To be honest, I like the C36 more than the MX-5 even thought the split in terms of usage is like 60/40. I wrote more about C36 than I did with MX-5. MX-5 is a fantastic car but it seems to me that I always have more materials on the C36.
I did a follow-up suspension adjustment right after return from the Kyoto trip last Saturday (November 25th). The rear ride height was lifted half an inch to its original height while the front was kept low. I like the steering feel and quick turn-in by lowering the ride height by half an inch in the front. So no change in the front. By lowering the ride height both front and rear the cambers were also increased, more in rear than in front, visually speaking.
In my previous report I have told what I found in the handling and ride. However after a few weeks I found that the rear was way too grippy and stable, and refused to self steer under load, therefore lessening the front wheel cornering load. The result was a tight and a nervous handling that constantly needs adjustment, especially when cornering in an inconsistently cambered road surface. And despite the additional grip and decisive turn-in the front would always want to understeer and behave slightly weird under steering load because the rear failed to give and passively steer. Simply there was way too much grip in the back due to lower ride height, lower CG, and increased camber. So I had been thinking of going back to where it was before where it felt very nice.
After changing the rear spring pads I was a bit nervous about it. Fortunately the C36 still looked level despite the higher ride height on rear wheels. One can tell the tire to wheel arch distance was different between front to back now but not easy to tell if viewed from a distance. The rear seemed to work with the front in harmony and the consistence was back. Basically I got what I want after only a trial and error. Not so bad, dude, and I lost the nervousness and tight handling characteristics I do not wish to find on any Mercedes.
The C36 runs fine as usual. Its ability to steer in tight space and make 2-point turn (instead of 3-point) in narrowly two-lane with small turning circle still amazes me today as it were the first day I laid my hands on the W202. It is a kind of car that I will leave it on a busy or quiet street (Mongkok, sidewalks or whatever) for a few hours or whole day without worrying a bit. I did that a lot now and it seemed to provided the added sense of freedom (of not worrying). I wonder if I will behave the same if I run a more expensive car.
Of course the ride could be better but I am not complaining. It is now and has always been too springy for me, as if the car is slightly under-dampened. It is not the best and will pale in comparison to the modern Bimmers and Mercs. The magic is that it works for me and is liveable as a means for A-to-B transport and daily commuting. I had bad experience when I was not happy in a big way with a much more expensive and overall better cars. But not this C36, as I don't love it nor hate it but like it a little. What am I looking at now for the future? A black 2003 E55 AMG...and it came with a pair of air twisters. However it is something that could not be traded with my pocket changes. So I will leave the idea at that.
