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2020 E63S Wagon, 2007 335i convertible (tuned to 400hp), 2011 Audi A4 Avant
Comfort Mode update???
So I hear the face-lifted 2021 E63 has a more compliant (softer) ride in Comfort mode. Does anyone know if this was accomplished via a software update, or was new hardware required? I am wondering if the dealer could reprogram pre-2021 W213's with the new Comfort settings.
It's both. The increased comfort primarily comes from lowered spring rates and the AMG Ride Control software has been revised to still provide the same or even better dynamics in S+, but basically the maximum level of comfort is dictated by how soft the springs are. In case of the E63 it's obviously an air suspension so I don't know what specifically they changed there, but FWIW in the 2019+ C63, which was the first FL model where AMG started to retune their suspensions for more comfort it's said that they lowered the spring rates by 8-10%. Based on part numbers somebody looked up, though, the springs appear to have stayed the same, but the dampers are new, so it's possible that they achieved the wider range between Comfort and S+ with improved dampers and software changes. How the car absorbs bumps is a combination of the steel or air spring and the damper compression rate, so the suspension can definitely be made softer if the damper compression can be softened farther.
Last edited by superswiss; Nov 12, 2020 at 06:19 PM.
Mercedes has been quite vague regarding what they done and it has been difficult to understand if it´s just a marketing thing or not
In this video an they explain it in a little more detail (starting 8:00 min in ). It´s possible to pause the video in 1080p and actually read whats it says on the picture with the numbers. (I would say it´s more hardware than software).
It will be really interesting later on hearing from someone that actually owned both cars to do a comparison. The test-drives so far doesn’t really tell anything in the aspect of better comfort (or not)
Mercedes has been quite vague regarding what they done and it has been difficult to understand if it´s just a marketing thing or not
In this video an they explain it in a little more detail (starting 8:00 min in ). It will be really interesting later on hearing from someone that actually owned both cars to do a comparison. The test-drives so far doesn’t really tell anything in the aspect of better comfort (or not)
Good info. If you pause the video you can sort of read the 4 things they did.
1) A bunch of new bearings (subframe, thrust, tension strut) for increased comfort, while still keeping dynamics high
2) New hydraulic and software tuning for the dampers. This is what I was getting at that the dampers are new
3) Completely new tie rod bearings
4) Redefined dynamic engine mounts (speed controlled vs pressure??). Not sure what pressure he is getting at, but sounds like basically the engine mounts loosen up at lower speeds now for more comfort around town. Less engine and drivetrain vibrations felt in the cabin.
In summary, they basically softened bushings/bearings and stuff, revised the dampers and engine mounts for a combined increased comfort. Doesn't sound like they changed the actual spring rates itself, which would be consistent with the findings for the FL C63.
he said there is a recall for updating the suspension software for more comfortable ride, I don't know if i should do it or not, my car is not that stiff on Comfort mode.
2020 E63S Wagon, 2007 335i convertible (tuned to 400hp), 2011 Audi A4 Avant
So it sounds like there is SOME sort of tweak to the ride comfort, although it may not be exactly the same as the more in depth changes made to the 2021 FL cars...
2020 E63S Wagon, 2007 335i convertible (tuned to 400hp), 2011 Audi A4 Avant
That's a fair request, although to be honest I don't notice that much of a difference between Comfort and Sport anyway. Therefore, if the update is offered I will probably take it. If I want a sharper ride, I can always go to Sport...
The most they can do with a software update for the suspension is retuning the dampers and the dynamic engine mounts. FWIW, the chassis and suspension retuning they did for the C63 did not remove any of the dynamic handling capabilities. It removed the IMO harsh edges of the comfort mode prior to the FL, but it's nowhere near S Class comfort, and I doubt this software update and the FL retuning will get you even close to S Class comfort.
I think there's nothing wrong with a bit of a wider spread between C and S+. Even with the retuning in the FL C63, S still has similar comfort to C, but it's more dynamic when making quick directional changes. It's usually the mode I use for spirited daily highway driving. It's what I use my Individual mode for where I have everything set to S+, except for the suspension in S and transmission in M.
If I had to summarize their changes I would put it this way. They have accomplished to keep the suspension dynamic, but have eliminated unnecessary non-compliance when the car is driven normally. I get the sense that the damper tuning is better in tune with how the car is driven. If driven casually the ride is fairly comfortable, but as soon as you start tossing it around even in C, it gives great chassis control. Basically the suspension tightens when needed and softens when not needed. but it's still a sporty firm ride. I call it comfortably firm. In my experience the older suspension tunings are unnecessarily harsh when one is not tossing the car around corners. I suspect this software update may give some of what the FL retuning has accomplished. Basically the software part minus the hardware changes.
