E63S ride comfort
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 437
Likes: 146
From: Ohio
AMG E63 Hammer Wagon. Alfa, Rover, Ferrari, Porsche.
It actually might be easier to replace the bushings (control arms) that MB replaced in the 21 facelift model, and try to get the suspension software updated somehow (its a dealer update outside the US). As far anyone knows, those are the only differences and it really improves the ride.
Replacing the suspension with coil overs could prove to be a challenge because these cars are so electronically integrated, it might freak out a bunch of systems that you'd then have to reprogram somehow as well(?). Also, I’ve gone down the coil over road a few times and ride quality can be really hit or miss depending on the particular setup. The whole idea seems risky to me for a well tuned daily driver, a lot of time/money/effort and it might not pan out in the end.
Hate to say it, but if ride is a concern for you might be better off finding a MY21, there are a few out there popping up every few days if you keep your eyes peeled.
Replacing the suspension with coil overs could prove to be a challenge because these cars are so electronically integrated, it might freak out a bunch of systems that you'd then have to reprogram somehow as well(?). Also, I’ve gone down the coil over road a few times and ride quality can be really hit or miss depending on the particular setup. The whole idea seems risky to me for a well tuned daily driver, a lot of time/money/effort and it might not pan out in the end.
Hate to say it, but if ride is a concern for you might be better off finding a MY21, there are a few out there popping up every few days if you keep your eyes peeled.
Last edited by bullmrkt; Aug 8, 2021 at 07:33 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 18
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
2019 S560 4Matic; 2021 GLS 450
I am not sure why the E63, a car supposed to hit the sweet spot between everyday practicality and performance, should be set up so harshly. The fact that there are dozens of threads on the topic shows it's borderline for some. If I was sure that I would get used to it, I'd go for it in a heartbeat, this is a brilliant car.
I like the idea of bushings/arms and software upgrades to MY21. I'll talk to the dealer about it.
Thanks
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Hmm. A BMW 840 is as soft as a couch in comparison to any AMG. Our M8 Comp is a fluffy ride compared to our old E63s Ed.1. A regular E or S might be better suited for comfort...
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I fully agree with this. The only place where a really stiff suspension improves performance is on track, using slicks. The best open-road setups (e.g., targa races, tarmac rally stages) have a fair amount of compliance. To illustrate that point - on the same twisty/real world mountain road, the GT3 will often be faster than the GT3RS (ask me how I know). A dose of suppleness reduces contact losses, increases traction and ups fluidity.
I am not sure why the E63, a car supposed to hit the sweet spot between everyday practicality and performance, should be set up so harshly. The fact that there are dozens of threads on the topic shows it's borderline for some. If I was sure that I would get used to it, I'd go for it in a heartbeat, this is a brilliant car.
I like the idea of bushings/arms and software upgrades to MY21. I'll talk to the dealer about it.
Thanks
I am not sure why the E63, a car supposed to hit the sweet spot between everyday practicality and performance, should be set up so harshly. The fact that there are dozens of threads on the topic shows it's borderline for some. If I was sure that I would get used to it, I'd go for it in a heartbeat, this is a brilliant car.
I like the idea of bushings/arms and software upgrades to MY21. I'll talk to the dealer about it.
Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 765
Likes: 289
From: Los Angeles
2024 GLE63s, 2021 E63s, 2018 GLC43
This is an interesting thread.
I was set to find a dealer to order a 2022 E63S for delivery whenever ready, don't mind waiting 6 months or a year. But now with the 2022 E63 being cancelled or postponed temporarily (or indefinitely for all we know), I'm wondering if the pre-facelift W213 is so harsh that it's not worth it to get a used one.
My 2014 post-facelift W212 E63 isn't the most smooth ride, but not so bad or harsh it seems compared to the W213 pre-facelift over the shi*ty *** SoCal roads and constantly changing and shifting shi*ty *** 60/10/57/71 freeways widening projects and potholes that I have burned into memory in my daily commute so I don't drive over them.
Decisions decisions...
I was set to find a dealer to order a 2022 E63S for delivery whenever ready, don't mind waiting 6 months or a year. But now with the 2022 E63 being cancelled or postponed temporarily (or indefinitely for all we know), I'm wondering if the pre-facelift W213 is so harsh that it's not worth it to get a used one.
