[Zanity]

So I had the privilege of taking a new C43 AMG for a 2 day business trip from Vancouver BC to Seattle and back. I have to say, I've never driven a car that felt it had a steel rod for suspension. I remember people complain about BMW F series going soft, after this, gawd I'm greatful, for a 10% drop of handling, it gained 50% daily drivability! I couldn't believe it can be back breaking to go over the reflective lane marker when changing lanes in any modern car. Half way during the trip, rattle started from the dash, also, after I hit a pot hole, which wasn't that deep, the sat nav screen died for the rest of the trip, this is a new merc mind you, surprising the car hasn't shatter itself to pieces. Also, I have suspension set to softest! Made no difference. This experience made me appreciate my bmw. The engineers really knew what they were doing, unlike the ones at merc. I encourage you all to drive a C43 AMG and feel the horrendous mess yourself. The magnificent power, the intoxicating noise, all forgotten after a 4 hour spine disintegration. I couldn't wait for it to end. You would think AMGs are known for being great long distance cruisers... not the case with this one that's for sure.

[upsidedownfunnel]

Yeah I've heard the car is stiff even in Comfort modes. The problem with adaptive suspension is that on "cheaper" cars (sub $80k) they only adjust the dampers. The springs and sway bars are fixed. With the exception of Magnetic Ride Control, most adaptive dampers on cars like the 3 series or C class are pretty basic. If they start with a baseline firm suspension and beefy sways, there's not much that adjusting the dampers will do.

That said, I'm sure it's much more fun on twisties. I think the F30 with M Sport suspension has an unacceptable amount of body roll.

[Zanity]

I found out why the sat nav shut off permanently and wouldn't turn on. When the car hit the pot hole, it jolted so hard, the roller volume knob on the center console pushed itself down, which disables all sat nav, telephone, media, radio. I pushed every button possible on the dash, NAV, media, radio etc, every steering wheel button, nothing turned the screen on. Only if you press the roller knob again, can you turn the system on again. I don't know who smoked what to design it this way, in our BMWs, if you press NAV, it means you want NAV, even if you turned off the screen. Anyway, I would never buy a C43, the road noise was like in an airplane the whole trip too. I should have flown down instead, I would still have a spine.

[5ilver-5amurai]

The C43 is effectively a blunt axe, whereas the F3x is pretty much a scalpel. Both really effective at doing what they do best, but not very effective in eachothers shoes.

[kingmonkey8]

You would need to compare the C43 with the MSport suspension with same size wheels. The MSport suspension is not uncomfortable but can be crashy over bigger pot holes.

On my car occasionally over a bigger bump the sat nav sometimes goes pixelated. The map is still there but the labels go pixelated. But I think that maybe to do with the harddrive on my unit as it never happened on my previous car.

[Wolfus Aurelius]

Zanity, I don't know what Vancouver's streets are like, but if you drove that C43 down here in Da Swamp, your spine and your pelvis would be complaining.

I had thought BMWs were going to be the way you describe the C43. Very pleased I am to find that mine is not.

[Zanity]

Originally Posted by kingmonkey8

You would need to compare the C43 with the MSport suspension with same size wheels. The MSport suspension is not uncomfortable but can be crashy over bigger pot holes.

On my car occasionally over a bigger bump the sat nav sometimes goes pixelated. The map is still there but the labels go pixelated. But I think that maybe to do with the harddrive on my unit as it never happened on my previous car.

Yes for sure, compare apple to apples. I've driven 340i with adaptive suspension on 19" and ride in M2 as well, BMW adaptive was very compliant and comfortable in the comfort setting, not sure why merc even put in adjustable dampers when it makes zero difference. M2 was stiff obviously but still no where near as bad as the C43 I drove.

For that kind of money on a car, I would expect some level of drivability.

[NYG]

The current get E43 and E63 are pretty decent with stock tires but they're both garbage compared to a M550 and the M5. My 2011 or 2012 63 was such an enormous piece of shit. I do like the new E63s, especially the interior but I'm still ending up ordering the M5C. It may not be true but I see AMG as a downgrade from M.

[Zanity]

I have to say that the current gen merc has the superior exterior and interior styling compare to BMWs, but other than that, bimmers win hands down on everything else.

[MmmmmM2]

I agree with Zanity on what he said.

My plan was to wait until the lease was up on my IS350 (March 2020) and then get either a new 340i, an AMG C43 or Audi S4.

Things happened and I ended up with my F30 ZHP.

That being said, I'm glad to hear about the problems the AMG had. I would have hated to get one and be faced with those issues.

[Zanity]

So a friend of mine got a C63s AMG recently, I told her my experience and said I would never get one of these. She said she bought it because it's pretty, but now it feels like she drives over a dead body every few minutes lol.

[kingmonkey8]

Originally Posted by Zanity

Yes for sure, compare apple to apples. I've driven 340i with adaptive suspension on 19" and ride in M2 as well, BMW adaptive was very compliant and comfortable in the comfort setting, not sure why merc even put in adjustable dampers when it makes zero difference. M2 was stiff obviously but still no where near as bad as the C43 I drove.

