W212 Suspension

[bmoster]

Am about to order an E350 Cdi Avantgarde saloon. It will be a pre facelift version hence excellent deal. Correct if I am wrong but I believe that he AG comes with the same suspension as the Sport albeit on 17" wheels as opposed to 18s. Is it worth opting for the comfort suspension. I do not think that the Sports suspension is too firm but to me ride comfort is important. My only concern with the comfort suspension is that it will be too wallowy going round corners.

Does anyone have any experience of which is the best choice

Thanks

 

[sinewave]

Sport suspension is firmer and better damped.

IMHO it's still too soft and wallowey in Sport spec, so I for one would certainly steer clear of AG suspension.

Best thing is to test drive both and see what suits U Sir!

 

[The Boss]

i have air suspension and on 19"

i had 18"...

i will say this, prob in conflict with everyone else, that the 19" when running on the sports springs is so much more comfortable than 18"

i would expect the 19 to have been worse, but they really arent.

go for the sports set up, and i think you will be fine.

i have simply surprised myself at how nice the 19" feel.. big improvement on feel compared to the 18".. do my butt cheeks need a reassessment? maybe lol

good luck

 

[sinewave]

Agree!

I actually jacked off the standard Sport spec suspension for H&R Coilovers/springs and had the rear Air SLS lowered too.

I also swapped out the std 18" for 19" and still don't think it's taught enough, although that's more to do with it being a Big Bus more that anything else.

Can't see anyone this side of a State Pension or with a Medical Back issue finding a std Sport too stiff!

 

[st13phil]

Is it worth opting for the comfort suspension. I do not think that the Sports suspension is too firm but to me ride comfort is important. My only concern with the comfort suspension is that it will be too wallowy going round corners.

I've driven the SE and the Sport, and own an Avantgarde.

In my opinion the Avantgarde is the best compromise of ride comfort and driving dynamics, but as you've noted the Sport isn't harsh or crashy either. The comfort suspension (as fitted to the SE) is definitely prone to wallow if pressing on and spoils the car in my view.

FWIW, during the winter I run my Avantgarde on 16-inch wheels and the ride is definitely more compliant on those than on the 17's, so if you do stick with the standard Avantgarde suspension but at a later date want to soften it up a bit you could always fit a set of 16-inch wheels and tyres.

 

[developer]

If you're speccing the car, Airmatic is ace. Comfort can be floaty and Sport II is firm and engaging (albeit it's not a Caterham). I use Sport I most of the time and it's a good balance.