Ride quality C320CDI (2006) with sports suspension

[rewind_monkey]

Hello,

I am thinking of buying a 2006 C320CDI Avantgarde SE with sports suspension and I was wondering whether a) it is possible to buy it without sports suspension (all advertised models seem to have it fitted) b) does it ruin the ride quality.

Has anyone got one of these cars or had experience with it?

I currently have an Accord Sport GT with sports suspension and the ride quality is pretty bad on bumpy roads and I want to replace it with something that is a little less harsh.

 

[television]

Hello and welcome to the forum. We have many 203 members here and you should get some replies soon

 

[whitenemesis]

I would recommend test driving both the Avantgarde and the Elegance and see which you prefer. The Avantgarde has lowered stiffer suspension even without the Sport option, which is then even stiffer, plus they normally come with lower profile tires which makes it firmer still.
The Elegance has a "comfort" spec suspension but you may find it wallows in corners.

It really is very much personal preference! Happy hunting

 

[rewind_monkey]

whitenemesis,

I see that you have an Avantgarde, are you happy with yours? What do your passengers make of the ride quality?

 

[whitenemesis]

I love it

It is a bit choppy and can be crashy over bad surfaces but I can live with that given the great handling.

Passengers are complimentary. I always try and avoid potholes, drain covers and the like, especially in towns at crawling speed. On well surfaced roads it's a dream and the ride improves with speed.

My wife has commented that it can get a little uncomfortable when I am pushing on along B roads, mainly due to cornering speeds (the sport seats have very good side support) making her feel dizzy!

 

[moosehead]

I have exactly the same set up with my 2005 230 AG estate - sports pack with lowered / stiffened suspension and 17" low profile mixed tyres. It is extremely harsh and I would not go for the sport pack out of choice again. I have driven the new W204 in sport configuration and the ride is much more comfortable.

Agree with whitenemesis that handling is fantastic but around town with the state of our roads a complete nightmare. I've also struggled a bit with ground clearance from time to time especially over speed ramps and non-tarmac surfaces. A std AG is probably a good compromise.

 

[merc-c]

I have recently gone from a C220 cdi Elegance
To a C 320 cdi Avantgarde SE with AMG pack.
The ride is harder but the handling is improved.
the ride is fine unless you are on very bad roads.
The ride is not as bad as a bmw 3 series sport.

 

[whitenemesis]

I have exactly the same set up with my 2005 230 AG estate - sports pack with lowered / stiffened suspension and 17" low profile mixed tyres. It is extremely harsh and I would not go for the sport pack out of choice again. I have driven the new W204 in sport configuration and the ride is much more comfortable.

Agree with whitenemesis that handling is fantastic but around town with the state of our roads a complete nightmare. I've also struggled a bit with ground clearance from time to time especially over speed ramps and non-tarmac surfaces. A std AG is probably a good compromise.

Agree totally, lowest part of the car is only ~3.5" above the road!

 

[wireman]

The recomended maximum height for speed ramps is 100mm (3 15/16 inches), beware if you only have 3.5 inches of ground clearance, you will not be able to claim for the inevitable damage.

 

[whitenemesis]

As it's a std offering from MB perhaps the height is 4". Either way its not just the height it's also the profile of these damn ramps. Worst are those pretending to be pedestrian "crossings". There are a couple round my way you would need an ML to get over with grounding!
The very sharp profiles of others must be taken at a crawl, my suspension does not move much but taken slightly too fast and "Donk" goes the heat sheild!! :???:

 

[Rory]

I love it

It is a bit choppy and can be crashy over bad surfaces but I can live with that given the great handling.

Passengers are complimentary. I always try and avoid potholes, drain covers and the like, especially in towns at crawling speed. On well surfaced roads it's a dream and the ride improves with speed.

Mine (same car but without Sport pack, and running on 16" wheels with reasonable profile tyres) is choppy and crashy too, and hitting drain covers etc is bordering on painful. I think the crashiness probably sounds worse in the estate.

 

[whitenemesis]

Mine (same car but without Sport pack, and running on 16" wheels with reasonable profile tyres) is choppy and crashy too, and hitting drain covers etc is bordering on painful. I think the crashiness probably sounds worse in the estate.

Yes, definately. Once you get a bit f weight in the back it does lessen somewhat.

 

[Rory]

Yes, definately. Once you get a bit f weight in the back it does lessen somewhat.

I'll take my kids to McDonalds.

 

[merc230e]

I drive a W203 c320 cdi avantagarde without optional sports suspension and the drive quality is fine, but sometimes feels a little high riding compared with a 3 series BMW. Cornering handling is ok but a 3 series feels that it has a lower centre of gravity.

Happy with the standary suspension setup.

 

[rewind_monkey]

Thanks for your responses, everyone, I'm going to test drive a few C320CDIs at the weekend, although I'm struggling to find one near me without the sports suspension for a comparison