MBWorld.org Forums

Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Suspension Options

Next to the high-horsepowered engine, a vehicle's suspension is another crucial component to consider. Do you plan on taking your new C-Class to the track, or will you use it for daily, steady driving along curvy mountain roads? Thankfully, the w205 has several suspension packages to cater your driving needs.

By Weston Chadwick - June 16, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class w205 (2014-Present).

Mercedes-Benz has given drivers an ample choice with this iteration of the w205 C-Class. Not only do these models come off the line with AGILITY SELECT and its five-standard driving modes, but there are also three different suspension packages to choose from that will better suit your driving preferences. These three options are:

  • Luxury package (comfort suspension)
  • Sport-Tuned suspension package
  • AIRMATIC suspension package

The Luxury package is designed more for casual drivers who want their C-Class' suspension to absorb bumps and curves on the road. The comfort suspension incorporates softer spring rates and shock damping to reduce road feedback for the driver. The Sport-Tuned suspension package does just the opposite, increasing spring rate stiffness and shock damping for better handling. Vehicle body movement will be lessened in order to give the driver a more responsive feeling with the road. The ride height is also lowered about 15mm, providing better aerodynamics at higher speeds. The AIRMATIC package is an adjustable air ride suspension that comes without standard steel springs found in the other packages. AIRMATIC has three modes that work in conjunction with AGILITY SELECT to raise and lower the vehicle's ride height. As you drive, the air suspension is finely tuned by the C-Class' on-board computer system for enhanced comfort and stability. The system also has an automatic leveling feature, keeping the vehicle's weight equally distributed between all four wheels.

Component Breakdown

The w205's advanced suspension configuration is specifically designed to absorb all road conditions, giving the driver a smoother and safer feel with tighter handling. The system also allows for optimal weight distribution and caters to different driving styles. All C300 and C400 models come standard with a steel suspension setup.

Figure 1. Standard makeup of the w205 C-Class steel suspension.

Luxury Package (Comfort Suspension)

The comfort suspension is designed specifically with tuned springs and shocks that soften the vehicle's ride. When activated through AGILITY SELECT, the engine's ECO Start/Stop function increases fuel economy by shutting off when coming to a stop, the steering as well as suspension adjusts to dampen the uneven or curvy roads, and the climate control setting will well-circulate the vehicle's interior to provide optimal cabin temperatures. The vehicle's ride height is also raised to provide more up and down travel of the vehicle body, enhancing the bump absorption effect. Drivers may choose this package over the Sport-Tuned package for its lighter steering and gentler suspension.

Figure 2. AGILITY SELECT comfort mode option.

Sport-Tuned Suspension Package

This suspension package is noted for having more responsive handling and steering. The vehicle's ride height is lowered 15mm, increasing aerodynamics at high speeds and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity for improved weight distribution. Drivers choose a Sport-Tuned suspension over the Luxury package for its sensitivity to the road, and firmness that activates lowered body sway on tight corners.

Figure 3. Sport-Tuned suspension with steel springs.

AIRMATIC Suspension Package

The C-Class' AIRMATIC suspension brings the best of both worlds to the driver at an option price of about $1,000. The system is able to automatically adjust the amount of air compressed inside the bellows (in lieu of steel springs), optimizing an adjustable damping suspension (ADS) system. The AIRMATIC package includes three unique modes: raised, normal, and lowered. The raised mode can be manually controlled to add an additional 30mm of ride height, while the lowered mode brings the ride height down 15mm from normal.

  • Figure 4. Inside view of the AIRMATIC ADS suspension.
  • Figure 5. Full view of the AIRMATIC steering and suspension system.

Common Questions

How Does the AGILITY SELECT Feature Work With the AIRMATIC Suspension?

AGILITY SELECT comes as a standard feature in all w205 models with either air or steel spring suspension setups. With AIRMATIC equipped, the five basic AGILITY SELECT modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual) allow the vehicle's ride height to be adjusted.

(Related Article: AGILITY SELECT Modes - MBWorld.org)

How Do I Order My Suspension Package?

Mercedes-Benz uses a build or order sheet for your w205's VIN, listing all of your chosen options. The options have numbers beside them to make build sheets easier to organize.

  • The Luxury suspension package number is 485.
  • The Sport-Tuned suspension package number is 486.

A number of owners have commented on how their w205s were ordered with the Sport-Tuned package, but the car was instead shipped with the 485 Luxury suspension package. This issue may now be resolved, but when ordering online or at the dealership, be sure to clearly list your desired package number in your build sheet.

Figure 6. Example build sheet for C-Class purchase.

When My Warranty Expires, How Much Will It Cost For AIRMATIC Suspension Repair?

The exact amount cannot be determined, but repair costs are higher with this system—compared to the steel spring system—in the event of a major suspension and steering failure. More complex components are used to make this suspension function, such as an air compressor, hoses, and valves.

Related Discussions, and Video