HSV Magnetic Ride Control - Good or Not??

[Ryzz]

Although a ton of people have showed off their new GTS's how much they love them, etc. No-one has really commented much on what they think of the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). So lets hear it.

Whats it like, does it make a big difference, is it worth the extra money for the GTS on top of the R8 considering its the only mechanical difference.

I'm really interested to hear peoples thoughts and experiences here.

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A DISCUSSION ON IF THE GTS IS WORTH THE MONEY, THE LACK OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GTS AND THE REST OF THE HSV RANGE. THIS IS FOR DISCUSSION OF MRC ONLY

[NickS]

Not having driven an R8 it's a bit hard to say, however ...

It rides better than any Holden I have ever driven, and that's on 20 inch wheels with low profile tyres. It handles better than any Holden I have ever driven, feels MUCH smaller than it really is.

I have driven BMW Coupes, BMW Sedans, Merc. Sedans, WRXs, hot hatches and lots of other things ... I reckon this car is more fun than all of them. The plan is to get it down to Wakefield and drag Mr FST60L along with me, then I'll be able to give you more of an idea.

So far ... I love it.

[OLS108]

anyone care to explain how it works ?
Cheers
Dave

[brentonsav]

this is how i understand mrc to work

the shocks contain fluid which is magnetic. when button is pressed on or off, the fluid has various levels of current passing through it, which then in turn changes the viscosity of the fluid and create a different feeling shock.

feel free to correct me though

[NickS]

Close ... the system isn't on or off, it is always on. It just has different levels being Luxury, Performance & Track.

The shocks have the fluid filled with metalic particles and a current runs through the fluid, the current can be altered making the shocks firmer when needed. The track setting is always firmer. There are sensors in each shock that can adjust the settings, they read the cars steering, braking, cornering forces every 100th of a second and adjust the suspension accordingly.

e.g. you hit the brakes, the front shocks get a current through them to firm them up, this stops the nose diving under brakes and reduces braking distances. Likewise you corner hard, the outside wheels are firmed up to stop body roll, you accelerate hard and the rear shocks are firmed up to stop the back dropping and the nose pionting up.

Basically the system constantly adjusts to keep the car flat ... that's my basic understanding of it anyway.

[OLS108]

Close ... the system isn't on or off, it is always on. It just has different levels being Luxury, Performance & Track.

The shocks have the fluid filled with metalic particles and a current runs through the fluid, the current can be altered making the shocks firmer when needed. The track setting is always firmer. There are sensors in each shock that can adjust the settings, they read the cars steering, braking, cornering forces every 100th of a second and adjust the suspension accordingly.

e.g. you hit the brakes, the front shocks get a current through them to firm them up, this stops the nose diving under brakes and reduces braking distances. Likewise you corner hard, the outside wheels are firmed up to stop body roll, you accelerate hard and the rear shocks are firmed up to stop the back dropping and the nose pionting up.

Basically the system constantly adjusts to keep the car flat ... that's my basic understanding of it anyway.

Sounds like a Great system, Thanks Nick.
Dave

[Snapper]

While on the MRC system. Do these shock absorbers have a life span? If so anyone know what it is? It may be a nasty surprise if they need replacing a couple of weeks out of warranty.

Just curious, because I am still buying one in April.

[jaykay]

Close ... the system isn't on or off, it is always on. It just has different levels being Luxury, Performance & Track.

The shocks have the fluid filled with metalic particles and a current runs through the fluid, the current can be altered making the shocks firmer when needed. The track setting is always firmer. There are sensors in each shock that can adjust the settings, they read the cars steering, braking, cornering forces every 100th of a second and adjust the suspension accordingly.

e.g. you hit the brakes, the front shocks get a current through them to firm them up, this stops the nose diving under brakes and reduces braking distances. Likewise you corner hard, the outside wheels are firmed up to stop body roll, you accelerate hard and the rear shocks are firmed up to stop the back dropping and the nose pionting up.

Basically the system constantly adjusts to keep the car flat ... that's my basic understanding of it anyway.
WTF is the Thanks button when you need it ??? :werd:

Great write up Nick... :teach:

JK

[AussieTone]

I also appreciated and understood the description in basic every day words.
Thanks

[clixanup]

e.g. you hit the brakes, the front shocks get a current through them to firm them up, this stops the nose diving under brakes and reduces braking distances.
Sounds good. How effective is it? If you were to jump on the brakes hard from speed, does it still nose-dive a bit? Or is it perfectly controlled at all times?

[mustanger]

While on the MRC system. Do these shock absorbers have a life span? If so anyone know what it is? It may be a nasty surprise if they need replacing a couple of weeks out of warranty.

Just curious, because I am still buying one in April.

They would not be cheap. Anyhow in three years it will be a good excuse to update. I can just see it now, " Sorry Dear ,I have to update because the shockers are stuffed"......He He He.:idea:

On the subject of ride, it is amazing. Just about everyone that has been in mine, comments on the ride.......Cheers John

[Senator05]

Sounds good. How effective is it? If you were to jump on the brakes hard from speed, does it still nose-dive a bit? Or is it perfectly controlled at all times?

I have only tested them once, as I don't have many opportunities to brake from speed, but on a clear main highway, I pushed the brakes hard but not 100% effort at 120 kmh and I was at a standstill before I knew it. I have to say that if there was nose-dive, it was minimal, but I was just blown away by how quickly the GTS stopped.

Track setting is really only suitable if you have a decent road, as any bumps and road irregularities can make it a bit of a bump and crash ride, particularly on crappy suburban streets. Give me a nice smooth piece of tarmac, like some of the better Adelaide Hills roads and "Track mode" is awesome.

[Knight Phlier]

The GTS has Track and Performance.
The Senator/Grange has Performance and Luxury.

Are the shocks different between the GTS and Senator or is it the current in the shock that allows for Luxury vs Track settings with MRC?

[NickS]

The GTS has Track and Performance.
The Senator/Grange has Performance and Luxury.

Are the shocks different between the GTS and Senator or is it the current in the shock that allows for Luxury vs Track settings with MRC?

Spot on for the first bit ... no idea for the second bit ... good question though. I suspect it's the same shocks with different settings but I'm not sure.

I have "tested" the brakes a few times, these brakes are better than anything I have ever used, including my Harrop Ultimates (sorry Harrop). The car stays extremelly stable, doesn't move around ... just stops. I will have to do it paying particular attention to the nose ...

I have watched my wife give it a bootful away from the house ... :love: :thumbsup: ... and can confirm that the car stays very flat under acceleration. I have watched many others give it a bootful away from my place (you know who you are ... :lol:) and the usual drop of the rear end isn't there on the GTS.

:D

[Veeate]

So how soon before MRC extends to the rest of the HSV range ?

Also wonder about suspension 'mods'. The usual route is 'better' springs, adjustable shocks , swaybays, nolethane bushes etc etc etc.

How long before suspension places bring out different 'tunes' for the MRC system ? Or how long before you can tune it yourself ? I know they have different settings at the moment (luxury , track etc) but how long before you can dial in different settings from front to rear etc ?

[!!COOKY!!]

The GTS has Track and Performance.
The Senator/Grange has Performance and Luxury.

Are the shocks different between the GTS and Senator or is it the current in the shock that allows for Luxury vs Track settings with MRC?


Same shocks, different settings.

[TLX]

HI All.

Took the VE GTS M6 out for it's first real run on weekend up towards Beechworth in Nth East Victoria where i live. The terrain is rolling with some fast corners and long straights.

Just wanted to POST that the MRC button is pure Genius. You can actually sense/feel in seconds the suspension dampening hardened when in TRACK mode and the whole car balance is alot stiffer, yet feels agile for such a big car of 1850kg. In normal setting the suspension works beautifully and you can fang it as hard as you like around fast corners.

