AMG Line E Class without upgraded all-round Air Suspension

[Petenshe]

Hello,
I’m looking at a used 2017 AMG Line EClass estate. It doesn’t have the upgraded all-round suspension. The reviews on utube say it’s a must as otherwise it can spoil the ride.
Does anybody have an opinion on whether this is true. I expect any car will feel more comfortable than my old one and Mercedes certainly have a reputation for comfort, however I won’t be able to test drive it due the the Covid19 virus.
Thank you

 

[Blobcat]

The standard suspension is very comfortable, especially with 17” wheels. The 20” AMG line alloys look nice but crack easily and do nothing for the comfort no matter what suspension you have.

 

[Petenshe]

Hmmm, that’s a pity. I like the car very much...it’s literally just the AMGline 19”alloys that are quite a drawback. Thank you

 

[Blobcat]

I’d look for an SE as they have real leather seats and 17” wheels. They’re also cheaper and if before March 2017 just £20 VED

 

[John Laidlaw]

I haven’t driven one but I can’t imagine 19s being that bad- I had 19s on my 212 and the ride was fine really

 

[sonic]

I have 18' on my 212 they are alright, but I do prefer the 17" winter wheels I have.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Don’t be put off by the 19in wheels the W213/S213 suspension is the best I’ve experienced since the W124 era MB have done a remarkable job. My son is running a W213 and it handles 20in wheels with ease so 19in shouldn’t be a problem 17in wheels must give a magic carpet ride

 

[EmilysDad]

but Pete's original question was steel vs air suspension not wheel size

 

[Blobcat]

but Pete's original question was steel vs air suspension not wheel size

I advised the standard suspension was very good...

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Points are still valid the ride on steel is as above. I have full airmatic on my 212 and can’t wait to get back to steel but this might not be possible as I fancy an E43 estate

 

[EmilysDad]

.... and can’t wait to get back to steel ...

Why's that?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Why's that?

Car drives ok but even in sport mode the suspension doesn’t feel planted. Don’t get me wrong airmatic does offer a very comfortable drive. Incidentally MB have improved the handling feel of airmatic on the E43/E53 apparently but I haven’t tried one as yet

 

[EmilysDad]

Car drives ok but even in sport mode the suspension doesn’t feel planted. ....

But the car can hardly be described as a sports car .... if you wanted to go fast around corners, wouldn't you buy a sports car?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

But the car can hardly be described as a sports car .... if you wanted to go fast around corners, wouldn't you buy a sports car?

I think the disappointment for me with the 212 is that my 210 handled better but then again that’s more to do with McPherson struts on the 212 and the centre of gravity being slightly higher, the 213 handles more like the 210 and is a very surefooted platform - just my opinion of course if I could have I would have bought another 210 but ‘progress’ isn’t like that

 

[Janchee]

It does glideeeeeeee. I can’t fault it. With the 9 speed gearbox I’m so looking forward to a drive to South of France

Just don’t have run flats. I have the estate 2017 AMG estate with airmatic on the rear. 19” wheels ...

Previous owner fitted another set of run flats and they’ve still got 5mm left on them so not worth swapping just yet. Hit pothole and this cracked an alloy... I’ve got a feeling it’s damaged the tyre but there’s no telling with RFs.

 

[Blobcat]

It does glideeeeeeee. I can’t fault it. With the 9 speed gearbox I’m so looking forward to a drive to South of France

Just don’t have run flats. I have the estate 2017 AMG estate with airmatic on the rear. 19” wheels ...

Previous owner fitted another set of run flats and they’ve still got 5mm left on them so not worth swapping just yet. Hit pothole and this cracked an alloy... I’ve got a feeling it’s damaged the tyre but there’s no telling with RFs.

With that run I’d be going for 1,000 miles between fuel stops
I managed 925 in the Uk (65 ltr tank) but didn’t have it long enough to get the 1,000