C350 Sport Edition First Impressions

[C240Sport97]

Although this review is of a C350 Coupe it is I believe the same system on mine.

From Car and Driver:

...the new C coupe offers an optional—special order, only—sport suspension package called Dynamic Handling. It lowers the body by 0.6 inch and stiffens the springs and dampers. The advantage is agile handling in sport mode, even as the system softens up midflight if it encounters crummy roads; the transition happens in as little as 10 milliseconds. The handling package also includes a stability-control-based torque-vectoring system. In fast corners at the adhesion limit, when the stability-control sensors detect encroaching understeer, the system slows the inside rear wheel in order to assist the yawing moment. As a result, the C coupe turns into corners with precise control and real determination.

This summary was from a MB reference:

"With the continuously variable damping, handling becomes more taut, body roll is reduced and the ride becomes firmer. Steering and throttle response becomes sharper and gear changes more responsive (automatic transmission only). Even ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) intervention is marginally reduced to help enhance the dynamic driving sensation – without compromising active safety, of course."

So, the height reduction is permanent (when compared to a car without the Dynamic Handling Package), not when the Sport button is pressed.

I have never heard of a car with variable dampers also lowering ride height .. that tends to be for cars with more complicated air/hydraulic/etc suspensions.

 

[R2D2]

Well it's raining and I'm not going out with a ruler just now. But whether it is permanently lowered or temporarily lowered, it works

 

[boxbrownie]

Enjoyed your write up, and an excellent balanced vehicle

 

[donshl]

Sounded like a write-up on my car. I can't imagine why

If you ever get to fully understand the climate control, you're a far better man than me. Just coming up to three years ownership and I still don't know what all the settings are about. All I do know is that I never have to touch it because it maintains everything perfectly throughout the car.

The exhaust note: I'd be interested to hear how it compares to my standard twin pipes. Most of the time I don't hear anything - but give it some welly with the HK turned down and a lovely fruity rasping noise enters the cabin. But as you say, warp speed arrives rapidly so I quickly have to lift my right foot and the music ceases. It lasts just long enough to smile, but not so long as to be intrusive. The best I can do for now as a demonstration is to offer this clip from our European tour in 2013. This is heading towards the top of the Stelvio Pass - clearly it's a bit slippery in places so I needed to take a little care!

[YOUTUBE]R6ir7qNW0cQ[/YOUTUBE]

Pardon the squealy brakes, but similar clip with just 2 more cylinders

[YOUTUBE]uISplU67REI[/YOUTUBE]

 

[R2D2]

Hmm. Well obviously mine doesn't sound like a Ferrari but mine is somewhere between your clip and Knighterrant's clip. I'll have to do a video

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Pardon the squealy brakes, but similar clip with just 2 more cylinders

You win on volume

We both win on having driven up Stelvio

 

[donshl]

You win on volume

We both win on having driven up Stelvio

The real winner was the drive

 

[Mike Walker]

I do worry sometimes............ just waiting for the hate mail!

 

[boxbrownie]

You win on volume

We both win on having driven up Stelvio

You should try it in a Transit towing a Brake Dyno Trailer

 

[Deleted member 65149]

I do worry sometimes............ just waiting for the hate mail!

Have you tried psychoanalysis to treat your inclination to worry too much?

 

[martyp87]

Very nice car and love the creme interior - agree it will need regular cleaning but that's not hard.

Regarding devices getting warm when charging, that sounds pretty normal. My iPhone 5S and 6 get toasty when charging so I wouldn't worry about it really.

Know what you mean with the exhaust note too as I was the exact same issue with mine but I've gotten used to it and sure you will too and grow to like it. Actually just purchased an even louder one, after considering getting one off a CL500. However, I hardly drive the car now and when I do it's just for fun so it's a bit different to when I used her as a daily driver.

 

[R2D2]

Cheers Marty. That's interesting both re charging your phone and the exhaust. I'm having a good day on the exhaust.

 

[martyp87]

Good stuff, just promise me you won't use Pledge to wax this one!

 

[R2D2]

Good stuff, just promise me you won't use Pledge to wax this one!

I hereby promise!

 

[Mike Walker]

Have you tried psychoanalysis to treat your inclination to worry too much?

Yes but I worried too much about being late for the appointments......:fail

 

[R2D2]

exhaust_zpszaxyausj.mp4 Video by GDC200 | Photobucket

Exhaust Clip just recorded on phone. (CKS Quad exhaust)

 

[AMGeed]

exhaust_zpszaxyausj.mp4 Video by GDC200 | Photobucket

Exhaust Clip just recorded on phone.

Cracking sound!
Where was the phone when this was being recorded as I wanted to do a sound clip of mine sometime.? It looks like it was lying on the passenger seat

 

[R2D2]

Cracking sound!
Where was the phone when this was being recorded as I wanted to do a sound clip of mine sometime.? It looks like it was lying on the passenger seat

Yes just on the passenger side. It does sound good doesn't it

 

[donshl]

exhaust_zpszaxyausj.mp4 Video by GDC200 | Photobucket

Exhaust Clip just recorded on phone. (CKS Quad exhaust)

That is a very nice sounding exhaust!

 

[R2D2]

It sounds pretty sporty when you give it some welly!