Is it worth the extra $12k or so over an R8.......have to say yes. The brakes also are superb and looking forward to taking it for a spin around Winton. Gotta better a 1min 49sec i did in my VL Walkingshaw 5 years ago.

Cheers,

Tully

[VX_SS_II]

Close ... the system isn't on or off, it is always on. It just has different levels being Luxury, Performance & Track.

The shocks have the fluid filled with metalic particles and a current runs through the fluid, the current can be altered making the shocks firmer when needed. The track setting is always firmer. There are sensors in each shock that can adjust the settings, they read the cars steering, braking, cornering forces every 100th of a second and adjust the suspension accordingly.

e.g. you hit the brakes, the front shocks get a current through them to firm them up, this stops the nose diving under brakes and reduces braking distances. Likewise you corner hard, the outside wheels are firmed up to stop body roll, you accelerate hard and the rear shocks are firmed up to stop the back dropping and the nose pionting up.

Basically the system constantly adjusts to keep the car flat ... that's my basic understanding of it anyway.

Awesome post mate... Now i really want one!

As said earlier, where is the thanks button when you need it!!!

[The Nurse]

I have "tested" the brakes a few times, these brakes are better than anything I have ever used, including my Harrop Ultimates (sorry Harrop). The car stays extremelly stable, doesn't move around ... just stops. I will have to do it paying particular attention to the nose ...



Nick, so do you reckon, pound for pound, that fitted to the same car the HSV brakes beat the Harrops? Or do you think its a combo of the brakes/MRC/less weight in the GTS that make them better over the Ulitmates on the Coupe?

[NickS]

Nick, so do you reckon, pound for pound, that fitted to the same car the HSV brakes beat the Harrops? Or do you think its a combo of the brakes/MRC/less weight in the GTS that make them better over the Ulitmates on the Coupe?

Shit ... good question. I don't really have any way of saying for sure but I suspect it is the overall setup of the GTS that makes the difference. I think there is always something to be said for a great product designed specifically for that car, as opposed to a great product designed to suit many different cars. Don't get me wrong, the Harrop Ultimates are sensational brakes ... but the GTS brakes are better.

:D

[Veeate]

Shit ... good question. I don't really have any way of saying for sure but I suspect it is the overall setup of the GTS that makes the difference. I think there is always something to be said for a great product designed specifically for that car, as opposed to a great product designed to suit many different cars. Don't get me wrong, the Harrop Ultimates are sensational brakes ... but the GTS brakes are better.

:D

Look forward to the MRC making an appearance in the clubsport in the near future.

And the cars losing some weight or HSV bringing out a lightweight special. Imagine how well the GTS would perform if it lost say 200kg.

cheers
Dave

[VQST80]

In its normal touring mode, it offers a ride as supple as the base car's but with the added benefit of virtually flat cornering thanks to the fast-reacting shocks filled with magnetic-rheological fluid (a magic mix of iron particles and suspension oil) that, when energized by an electromagnet, stiffens the dampers to counteract body roll.

coutersy of the web.

[forestjim]

Hi,

All I can say is. When you drive a v8 - People say " why do you need all that power" You say "because I can".

Why do you drive auto in manual mode - Becasue I can.

Why have MRC - "When are you going to use that" - You say "because to can"

When you are driving on the freeway say do 80k and you slightly move the wheel side to side quickly and arse end moves. Turn MRC on she don't move.

All these GTS's need is Memory Seats + Colour Reverse Camera and they would be one one of the Safest, Fastest, Practical car in the world for $80k AU.

Mind you I maybe a bit biased.

Marty:serenade:

[The Nurse]

Shit ... good question. I don't really have any way of saying for sure but I suspect it is the overall setup of the GTS that makes the difference. I think there is always something to be said for a great product designed specifically for that car, as opposed to a great product designed to suit many different cars. Don't get me wrong, the Harrop Ultimates are sensational brakes ... but the GTS brakes are better.

:D

I think you've hit the nail on the head there Nick, where as a lot of people think buying a VE SS and spending the difference on mods will get them a better car, it may be faster but lack the polish and refinement of the GTS. From what I've heard the MRC really makes this car that all round package that HSV has always promised.