For that kind of money on a car, I would expect some level of drivability.

Read some reviews for the C43 and they do say the ride is too firm.
I've driven the M2 and and it did feel firmer than the MSport but not overly firm. Wouldn't want it any firmer than that.
MSport is not too bad but probably needs to be a bit more compliant over the bigger bumps.
Drove a 2 series Msport and was suprised on the ride. Don't know whether it was the lighter car or smaller wheels but seemed to soak up bumps better than the F32 MSport.
Adaptive rides nice in comfort, but can feel slightly wallowy on some road undulations. But for everyday driving is probably the better option especially on UK roads.
Would be hugely disappointed if I bought a C43 and couldn't live with it everyday.

[PGJ328i]

My parents are both Mercedes people. My mom has their SUV and my dad has the little two-seat convertible. Both are beautiful cars and very luxurious...but dang they are no fun to drive. I’ll take a 3 or 5 series over a Mercedes any day. Merceds just drive like tanks. A big disappointment was the BMW X3 SUV. They really dropped the ball on this line of vehicles. BMW SUVs are sterile, bland and uninspiring. My wife wanted a SUV so we looked at the X3 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Man, no comparison. The Jeep is amazing. Even better than my mom’s Mercedes SUV.

[PGJ328i]

Originally Posted by Zanity

I have to say that the current gen merc has the superior exterior and interior styling compare to BMWs, but other than that, bimmers win hands down on everything else.

I agree, Mercedes really knocked it out of the park on styling. BMW is on the verge of looking like every Japanese car. Don’t really have a signature look anymore.

[Zanity]

Originally Posted by PGJ328i

My wife wanted a SUV so we looked at the X3 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Man, no comparison. The Jeep is amazing. Even better than my mom’s Mercedes SUV.

Careful about the Jeep though, I had 2 friends who got it new and loved it until the endless problems that started just under a year, Jeep is one of the most unreliable cars right up there with Fiat/Chrysler group.

[PGJ328i]

Originally Posted by Zanity

Careful about the Jeep though, I had 2 friends who got it new and loved it until the endless problems that started just under a year, Jeep is one of the most unreliable cars right up there with Fiat/Chrysler group.

Nah, I’ve owned 3 Wranglers, a Cherokee and two Grand Cherokees over the years. All have been bulletproof. The biggest POS I very owned was a 94 Camero. Bought it new. What a turd that was.

[jmg]

Much like the M240i or the upcoming M340i, the AMG C43 is AMG enhanced, but not a true AMG car. The C63 has a handcrafted AMG engine and is more upscale with more power etc. The C43 competes with the 340 and 440i so I wouldn't be too surprised that its not miles above the 340 and 440i.

[Zanity]

Originally Posted by jmg

Much like the M240i or the upcoming M340i, the AMG C43 is AMG enhanced, but not a true AMG car. The C63 has a handcrafted AMG engine and is more upscale with more power etc. The C43 competes with the 340 and 440i so I wouldn't be too surprised that its not miles above the 340 and 440i.

In that case, there is no comparison, any F30 or F32 with adaptive or the standard suspension rides a thousand times better than the C43. I would dismiss the merc on this alone. What's the point of looking beautiful inside and out when it beats you to a pulp on every drive.

[DieselSport]

I use to own a 2016 Mercedes E250 diesel , and once had a C 300 coupe as loaner and it was unbarable to drive, so i can only imagine how stiff the 43 would. Mercedes brand really starts with the E class , the C is an abomination.

[Zanity]

Originally Posted by DieselSport

Mercedes brand really starts with the E class , the C is an abomination.

I agree, same thing with the CLA, its just poorly built inside and out. But what about the new A Class ? I read they based the interior on the S Class, wonder if they based the quality on it too, instead of just looks.

[DieselSport]

Originally Posted by PGJ328i

I agree, Mercedes really knocked it out of the park on styling. BMW is on the verge of looking like every Japanese car. Don’t really have a signature look anymore.

.

Coming from a 2012 E class , than a 2016 E class diesel , i have to say i left the Mercedes market because i do not think the 2019 C or E class look masculine. Especially the E class , they rounded all the sharp edges and just looks too soft to me. And also, no more diesel engine Howver , starting with the CLS and upward , Mercedes interior design and build quality is unmatched. The S class even has Swavorski crystals as headlights.

But i feel in the $50,000 and less price range , BMW has far more superior vehicles.

I did see the new 850i on the highway the other day , and if any car has a chance against the S class coupe , it is that one. Words cant describe how nice it was.

[Zanity]

Originally Posted by DieselSport

I did see the new 850i on the highway the other day , and if any car has a chance against the S class coupe , it is that one. Words cant describe how nice it was.

I saw a M850i too, I hope the next 4 series looks like a mini version of that, then I'll upgrade for sure.