C280/ C36 / C43 suspension

Hello,

I own a 96 C280 and wanted to find out if anyone knows the differences between a stock C class and the AMG versions.

I would like to know if the parts are interchangable or if the physical mounting points for the AMG gear is different. Also are the components manufactured by AMG or just spec'd?

My goal would be to get a sportier ride but maintain a MB feel.
I've gone the H&R springs and Bilstien Heavy Duty shocks route on my old BMW and it was a hard ride but fun to drive.

So if any C43 or C36 owners have comments on the ride stiffness or know about which components are changed and to what I would apreciate it.

My non factory option could be, Bilstien HD shocks, upper tower brace bar and thicker cross brace bars in the front and rear.. I'm afraid of changing the springs as I believe they cause the harsh ride.

[BongC36]

The C36 suspension is taut and somewhat stiff. The shocks are of the special 'digressive' type and of course the mags are 17x7.5 front and 17X8.5 rears.

If the road conditions in your area are not so smooth then beware of the C36 system. I myself am contemplating fitting 16's rather than the stock 17's to soften the ride a little.

[c43amg]

The C43 suspension is probably the stiffest of all the AMG cars -- fine for the driver, but not much fun for passengers on long trips. I found that ride improved somewhat in switching from Michelin Pilot Sports to Sumitomo ZR-IIs.

I suspect that you would spend a lot of $$ in trying to switch a C280 to AMG suspension specs and you'd still have only a C280 -- why not just go ahead and trade up for a C36 and get the real AMG engine, brakes, exhaust, etc. instead of pouring $$ into the C280 that you'd never get back. C36s are available now down around $20M.

[jjrodger]

As I understand it, there are 5 different suspensions available for the W202. These are:

stock suspension (as fitted to "Classic" and "Elegance" vehicles in Europe and all non-"Sport" vehicles in the US);
lowered suspension (as fitted to "Esprit" vehicles in Europe);
sports suspension (as fitted to "Sport" vehicles in Europe and the US);

C36 AMG suspension; and
C43 AMG suspension.

In the US, the C280 was available in "Sport" guise and will have sports suspension. This is one possible upgrade path available for you that will not be even nearly as expensive as the AMG route; nor will the suspension be quite so stiff.

My car has the AMG 17" wheels and is a "Sport" model with sports suspension. The ride is a very pleasing compromise; I have never had complaints from passengers.

I previously owned a W202 with 16" six hole wheels and sports suspension. This, too, was a good compromise, although I prefer the crisper feel available with 17" wheels.

Your car being a 1996 probably needs new shocks anyway, so now is the time to upgrade. Blackmercedes (who contributes elsewhere on this forum) has upgraded his C230 to AMG suspension and thought the result well worthwhile.