Crashy Firm Ride of W204

[fluidspin]

Hi folks,

 

I'm not sure if its just me or my bum but somehow I find the ride of my C200 2008 W204 quite firm (bought it in May 2015). I used to drive a BMW 525i E60 and I know that's a bad comparison in terms of ride quality but I have tried Mazdas, Toyotas, Kias, Lexus and they all doesn't seem as crashy to me and more comfortable in fact. Its only on those straight smooth roads do I then enjoy the comfort of the C200.

 

Is it because I changed to Bilstein B4s absorbers all around? I keep thinking it might the springs instead but most people tell me it shouldn't be the case. I'm on 18" Eagle F1A2s and tried lowering the pressure to 220kPa but still it gives me the same feeling. You know when you go over little humps or undulations, you have the feeling that you being jolted left and right. The stretch of road from Bukit Panjang to Hillview area is particularly disturbing and at times downright embarassing when I have passengers.

 

What is the best option for me? Anyone else has this "feeling" as well?

 

Thanks!

[Odessus]

Love the feeling. Specially turn on my Adaptive Sports suspension to get it.

[fluidspin]

Love the feeling. Specially turn on my Adaptive Sports suspension to get it.

 

Haha...Guess I have to think positive!

[kaii]

Firm = shiok for cornering and turning stability. 

 

Mazdas, Toyotas, Kias, Lexus and they all doesn't seem as crashy to me... but they probably feel super "floaty" at high speeds. 

 

Can change to Kw coilovers, then you can manually adjust the rebound and dampening to suit your driving style. 

[retiefgoosen]

strange...

my 2013 w204 C class ride very well

is stock on stock 17 Inch wheels and Suspension system

 

much more comfy compare to the E90 we had ( Had 19 Inch BBS)

 

I guess is the combination of larger wheels and Bilstein that you installed

[Odessus]

At 260km/h I need the firmer sports suspension. Felt too floaty with normal suspension.

[fiqueudrue]

Bilstein B4s is stock for c200.

might be due to those low profile tyres or aftermarket springs if you had one ?

might c200 also rides hard and bumpy, on stock absorders and HnR lowered springs, but on 19" low profile.. but this is a different story....
 

[solar]

Am on 18" also. Same bumpy feeling over the speed stripes, humps and uneven roads.

Stock spring and absorbers.

sometimes I really want to go back to 17" lol...but later thought of the hideous looking stock rims... Nah.. Just bear with it lol

I read somewhere Avangarde is firmer than the Normal one.

[CES KLASS]

Am on 18" also. Same bumpy feeling over the speed stripes, humps and uneven roads.

Stock spring and absorbers.

sometimes I really want to go back to 17" lol...but later thought of the hideous looking stock rims... Nah.. Just bear with it lol

I read somewhere Avangarde is firmer than the Normal one.

Absolutely right, bro!

Avantgarde model stock spring/ absorber is stiffer & lower than elegance model! Anyway, I am on 18" also & feel no diff even on 17", same ride feel for me except heavier move off from traffic lights!

[Knightrider]

I felt that the W204 FL, with Conti 5 tyres and stock suspension / wheels, absorbed the bumps really well yet giving stability at higher speed corners.

[MarkCWQ]

I'm on 19" PSS tyres and stock suspension, car handles well. Planning to go onto B6 soon. You've got to weigh performance vs comfort vs looks and see what you ultimately want.

[Benzee]

I am on Bilstein B6 and stock spring, 18" tires and feel a firmer ride vs stock suspension. But definitely better handling at a slight loss in comfort.

[retiefgoosen]

i just took out my stock wheels to original AMG C63 19 inch Multispokes.

not much difference except for more tyre noise.