My 2014 post-facelift W212 E63 isn't the most smooth ride, but not so bad or harsh it seems compared to the W213 pre-facelift over the shi*ty *** SoCal roads and constantly changing and shifting shi*ty *** 60/10/57/71 freeways widening projects and potholes that I have burned into memory in my daily commute so I don't drive over them.
Decisions decisions...
Last edited by taphil; Aug 8, 2021 at 03:25 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 18
From: McKinney, TX
2018 E63S (Sedan)
You could also get a 2021 if you can find one. Or alternatively you could do what I ended up doing to my 2018 which is downgrade from the 20” wheels with runflats to 19” AMG wheels with Continental all-season.
The various things I tried before getting to this final solution is in this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ss-solved.html
I will say that prior to going to the 19s I was very close to downgrading the whole car to a lesser E or just getting the new S class.
I hated the harshness and it bugged me every time I drove the car. Now, I really think it is solved and the $5k was more than worth it.
If MB offered the software fix that everyone is talking about, I would still get it as the car looks a little better with the 20s, and you do give up a little on the performance with the all-season. But now it is still an awesome car that I will be keep for some time.
The various things I tried before getting to this final solution is in this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ss-solved.html
I will say that prior to going to the 19s I was very close to downgrading the whole car to a lesser E or just getting the new S class.
I hated the harshness and it bugged me every time I drove the car. Now, I really think it is solved and the $5k was more than worth it.
If MB offered the software fix that everyone is talking about, I would still get it as the car looks a little better with the 20s, and you do give up a little on the performance with the all-season. But now it is still an awesome car that I will be keep for some time.
Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 20
2018 Lunar Blue E63S
I did not mind the firm ride of my E63S when I had it. Lease ended in May and I replaced her with a 2021 M5 Competition. Don’t shoot the messenger, but that car is way better around town, yet handles better. Feels lighter. Not harsh at all like the E63 could get. It also is a little faster and sounds just as good with the titanium M sport exhaust, Got the carbon ceramic brakes as well. Only negative is the Burmester 3D bass is better than the B&W bass.
Lastly, the lease payment on my 143k sticker car is only a tiny bit more than my 122k sticker 2018 E63S. I got 8500 off the M and 10k off the E when I got it. That makes the MB leasing that much worse…. Can’t complain about the BMW lease deals! I heard the 2021 AMG leases are astronomical…. My 1700 a month, nothing down M5 versus at least 2200 or more for a car without titanium exhaust or carbon brakes!
I admit that I still loved the AMG!
Lastly, the lease payment on my 143k sticker car is only a tiny bit more than my 122k sticker 2018 E63S. I got 8500 off the M and 10k off the E when I got it. That makes the MB leasing that much worse…. Can’t complain about the BMW lease deals! I heard the 2021 AMG leases are astronomical…. My 1700 a month, nothing down M5 versus at least 2200 or more for a car without titanium exhaust or carbon brakes!
I admit that I still loved the AMG!
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Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 20
2018 Lunar Blue E63S
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 35
Likes: 4
wagon
Not a downgrade if it works better. It probably looks better too -- the rubber band aesthetic is just comical on these cars.
For a fraction of the cost you can also just run a higher series 20": https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ml#post7957060
For a fraction of the cost you can also just run a higher series 20": https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ml#post7957060
You could also get a 2021 if you can find one. Or alternatively you could do what I ended up doing to my 2018 which is downgrade from the 20” wheels with runflats to 19” AMG wheels with Continental all-season.
The various things I tried before getting to this final solution is in this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ss-solved.html
I will say that prior to going to the 19s I was very close to downgrading the whole car to a lesser E or just getting the new S class.
I hated the harshness and it bugged me every time I drove the car. Now, I really think it is solved and the $5k was more than worth it.
If MB offered the software fix that everyone is talking about, I would still get it as the car looks a little better with the 20s, and you do give up a little on the performance with the all-season. But now it is still an awesome car that I will be keep for some time.
The various things I tried before getting to this final solution is in this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ss-solved.html
I will say that prior to going to the 19s I was very close to downgrading the whole car to a lesser E or just getting the new S class.
I hated the harshness and it bugged me every time I drove the car. Now, I really think it is solved and the $5k was more than worth it.
