How hard is the ride on AMG cars?

[luckyfives]

Trying to get a feel on what these cars would be like to live with, all available between 10-15k these days.

Rate the following in ride hardness, with hardest top and softest bottom:

01-04 C32 AMG

98-02 E55 AMG

99-06 S55 AMG (not Limo/kompressor)

99-02 CLK55 AMG

All these cars have plenty of grunt which will keep me happy (probably the C32 more than any of them) but I envisage plenty of driving over bumpy country roads so it has to be able to soak up those bumps pretty well. I've heard the C32 ride is fairly stiff and also the CLK55 with low profile tyres, but both still better than an Audi or BMW.

Any feedback most welcome!

 

[Will]

I'd say, in order:

C32
CLK55
E55
S55

I think some models (eg the W210 E55) were available with adpative suspension, expensive to maintain when it goes wrong but that should help with you suspension concerns.

To be honest, MBs tend to ride better than Audi or BMWs, but they're not such 'focused' cars in terms of outright handling.

The S-class I would think would ride very well, but I have to admit that I've not actually been in an S55 so I am guessing on that one!

Will

 

[scumbag]

I know Maffs' CL65 was soft and smooth, having had the boneshaking ride that the SLK55AMG offered, his was a dream.

However, my previous SLK200 had the sport suspension and it was worse than the 55 as it didn't have enough wieght to make it compliant.

Not got myself in a BMW yet for comparison.

 

[machasm]

I would say that the AMGs I've owned have been harder than a non AMG but still exceptional smooth when compared to the opposition.
By the way I have mY C32 up for sale on PH as we speak.
Mac.

 

[IanA2]

My 60 is very comfortable.....

 

[Alps]

mine pretty comfortable, i thing the bigger you go the comfort factor increases!

 

[W210 Fan]

to be honest looking at what you have at the moment I would take a C32 out before buying one, its a supercharged V6 so it doesnt have that V8 power delivery you are used to, it could be an expensive mistake if you dont like it...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The C32 is probably a teeny bit stiffer than a non-AMG W203 C-Class, but is still a fairly soft ride compared to say an M3, or RS4.

With regards to power delivery, Autocar reported that the C32 felt like a big (6.0?) V8, but do bear in mind that was back in 2001. Big V8s have changed a lot since then, as they now tend to be revvier with power and torque at the top end, rather than low down.

 

[st4]

With regards to power delivery, Autocar reported that the C32 felt like a big (6.0?) V8, but do bear in mind that was back in 2001. Big V8s have changed a lot since then, as they now tend to be revvier with power and torque at the top end, rather than low down.

I remember the article, Steve Sutcliffe ran it for a year. He said it was an "automotive deception" as it felt "at least 400bhp strong".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GySSi4baNdg&feature=related

Sound better than any V8 IMO

 

[whitenemesis]

Just watch the combinations with low profile tyres, they will be much more "crashy" over poor roads.

Mine is not AMG but is lowered and stiffened with 17" rims (all from MB from new) and it gets quite jarring at speed over rough roads.

 

[mb240]

Mine is lowered a good bit, but the ride is fine. It's only really hassle on some of the the uneven rural roads we get over here. When driving in the UK, I have never come across a road that was noticeably rough .It's considerably different from the Avantgarde suspension, which is lower but still very smooth over bumps. The stiffer the shocks you put on will have a big effect as well.

The W210 has a wider track, and that in my memory as well means it can ride over rougher/poorly surfaced roads with more ease than my CLK.

Tyre choice will make a big difference on the ride IMHO. A change of tyres to a make that suits the weight of the car can have a remarkable effect on the ride, especially if you choose runflats. Very stiff side walls with high weight loading ratings (e.g., 94+) will defo increase rigidity.

(It's different for everyone though - I know people who have actually bought used Avantgarde spec E-Classes and had the suspension raised and softer shocks installed because they felt the ride was too rough).

If I was buying now, I would go for an S55, if I had the space to park it.

 

[luckyfives]

I'd say, in order:

C32
CLK55
E55
S55

Will

Thanks Will, would most people agree this is probably the right order?

The suspension in my HSV is a back breaker especially driving around in Sydney's roads, i bought it for the performance and handling (which it does really well) but my next car has to be comfort first and handling second. Which leads me to think maybe a facelift W210 E55 might be the right car, the S55's are so rare I'd be waiting forever for the one I want.

Or maybe i'm thinking about this all wrong and should just go for something like a CLK500 or S500?

 

[mb240]

Thanks Will, would most people agree this is probably the right order?

The suspension in my HSV is a back breaker especially driving around in Sydney's roads, i bought it for the performance and handling (which it does really well) but my next car has to be comfort first and handling second. Which leads me to think maybe a facelift W210 E55 might be the right car, the S55's are so rare I'd be waiting forever for the one I want.

Or maybe i'm thinking about this all wrong and should just go for something like a CLK500 or S500?

E55 - I do miss having 4 doors, that is the only problem with the CLK vs the C, E and S.