[Der_Benz]

Dearl all.

I've been sitting in a taxi today, in a combined gas/benzin B170 version (2009 model). The car had 210 000 km and was extremely silent in comparsion to the Diesel version I have. Amazing, the change between gas and benzin is done via selecting a button during driving without any problem. Very smooth transition. The taxi driver told me that he never had a severe problem with the car, and I had the feeling that it could still do another 100 000 km.

Anyway, the second point that was amazing was the chassis suspension: it was very 'soft' such that you couldn't hear almost any noise when driving above irregularities on the road. The taxi driver told me that he has the 'Standard' chassis version. I have the 'Sport package' and hear every 'bump' of the street.

Question

Can I change from the 'Sports' version to the 'Standard' one? What must be done and how much would it cost? Do you have an idea? Can I still use my 17'' wheels?

Thanks in advance for some comments.

Cheers.

 

[guenter]

.?? Gas=benzin ! What's to switch

 

[Mike Tee]

LPG and gasoline.

You could switch the suspension back to a non-sport version, but the ride is still poor compared to older French cars I have owned. Since you are in Europe, may I recommend a Citroen C5 with hydractive suspension?

 

[Der_Benz]

LPG and gasoline.

Yep, I meant LPG and gasoline.

You could switch the suspension back to a non-sport version, but the ride is still poor compared to older French cars I have owned.

Well, in the taxi I found it quite reasonable. What do you have to change in detail? Is it much to change?

Since you are in Europe, may I recommend a Citroen C5 with hydractive suspension?

Hehe ...

 

[DEVOURS]

1...Change the 4 shocks and springs ...back to non sport equipment...

2...Change the tires and wheels to 205/55/16"...

3...Adjust the tire pressure to 29 PSI.(~ 2.0 BAR)..

To make it quieter...Get every piece of underhood and underbody insulation that is available for this B Class.

This would certainly get you closer to a softer and quieter ride...:thumbsup:

 

[pfsantos]

DEVOURS, don't remember what the tire pressure placard says, but 29PSI seems too low. I never sacrifice handling/safety for comfort, that's just me though.

OP, if you really feel it's worth it, and like and have experience working on cars, I'd find a low km 'B in a junkyard or find strut assemblies used. If you get the strut/springs/mounts together (assembled), you don't need to mess with a spring compressor and just unbolt the the strut assembly from the top of the shock tower (4 nuts usually), and the bottom strut to spindle bolts/nuts. Don't forget any clips holding brake hoses or speed sensor wiring. DO NOT LOOSEN/REMOVE THE NUT AT THE TOP of the strut in the center. If you have someone do the job, it's not too bad at all to do.

And yes, the tire/wheel size combination is part of the equation when it comes to comfort/sport/handling.

 

[vanctour]

To OP,

If you like the softer ride, you have to sacrifice the sportier (slightly more responsive nature of the "sport" suspension. However, having driven both, there is next to no difference in the sound from either suspension. Most of the noise and harshness is from the lower profile tires. Perhaps just keep your suspension, and swap out your wheels for 16 inch with larger profile tires. If your suspension is making more noise, then perhaps you have to look at strut mounts or a leak or decompression of one or more of your shocks.

The sport suspension should give you a firmer, slightly harsher ride, but there should be very little difference in noise. It is most likely the more rubber and air cushioning in the tires. Also, at 210,000kms the taxi likely doesn't have the original continental tires that just get louder with age. He has likely changed those out and gone with something softer and more fuel efficient (like most taxis use). Helps generate more $.

 

[Der_Benz]

Thanks

I can't belive that most is due to the size of the wheels/tires. If this is indeed the case (e.g. use of larger profile tires for 'silencing' the car) then I have to see - it's true that on a perfect street or on the highway the feeling (stability, precision, etc.) is just great with the 17 inch wheels. BTW: I don't have 'old Continental tires' I have new Michelin Primacy HP ones, on all 4 sides.

Well, with respect to the suspension I cannot do all the work proposed in the last messages, a garage has to do the job for me. I have a very good one and think that they are capable of doing this. What would that cost?

In any case, many thanks for all this info. :bowdown: With this, I do not feel that stupid when discussing it with the person of the garage. :baby bottle:

Cheers all. :beerchugr: