Wednesday, September 05, 2007

AMG C36 Update - Suspension Bug


Yesterday I sent the car again to ML Motors to find out the source of "clunking" noise in the front suspension when the car was braked and was going over speed bumps. Finally they found out a worn spring pad and replaced it for free. After driving last evening and this morning, I would say the noise is now "largely" gone. Still there was a slight and much less frequent "clunk" that was far more acceptable, some time but not all the time I turn the steering at an extreme angle.

I have to give up Pak Lok for the moment because of proximity issue.
The ride has been very acceptable with the Bilstein B8 shock absorbers with original factory springs. Ride height is just right. Low enough for the look and high enough to clear curbs and slopes. My only complaint was that the steering is a bit weird when doing tight maneuver in the parking area. This goes away during normal driving. It seems a camber and caster angle issue.
I rejected for the moment an idea of more sporty springs from Eibach, H&R and Bilestein. I still value ride comfort far more about handling.
My front tires are due for replacement. Natural choice would be Michelin PS2. I am also thinking about more noisy and stiff Dunlop Z1 or the Vimode from Toyo, and perhaps Pirelli P-Zero Rosso. At the rear, the PS2 wears much slower and will remain.
4 months and 3'000 km after the last oil change, the car now feels sluggish. Fuel consumption has risen up in the last two tanks. However I did not pay attention for the low tire pressure lately until 3 days ago.
Let's see.