We own two 190 E’s both built in 1983, one in June and one in October. The first car is a standard 2 litre automatic with 110.000 km . Whereas the second car was tuned by AMG for 160 BHP by enlarging it to 2.3 litres; it is a manual with 230.000 km. What we would like to know is: why does the standard 190E drive much more smoothly and effortlessly than the AMG tuned one, which seems to work much harder and does not glide as easily and refinedly as the regular one. There is a considerable difference of behaviour between the two. Especially since the suspension has not been touched. Both cars have been in our family since day one.
It is a puzzle to us why the standard car floats like on air and the tuned car behaves so much more cumbersome and heavily, it has been like this since we got them.
We thank you for any help.

Toby,
You mentioned two different effects of your 190s, one being cumbersome and the second, gliding. Did you buy the AMG converted car as is new or did you have AMG do the work? I ask this because if bought as is, then AMG may have applied a package system to the car which may have included shocks and springs. Do both cars have the same unladen ride height?

One thing to do is borrow calipers and measure the diameters of the coil springs, both front and rear. A small difference as .005-.007" makes a large difference in spring rate which effects handling or ride comfort. If the AMG auto has lower profile tires mounted, it also would be harsher riding but better response. Another question comes to mind, have both vehicles been the same since new or has one become more different lately as in worn shocks etc?

Overall, a car with an autmatic transmission will 'glide' better than a manual car because of the direct engine braking effects and what gear you are in. The manual car is what some drivers like because of the closer feel of the road and car, with driver input.

The two cars you own are like comparing apples to oranges and not apples to apples. One is for the days you feel aggresive while the other is for church going etc!! Enjoy the best of each ones' traits!!

TobiasMB
4 MBs

Thank you for your quick reply.
We bouhgt the car new and then let AMG do the specified conversion. Looking at the bill there is no mention of changing the suspension. Nor is there in the Original Mercedes contract.And yes they have the same ride height and low profile 205 tyres.
We think that your explanation of the autobox being more smoother makes a lot of sense.

thank you again.

Toby