Team-BHP - Benz W210 Pre 2000 suspension vs post 2000

Hello, I recently traded my '98 W210 E250 for the 2000 W210 E220 CDI. Hence the comparison...

Are there major changes in the suspension setup between the upgrade? I find the ride much firmer/harder on the 2000 E220 CDI compared to the '98 E250. Is this normal or is there somehting amiss with the car I purchased?

Also, the E220 CDI has Good Year tyres (standard issue) and they are exptremely 'noisy'! Slapping sound when crossing road strips. Could the tyres be the reason for the harder ride quality?

Your opinions...Thanks in advance

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mohnish (Post 1132160)

Also, the E220 CDI has Good Year tyres (standard issue) and they are exptremely 'noisy'! Slapping sound when crossing road strips. Could the tyres be the reason for the harder ride quality?

Hi Mohnish,
The tyre does contribute a little to the drivability of a vehicle. More precisely the tread patterns. Does'nt make a difference whether you have a set of Goodyear tyres or MRF tyres. Also make sure your tyres are inflated to the right pressure. In any case just observe if the same tread pattern appears in other E220s.

With newer versions, it is most likely that the newer versions are faster than their ancestors. Naturally the suspension has to be fine tuned (made harder) for stability at high speeds. That could be a reason too for the difference you feel in your vehicle.
Cheers.
-Ilango

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilangop (Post 1139456)

...Also make sure your tyres are inflated to the right pressure. In any case just observe if the same tread pattern appears in other E220s....

I always keep the pressures a bit lower than recomended, its been a practice for over a decadde now to compensate for our road conditions. The size and tread is the same as other 220 cdi's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilangop (Post 1139456)

With newer versions, it is most likely that the newer versions are faster than their ancestors. Naturally the suspension has to be fine tuned (made harder) for stability at high speeds. That could be a reason too for the difference you feel in your vehicle.
Cheers.
-Ilango

This is exactly what I have come to conclude. Honestly, if I were to drive the older softer suspension with the increased bhp, it would not give the confidence in stability.

Thanks Ilango for your thoughts :thumbs up