[TODDW83]

hello all!

new to the forum here.

my wife and i have owned a 99 C280 sport for the last 5 years. awsome car!!! we just recently purchased a 99 E320 4Matic wagon. also awsome! a few months ago the ball joints went out on the front of the C280. i decided to have the tie rod assembly replaced along with the balls joint as it too had some play. i have an oportunity to drive both everyday and i am noticing some serious differences in steering. the E320 steers like im on a cloud while the C280 just isnt as solid, i think best describes it. in the C280, when i am in reverse with the wheels turned, it feels like the tires are dragging on the pavement. i dont think it needs an alignment, as this was done when i had the ball joints and tie rod replaced. again, the E320, smooth as butter. any ideas??? (i do have 17X8's on the C280 sport)

concerning the acceleration, the E320 is so smooth and powerful, while the C280 feels like a cheetah on crack! its so jumpy and inconsistant. ideas???

i realize that it might be a stretch to compare the C-class to the E-class. i just thought that engineered systems such as steering and acceleration smoothness would be consistant between the models.

thanks guys!
Todd

 

[jlomon]

They both use completely different steering systems. One has a rack and pinion system while the other uses recirculating ball. I think the rack/pinion is on the W210 but my memory is not 100% straight on that.

There are two other elements that might make the C steering less precise. The first is the steering shock, which the E does not have. It is designed to be replaced and is a $50 part that takes about 5 minutes to swap out. Second are the lower control arm bushings, which are a known weak point for this car - they wear prematurely and will contribute to that "wandering" feeling you are getting. The E class has hydralic bushings, which further contributes to that nice smooth feeling you noticed. The E is quite literally a different class of car from the C.

 

[TODDW83]

perfect!

i really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

thanks,
Todd