Difference between SE and AMG trim

[hbhudia]

hi,
I am looking at getting a facelift w204 and have looked at the SE version and like the height of the car and it works for my father too.

However I was wondering about the AMG trim and whether there is a difference in ride height and suspension and comfort. I can’t find any close to me to go and have a look so was hoping members here could help out.

Thanks

 

[grober]

The SE normally rides on slightly narrower tyres [same size all round] with16 inch wheels and higher aspect ratio tyres. The AMG versions run slightly lowered/stiffened suspension in comparison, with staggered bigger wheels /lower aspect ratio tyres meaning they have the edge on handling at the expense of comfort. The SE models normally have the lowest power versions of the engine range.

 

[hbhudia]

Thanks grober. I had assumed the AMG would have more power but was surprised to see that it had the same engine specs as the SE, certainly on the c180.

 

[grober]

IIRC the Petrol had 2 versions of the 1,796cc engine the 180@156hp and the 250@204hp Mercedes policy for their top trim AMG Models at the time seemed to be that they had the full power range of engines available but the SE trim just the lowest!

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Thanks grober. I had assumed the AMG would have more power but was surprised to see that it had the same engine specs as the SE, certainly on the c180.

It's AMG trim, not an AMG

 

[Gazwould]

It'll be AMG Sport , which is higher than AMG .

 

[whitenemesis]

 

[KillerHERTZ]

 

[hbhudia]

Yeah I get all that, hence the word ‘trim’ in the title. But other than the trim and bigger allows are there any other differences to the driving comfort?

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

FWIW, as we don't get any luxury/executive stuff over in the UK, the Sport/AMG trim option also specifies the overall trim level and the standard kit on the car. So it doesn't just look cool, it usually have more 'options' as standard.

 

[markjay]

The SE normally rides on slightly narrower tyres [same size all round] with16 inch wheels and higher aspect ratio tyres. The AMG versions run slightly lowered/stiffened suspension in comparison, with staggered bigger wheels /lower aspect ratio tyres meaning they have the edge on handling at the expense of comfort. The SE models normally have the lowest power versions of the engine range.

As above.

And yes, a C180 SE and a C180 AMG-Line (or 220 CDI, etc etc) will have the exact same engine and transmission.

Another thing to note is that interior trim is also different. AMG-Line will typically usually have two-tone sport seats with side support, three-spoke steering wheel, possibly some red stitching, and brushed aluminium trim. The dials will have white background (on the facelift). SE will have wider seats, four-spoke steering wheel, piano-black trim, and black dials background.

When I was looking for my W204, I had to agree that the lower Sport and AMG-Line models with the large wheels and spoiler kit were much more aesthetically attractive; but still I persisted and searched for an SE due to the higher and softer ride - my boy racer days are long gone...

 

[Deleted member 11979]

I’d avoid the AMG trim as I think it’s a bit naff really.

I get that I’m in a minority and it’s each to their own, but I’d feel a fraud driving an AMG trim car with the low powered engine.

 

[Darrell]

 

[stubax]

I think you'll also find that the SE has comfort suspension, the sport has lowered comfort suspension, and the AMG trim has harder lowered suspension, thus the AMG trim will give a harder ride.