opus360

I am thinking of getting an E350 or a E55/E63. I love the interior looks of the E55/E63 more than the plain Jane E350, but I am concern about the ride quality. I got a sports car for short driving or driving around town. The E350 will be used mainly for long distance driving once or twice a month or if I need more space or don't feel like driving a stick shift car. Test drives will give you sort of a feel, but I like to hear it from the owners. I know the ride quality of the E350 is outstanding, but what about the E55 or E63. How does it compare with the other cars you own or with the E350?

liquiddi

I had a 08 E350 Sport before I traded it in on my 09 E63. The E350 rides terrible as far as I'm concerned when comparing. The Air suspension on the E63 is so freaking awesome. It has got to be the weirdest suspension I have ever driven. It does everything. It rides stiff and tight but you don't feel the bumps. I know that sounds ironic. I don't really know how to explain it. The E350 just does not ride near as nice.

Yacht Master

You need to drive an "AirMatic" equipped car to make a decision, I think you can get AirMatic on a E350.

On the highway set to comfort the fatigue level drops dramatically a guy can do 800 mile days no problem.

Donovan386

Can't say what the E350 is like but my E55 rides like a dream. Extremely smooth. I see other cars fidgeting going down the road and my E is just soaking up the bumps and I can hardly feel it. Not sure where you are located- but if in the bay area, I'd be happy to give you a ride some time.

t83

i would get an e350 with airmatic dc for what you need, better gas mileage, spend money on the options since itlls be used for long drive.

itsmeek

I don't have an e350 but I do have an '05 e500 w/airmatic. Sport 2 on both cars- the e55 feels more like a sports car where you feel that sports car 'dip' on bumps and incline/declines. In regular mode both cars feel ALMOST the same. There isn't much of a difference until you are in sport 2 mode imo.

IndiumGreyE63

Can the E350 come optioned with Airmatic? I must've missed that in the brochure.

I had an E550 and now an E63 - both with Airmatic. I swear, the E63 is much smoother than the E550, in comfort mode. The car also seems better insulated.

Of course you hear the mean grumble of the exhaust note, and feel the awesome thrust of acceleration... but that combined with a smooth, yet firm ride, is a real treat for the senses. You don't feel beat-up after some 'spirited' driving.

SteveHI

The ride in my E55 is, IMO, quite compliant even in the firmest mode. My E39 M5 was much firmer. I also used to own a 2004 E320 w/o air susp, and I don't believe I've given up any comfort whatsoever. And the E55 seats are REALLY comfortable - much more so than my E39, W209 AMG, and non-AMG W211.

opus360

Thanks guys. Looks like the key point here is the airmatic suspension. I don't see the airmatic listed as an option on the E350. E350 has got the 17" wheels, so there may be less of a need for it.

IndiumGreyE63, I am surprise you felt that the E63 rides better than the E550. Both have airmatic suspension, thought I think the calibration differs per brochure.

liquiddi

Compared to my Jeep the E63 rides like a freaking dream. Actually, I think the Jeep with Bilstens is so bad it pisses me off at certain times. The E63 is a dream car. The air suspension is freaking awesome.

IndiumGreyE63

Yeah - me too. But I can't describe it, but truly my E63 rides better.

RHBENZ

I had an E500 w/ airmatic, and the sport II w/ stock 17's on LA freeway was like taking a beating. The E63 in Sport II is tighter, but smoother. I would say it absorbs the initial shock better.

opus360

Looks like the E55/E63 suspension is much better tuned then than the E500/E550. I guess it will be worth the wait to E63 prices to drive to my budget level, which is more in the E350 range now.

IndiumGreyE63

Yes - take a step back and wait for the one you really want to buy. I bought the E550, but kept on thinking about the E63... You're smart to wait and analyze when you can pull the trigger on something you really want.

jjtoma

[QUOTE=IndiumGreyE63;3270209]Can the E350 come optioned with Airmatic? I must've missed that in the brochure. /QUOTE]

Not in the US.
Yes, 17" tires are softer riding than 18"tires.

opus360

Well, I got two cars now. I don't really need another car. It's more of a desire. Besides, I only got a two car garage. Might have to upgrade the house as well. I don't need a big house, but need big garage for the toys.

MWMWM3

There is a world of a difference between the E350 and the E55/E63 in terms of ride quality.

Mother-in-law currently has one (E350) and honestly, I can't stand riding in it. At first I thought it was just hers, but after riding in many of my friends "plain jane" e-classes, they all feel the same, BORING!

If you can go the AMG route, do it, you won't regret it!