Some of us are lowered and don't mind the not so comfort comfort mode ride. Weird part is my 2013 S4 which is lowered on traditional coilovers, is pretty slammed and rides much comfier than my lowered E63s in any suspension mode. Lol Oh well.
Should probably also mention tires and specifically tire pressure. AMGs have some of the widest spread of recommended tire pressures. You may not know this, but the tire pressure indicated on the door sticker is not what you generally wanna run. That's called the max load tire pressure and is technically only meant for when the car is fully loaded to it's allowed gross weight and you plan to drive at the top speed. There are other tire pressures found on a more detailed sticker inside of the fuel door for different load and top speed scenarios. For normal driving you wanna use the recommended pressure for normal load and speeds up to 155 mph. Normal load means 2-3 passengers and mostly empty trunk, basically daily driving for many. Running the wrong tire pressures, especially the ones on the door sticker without having the corresponding weight in the car will lead to a pretty poor ride. The lack of detail on the door sticker goes back to the Firestone incidents in the 90s where many were running the tire pressure too low for the loaded weight of the vehicle and some people died as a result. It's important to run the correct tire pressure for safety, grip, handling, comfort and tire wear and should be adjusted regularly based on ambient temperature and load level of the car.
As for tires, one of the first modifications I made to my C63 was getting rid of the stock PSS and replacing them with the PS4S. The PSS was once the top street performance tire, but compared to the PS4S it's a noticeable step back. The PS4S rides, handles and grips noticeably better. The PSS tends to crash over bumps.
Here's the fuel door sticker for my C63 for example. I run 33f/32r most of the time. Door sticker says 46f/48r, which is absolutely bone jarring and the completely wrong pressure for the task.
Yep agreed mine came with Pirelli zero one rear fell apart took advice from here changed to pilot 4S what a different probably one of the best changes made to date 👍
2020 E63S Wagon, 2007 335i convertible (tuned to 400hp), 2011 Audi A4 Avant
Originally Posted by superswiss
Should probably also mention tires and specifically tire pressure. AMGs have some of the widest spread of recommended tire pressures. You may not know this, but the tire pressure indicated on the door sticker is not what you generally wanna run. That's called the max load tire pressure and is technically only meant for when the car is fully loaded to it's allowed gross weight and you plan to drive at the top speed. There are other tire pressures found on a more detailed sticker inside of the fuel door for different load and top speed scenarios. For normal driving you wanna use the recommended pressure for normal load and speeds up to 155 mph. Normal load means 2-3 passengers and mostly empty trunk, basically daily driving for many. Running the wrong tire pressures, especially the ones on the door sticker without having the corresponding weight in the car will lead to a pretty poor ride. The lack of detail on the door sticker goes back to the Firestone incidents in the 90s where many were running the tire pressure too low for the loaded weight of the vehicle and some people died as a result. It's important to run the correct tire pressure for safety, grip, handling, comfort and tire wear and should be adjusted regularly based on ambient temperature and load level of the car.
As for tires, one of the first modifications I made to my C63 was getting rid of the stock PSS and replacing them with the PS4S. The PSS was once the top street performance tire, but compared to the PS4S it's a noticeable step back. The PS4S rides, handles and grips noticeably better. The PSS tends to crash over bumps.
Here's the fuel door sticker for my C63 for example. I run 33f/32r most of the time. Door sticker says 46f/48r, which is absolutely bone jarring and the completely wrong pressure for the task.
Yup, I do the same...I run at the lower end of the range specified on the fuel filler cap, as it's rarely more than just me in the car, unless it's me and my fiancée and/or my golf clubs!
I wish they didn't do the update for my car, now it is 20mm higher than before.
in normal and comfort it looks like I pressed the lift button on the left. I swear when I press the button to rise the vehicle, it does not rise as it is already on the higher position in comfort mode. even on S+ it does not go lower, maybe 5mm only.
such a stupid update.
i guess their method is, the lower the stiffer, the higher the softer it is.
I wish they didn't do the update for my car, now it is 20mm higher than before.
in normal and comfort it looks like I pressed the lift button on the left. I swear when I press the button to rise the vehicle, it does not rise as it is already on the higher position in comfort mode. even on S+ it does not go lower, maybe 5mm only.
such a stupid update.
i guess their method is, the lower the stiffer, the higher the softer it is.
LOL
i'm getting a lower module.
it looks fugly like this
i would question this with dealer as sounds like an error surely 🤷♂️🤷♂️
i'm lowered with a Rentech module anyways 