If MB offered the software fix that everyone is talking about, I would still get it as the car looks a little better with the 20s, and you do give up a little on the performance with the all-season. But now it is still an awesome car that I will be keep for some time.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I think I have driven 7 or 8 8 series loaners besides our M8c and neither are anywhere as stiff as an AMG. The M8c drives very similar to M5c; the only difference is that the M5 has better seats with a bit more comfort, adjustability and massage (love the upper back adjustment). The 8 series seats are very similar to the X3M. Now that car has a stiffer setup..
We also had performance seats in the E63s. Our cars are lowered with spacers and the M8c (with MSS adjustable springs) is very comfortable...
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
??
I only know of one C&D comparo with the M8GC vs the Audi RS7 vs AMG GT63s. That one was a joke IMO. Selecting a performance car with the lowest performance while discussing a subjective fun to drive and storage space/utility category...
I only know of one C&D comparo with the M8GC vs the Audi RS7 vs AMG GT63s. That one was a joke IMO. Selecting a performance car with the lowest performance while discussing a subjective fun to drive and storage space/utility category...
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 765
Likes: 289
From: Los Angeles
2024 GLE63s, 2021 E63s, 2018 GLC43
This is an interesting thread.
I was set to find a dealer to order a 2022 E63S for delivery whenever ready, don't mind waiting 6 months or a year. But now with the 2022 E63 being cancelled or postponed temporarily (or indefinitely for all we know), I'm wondering if the pre-facelift W213 is so harsh that it's not worth it to get a used one.
My 2014 post-facelift W212 E63 isn't the most smooth ride, but not so bad or harsh it seems compared to the W213 pre-facelift over the shi*ty *** SoCal roads and constantly changing and shifting shi*ty *** 60/10/57/71 freeways widening projects and potholes that I have burned into memory in my daily commute so I don't drive over them.
Decisions decisions...
I was set to find a dealer to order a 2022 E63S for delivery whenever ready, don't mind waiting 6 months or a year. But now with the 2022 E63 being cancelled or postponed temporarily (or indefinitely for all we know), I'm wondering if the pre-facelift W213 is so harsh that it's not worth it to get a used one.
My 2014 post-facelift W212 E63 isn't the most smooth ride, but not so bad or harsh it seems compared to the W213 pre-facelift over the shi*ty *** SoCal roads and constantly changing and shifting shi*ty *** 60/10/57/71 freeways widening projects and potholes that I have burned into memory in my daily commute so I don't drive over them.
Decisions decisions...
Last edited by taphil; Sep 16, 2021 at 04:07 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 239
E63
Ok so my 2021 was sublime, even more comfortable than my M5 with competition suspension setup.
I kept getting a error with the suspense since I got it. Eventually I took it in and had it repaired.
I thought it would be a software only repair, but parts were replaced. Junction block among other things things.
Now the suspension is significantly stiffer after the repairs. Almost as stiff as my M5 and W212 E63.
IT is as stiff as the 2019 I last drove now, just does not have the same jarring crashes into bumps and road irregularities that the 2018/2019 has. So it's a lot more livable than the preface lift, but just as stiff
I kept getting a error with the suspense since I got it. Eventually I took it in and had it repaired.
I thought it would be a software only repair, but parts were replaced. Junction block among other things things.
Now the suspension is significantly stiffer after the repairs. Almost as stiff as my M5 and W212 E63.
IT is as stiff as the 2019 I last drove now, just does not have the same jarring crashes into bumps and road irregularities that the 2018/2019 has. So it's a lot more livable than the preface lift, but just as stiff
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
From: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
2018 E63 S
found a solution
[QUOTE=absent;7488414]So I was finally able to test drive the new E properly when I rented it in LA for 5 days last week.
Read and heard a lot about how stiff and uncomfortable that car is so I wanted to see for myself.
First impression that lasted about 10 min was that indeed, the car is so stiff that it would be unsuitable as my daily driver in Chicago, thought it was much worse then my old 2014 E63S.
That feeling lasted only 10 minutes though, I promptly forgot about the stiffness while enjoying the dynamics and comfort of the entire package, at some point I realized it did not bother me anymore and the car felt quite comfy after all.
The moral of the story is that you can not judge the car after 5-10 min test drive, you have to spend a bit more time to get the full measure.
