quality & handling.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 19
From: Always under a Grey Cloud.
E55AMG 2000 E55 AMG 1921 Ford T Speedster
I drive in Edmonton Alberta..This year was the worst for cratering roads..
I find the ride stressful at times when I hit a pothole. I cringe and say shyte when I hit one.
I decreased the air pressure in the tires of course and its a bit better.
Still I grind my teeth when I hit the next one.
Im constently weaving to avoid them.
Next time I buy tires it will be one size profile larger.
I find the ride stressful at times when I hit a pothole. I cringe and say shyte when I hit one.
I decreased the air pressure in the tires of course and its a bit better.
Still I grind my teeth when I hit the next one.
Im constently weaving to avoid them.
Next time I buy tires it will be one size profile larger.
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 19
From: Always under a Grey Cloud.
E55AMG 2000 E55 AMG 1921 Ford T Speedster
