Ride quality at speed??? w203

[Bussel]

Hey all,

I have a question about my W203 C270 cdi Avantgarde - the ride is quite firm but generally good until I go over 60 mph where it can get a little unsettled unless the road is very smooth (not many of those about). I am wondering if there I should be checking bushes/shocks etc or if this is expected due to the firmer suspension of the Avantgarde spec?

I only noticed how bad it was when I had a Ford Galaxy taxi take me to the airport the other day and it seemed much better on the road than my MB. My previous W124 was super smooth!

Your thoughts appreciated.

 

[Coggers]

Do you have standard wheels? It can make a huge difference with aftermarket alloys.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The car should be fine above 60 mph. Get a wheel alignment check and ask that they have a good look around beneath the car for worn bushes and thee like.

You could try a free health check at a main dealer, just be prepared to say thank you and walk away if they have a long list of items.

 

[Agwarn]

You can't rule out broken springs either, replaced all 4 on my 203 now!

 

[BlackC55]

Also tyre type and tread pattern is a factor.

 

[Bussel]

Thanks for suggestions, I have had the alignment sorted, the front tow was way out but haven't taken it out of town yet to check. The garage were surprised that the rears were set up perfectly so that saved some money. The wheels and suspension are standard on my car 205/55/16 front and 225/50/16 on the rear, all tyres are nearly new.

To check the springs is it just a case of visually inspecting them?? Next time I am under it I will check the bushes as I have heard that these are prone to wearing.

Question 2 - would you recommend fitting upgraded bushes??

Many thanks

 

[Dieselman]

Thanks for suggestions, I have had the alignment sorted, the front tow was way out but haven't taken it out of town yet to check.

What do you mean by "unsettled"?
If it's that the steering needs constant input then that is probably due to the toe being incorrect (especially if it was toe-ing out), but wouldn't is be better to try the car and see if it's fixed now that has been corrected, rather than creating a conjecture thread?

 

[Bussel]

Sorted

Many thanks for all the advice, the tow out had made it far worse on the road, a great improvement in ride quality now, and much easier to direct the car at speed. Also much better fuel consumption since the tweek.

It is still a little rough over bumps on the motorway but I think that is to do with the harder suspension set-up than my previous car (Peugeot)

 

[Bussel]

What do you mean by "unsettled"?
If it's that the steering needs constant input then that is probably due to the toe being incorrect (especially if it was toe-ing out), but wouldn't is be better to try the car and see if it's fixed now that has been corrected, rather than creating a conjecture thread?

Hey Dieselman, car is sorted now and you are right that I should have tried the car before posting again. I have officially been "told" and will learn my lesson about accepted quintette expected on internet forums, and will consider what I post in future.

Many apologies

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Many thanks for all the advice, the tow out had made it far worse on the road, a great improvement in ride quality now, and much easier to direct the car at speed. Also much better fuel consumption since the tweek.

It is still a little rough over bumps on the motorway but I think that is to do with the harder suspension set-up than my previous car (Peugeot)

Good news. Glad it's sorted

 

[Dieselman]

Not today thanks. Try next door...

 

[Dieselman]

Hey Dieselman, car is sorted now and you are right that I should have tried the car before posting again. I have officially been "told" and will learn my lesson about accepted quintette expected on internet forums, and will consider what I post in future.

Many apologies

Sorry about that, but on this forum we go on and on until we disappear up our own backsides if there is a hint of a theoretical thread.

 

[Rory]

I've commented on here a few times that I've always felt mine was unsettled - it just doesn't feel 'planted' on the road unless driving at very high speed or the road is very wet. I can only guess that this weights everything up and the car sort of hunkers down.

I had the alignment done at WIM -Tony said it was pretty good apart from a lot of front toe-in which was equal on both sides, as if it had been done on purpose. This is a well known trick fro improving striaght line stability.

 

[alladdin]

mine is certainly skittish on the rear, i feel it noticeably jump about over rough tarmac. when i get time i will have a good inspection and report back.

 

[Bussel]

Finally sorted

Having had everything checked twice, the lumpy ride was down to a mis-seated tyre. Much better now