Fabulous car and all of you who own one are lucky SOBs to be in that position.[/QU
Just changed from the summer Pirelli's to Continental DSW 06 plus's all seasons, I realize performance will suffer, but honestly for the way I drive it is not really noticable, what is noticable is; the ride comfort went from a 3 to a 6 and the noise from unbearable to not bad, it is really remarkable how all things associated with the ride went from borderline obnoxious to ok for a car of this type. Does it ride like my BMW X5? No, but it is now comparable to my previous 2018 Panamara 4s. I did set the tire pressure to the lowest reccomended setting based on the chart inside the gas cap area.
Read and heard a lot about how stiff and uncomfortable that car is so I wanted to see for myself.
First impression that lasted about 10 min was that indeed, the car is so stiff that it would be unsuitable as my daily driver in Chicago, thought it was much worse then my old 2014 E63S.
That feeling lasted only 10 minutes though, I promptly forgot about the stiffness while enjoying the dynamics and comfort of the entire package, at some point I realized it did not bother me anymore and the car felt quite comfy after all.
The moral of the story is that you can not judge the car after 5-10 min test drive, you have to spend a bit more time to get the full measure.
Fabulous car and all of you who own one are lucky SOBs to be in that position.[/QU
Just changed from the summer Pirelli's to Continental DSW 06 plus's all seasons, I realize performance will suffer, but honestly for the way I drive it is not really noticable, what is noticable is; the ride comfort went from a 3 to a 6 and the noise from unbearable to not bad, it is really remarkable how all things associated with the ride went from borderline obnoxious to ok for a car of this type. Does it ride like my BMW X5? No, but it is now comparable to my previous 2018 Panamara 4s. I did set the tire pressure to the lowest reccomended setting based on the chart inside the gas cap area.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 683
From: IL
19 E63s, 23 M3 compX, B9 SQ5
W213s ride stiff, but i didn’t notice it riding any stiffer than my 2014 E63 used too. I thought ride quality in comfort was about the same, however the handling dynamics are so much more superior in the W213 compared to the old W212.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
From: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
2018 E63 S
changed from Summer Pirelli's to ALL season Continentals, increased the ride comfort by about 80%, running at lowest reccomended tire pressure, for everyday driving I really cannot tell any handing differences.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 239
E63
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 437
Likes: 146
From: Ohio
AMG E63 Hammer Wagon. Alfa, Rover, Ferrari, Porsche.
Post 22 above, https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ml#post8391021
I dont have specific part numbers for the new bushings/control arms, but your MB parts desk should be able to help you figure it out and order them. Its model year 21+. I doubt you’ll convince MB to update the suspension software, but apparently it is being done outside the US, so I imagine the various aftermarket “hackers” might be able to help. Check with the guys that unlock the headlights and can make other system tweaks, there’s another thread on that here somewhere.
I dont have specific part numbers for the new bushings/control arms, but your MB parts desk should be able to help you figure it out and order them. Its model year 21+. I doubt you’ll convince MB to update the suspension software, but apparently it is being done outside the US, so I imagine the various aftermarket “hackers” might be able to help. Check with the guys that unlock the headlights and can make other system tweaks, there’s another thread on that here somewhere.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 604
From: Southern California
2018 E63S AMG
Vlad, several of us have done it and the results are great. I appreciate it more now that I'm driving more this year and especially in the fall when the days are getting shorter and I'm out at night more often.
Search the forum for intelligent LED headlights and you'll find more on the topic.
Search the forum for intelligent LED headlights and you'll find more on the topic.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 57
Likes: 7
2020 E63s Wagon
To me it’s not that the car is that stiff, the “spring” rates in comfort mode aren’t that high especially when you’re going fast. The problem is the bump settings, or lack there of. There is absolutely no give on the fast bumps and this is even worse in cold weather when the air bladders are cold and stiff. Hitting even small reflectors on the road is super annoying. I have a GT3 991.2 and it’s way more supple as far as the bump settings are concerned. This particular Amg suspension was either tuned badly or the air shocks don’t work well.
I just put BBS 19’s on with PS4S this week and it’s a bit better for sure but I don’t think they look great. I’ll probably go back to stock. It’s a bummer because it’s really pretty much a perfect car other than this.
Also my stock PS4S only lasted 14k miles before the inside fronts came apart. Totally stock setup.
I just put BBS 19’s on with PS4S this week and it’s a bit better for sure but I don’t think they look great. I’ll probably go back to stock. It’s a bummer because it’s really pretty much a perfect car other than this.
Also my stock PS4S only lasted 14k miles before the inside fronts came apart. Totally stock setup.
