E53 - Have I made a huge mistake
Member
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 249
Likes: 49
2020 E53 AMG
It's pretty obvious that:
1. There were problems initially with 48v packs (IE '18 or '19).
2. The issues were resolved and seemed to be a deficiency in design/software.
3. Traditionalists (of which I'm generally one) hate the hybrid aspect of the car, don't consider it a 'real AMG' and blow it all out of proportion long after the problem has resolved.
4. My car is fine and I'm not seeing a pile l, or really any 48v issues on the board.
5. So we have non-owners lobbying against the car and seemingly satisfied owners since the early problems. This feels like a classic car debate to me.
1. There were problems initially with 48v packs (IE '18 or '19).
2. The issues were resolved and seemed to be a deficiency in design/software.
3. Traditionalists (of which I'm generally one) hate the hybrid aspect of the car, don't consider it a 'real AMG' and blow it all out of proportion long after the problem has resolved.
4. My car is fine and I'm not seeing a pile l, or really any 48v issues on the board.
5. So we have non-owners lobbying against the car and seemingly satisfied owners since the early problems. This feels like a classic car debate to me.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
It's pretty obvious that:
1. There were problems initially with 48v packs (IE '18 or '19).
2. The issues were resolved and seemed to be a deficiency in design/software.
3. Traditionalists (of which I'm generally one) hate the hybrid aspect of the car, don't consider it a 'real AMG' and blow it all out of proportion long after the problem has resolved.
4. My car is fine and I'm not seeing a pile l, or really any 48v issues on the board.
5. So we have non-owners lobbying against the car and seemingly satisfied owners since the early problems. This feels like a classic car debate to me.
1. There were problems initially with 48v packs (IE '18 or '19).
2. The issues were resolved and seemed to be a deficiency in design/software.
3. Traditionalists (of which I'm generally one) hate the hybrid aspect of the car, don't consider it a 'real AMG' and blow it all out of proportion long after the problem has resolved.
4. My car is fine and I'm not seeing a pile l, or really any 48v issues on the board.
5. So we have non-owners lobbying against the car and seemingly satisfied owners since the early problems. This feels like a classic car debate to me.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
2018 C43 Sedan
Update:
Went through with it all and couldn't be happier. Actually a very good thing I scrutinized the Carfax in front of them as they offered CPO on it which gave me an additional year of warranty. Showed me a 78 point check on it, or whatever it is. With extended warranty that gives me 4 good years.
I think the recall will likely have fixed the issue and feel like it's generally overhyped online.
I was looking at an E63 but didn't want a sedan. This engine purrs with it's own charm and it drives magnificently. It's already quicker than I should be driving in LA. Absolutely love it.
Went through with it all and couldn't be happier. Actually a very good thing I scrutinized the Carfax in front of them as they offered CPO on it which gave me an additional year of warranty. Showed me a 78 point check on it, or whatever it is. With extended warranty that gives me 4 good years.
I think the recall will likely have fixed the issue and feel like it's generally overhyped online.
I was looking at an E63 but didn't want a sedan. This engine purrs with it's own charm and it drives magnificently. It's already quicker than I should be driving in LA. Absolutely love it.
I have a 2018 C43 and I’ve loved it, but I’m honestly over how stiff and crashy it is. I’m in LA too and rarely hit canyons anymore.
the E53 is very appealing to me. Would you (or anyone who has one who wouldn’t mind sharing) say the Airmatic suspension is firm? Harsh? Or the right amount of compliance while still being sporty?
TL;DR Will it still feel like a proper luxury car in comfort mode on the 405 when I hit ****ty pot holes?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
really stoked to hear how happy you were here! Do you still have the car?
I have a 2018 C43 and I’ve loved it, but I’m honestly over how stiff and crashy it is. I’m in LA too and rarely hit canyons anymore.
the E53 is very appealing to me. Would you (or anyone who has one who wouldn’t mind sharing) say the Airmatic suspension is firm? Harsh? Or the right amount of compliance while still being sporty?
TL;DR Will it still feel like a proper luxury car in comfort mode on the 405 when I hit ****ty pot holes?
I have a 2018 C43 and I’ve loved it, but I’m honestly over how stiff and crashy it is. I’m in LA too and rarely hit canyons anymore.
the E53 is very appealing to me. Would you (or anyone who has one who wouldn’t mind sharing) say the Airmatic suspension is firm? Harsh? Or the right amount of compliance while still being sporty?
TL;DR Will it still feel like a proper luxury car in comfort mode on the 405 when I hit ****ty pot holes?
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
2018 C43 Sedan
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
2018 C43 Sedan
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
Sounds like the 53 is the natural upgrade for you then.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 149
Likes: 43
From: Los Angeles
2020 E53 AMG Sedan
really stoked to hear how happy you were here! Do you still have the car?
I have a 2018 C43 and I’ve loved it, but I’m honestly over how stiff and crashy it is. I’m in LA too and rarely hit canyons anymore.
the E53 is very appealing to me. Would you (or anyone who has one who wouldn’t mind sharing) say the Airmatic suspension is firm? Harsh? Or the right amount of compliance while still being sporty?
TL;DR Will it still feel like a proper luxury car in comfort mode on the 405 when I hit ****ty pot holes?
I have a 2018 C43 and I’ve loved it, but I’m honestly over how stiff and crashy it is. I’m in LA too and rarely hit canyons anymore.
the E53 is very appealing to me. Would you (or anyone who has one who wouldn’t mind sharing) say the Airmatic suspension is firm? Harsh? Or the right amount of compliance while still being sporty?
TL;DR Will it still feel like a proper luxury car in comfort mode on the 405 when I hit ****ty pot holes?
in comfort mode it definitely feels quite tame and comfortable. i bought mine in oregon last week and drove it down so i spent a lot of time screwing with the settings and found it to be extremely comfortable in "comfort" mode and a lot of fun around town in sport/sport+
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 69
Likes: 16
From: Southern California
2021 CLS 53 AMG C257, 2023 W223 S580, 2021 X167 GLS450, 2022 V167 GLE350
really stoked to hear how happy you were here! Do you still have the car?
I have a 2018 C43 and I’ve loved it, but I’m honestly over how stiff and crashy it is. I’m in LA too and rarely hit canyons anymore.
the E53 is very appealing to me. Would you (or anyone who has one who wouldn’t mind sharing) say the Airmatic suspension is firm? Harsh? Or the right amount of compliance while still being sporty?
TL;DR Will it still feel like a proper luxury car in comfort mode on the 405 when I hit ****ty pot holes?
I have a 2018 C43 and I’ve loved it, but I’m honestly over how stiff and crashy it is. I’m in LA too and rarely hit canyons anymore.
the E53 is very appealing to me. Would you (or anyone who has one who wouldn’t mind sharing) say the Airmatic suspension is firm? Harsh? Or the right amount of compliance while still being sporty?
TL;DR Will it still feel like a proper luxury car in comfort mode on the 405 when I hit ****ty pot holes?
but DO NOT GET BIG WHEELS as you will feel those ****ty carpool lane bumps (I live in OC and the 91/55 is nothing short of awful to me, and i have 20-inchers)