I think its really impressive that HSV has considered the braking and suspension as a whole and not as a seperate entity in the car

[coco]

far out, one thing i can say is that, it will be an expensive car to maintain and repair with all these new bits and gadgets and new technologies theyve put in it......scary!!!

[Maz]

Compare the Magnetic ride control to a stock VE with aftermarket Bilsteins and then we'll see how good the Magnetic suspension is. :p

Suspension is all about compromise, if the word comfort is used in any suspension setup then it will never handle good on the track compared to a setup designed for the track.

Magnetic ride control will definitely be good for 99% of the Australian population though. Anyone who does track work will still most likely fit some bilsteins.

[Ryzz]

Anyone who does track work will still most likely fit some bilsteins.
Thats a big call mate, are aftermarket Bilstiens really that much better?? I know they are good as ive used them before, but i didnt think they would be that much better than something thats adaptive.

[Maz]

Thats a big call mate, are aftermarket Bilstiens really that much better?? I know they are good as ive used them before, but i didnt think they would be that much better than something thats adaptive.
Of course, you cant have something that has excellent performance AND excellent comfort, its all about compromise.

Bilsteins set to a firmer setting will out perform the Magnetic ride control on a race track. The Bilsteins on the street with such a firm setting would give a firmer ride. If you then put the bilsteins on the softest setting they would give a similar ride on the street but on the track the Magnetic ride control may win.

So for all out track work the Bilsteins would be the way to go, but for your average driver who does a bit of track work, but also takes the kids to school the Magnetic ride control is definitley the best option as it can do both fairly well without having to change anything.

[mustanger]

The beauty of MRC is the convenience of the switch. If you want to hit the the track,just press the button. If you are just driving around town ,you just leave it on standard. I have used my other cars on tracks,but the ride has always been to firm for the road. Everyone that has been in my car,cannot believe the quality of the ride around town. Some of these people have high end Mercs and BM`s and they just go away gobsmacked at the level of performance,from these cars. Value for money,there is not a new car with a V8 that even comes close. If anyone hasn`t been in one,they should, and I guarantee that they will walk away smiling.:thumbsup:

[Beej]

The big question here is not just about the ultimate performance of the MRC shocks vs Bilstien etc, although of course that is part of the issue. It MAY well be that MRC when cranked up via their tricky current/magnetic particles etc are as stiff as Bilstiens in terms of rebound and compression stiffness. However, what happens as the shock heats up? The problem with MOST OEM shocks, and the reason most people fit Bilsteins/Koni's etc to their track cars, is because the performance of the shock can change as it heats up, and OEM shocks start to heat their oil up dramatically after 2 or 3 decent corners. The Bilstiens etc stay cool, and keep performing as intended after many laps of a racing circuit.

From reading the comments here, it sounds like MRC is darn good at getting a nice level of ride comfort for normal driving coupled with decent stiffness for the odd hard corner or twisty road, but, knowing Holden and HSV and the way they typically cut corners, I suspect the oil cooling of the MRC shocks would be only at typical OEM level. Time will tell!

PS: Good to see that on the VE series HSV *finally* seem to have fitted proper directional slotted rotors! Have a look at VZ HSV and back, and you will notice the slots go the wrong way on one side of the car! This is just cheap corner cutting IMO.

Cheers,

Beej

[mustanger]

Yes Beej, you have some valid points there, but at the end of the day you have to compromise somewhere. It is about trying to find a happy medium.:thumbsup:

[alcamie]

Hi Guy's

I've got a VE GTS man done 4k (3 Months from dealer, 09/07/2007 build plate) and from the first day I had it, it has had a very noticeable, severe enough shake/vibration/ oscilation through the steering wheel from about 85kmh upwards of 110kmh+, seems to be more prevalent when you back off the accelerator and cruise on any road surface and sometimes inconsistently pulls to the left or the right. Activating the MRC switch does change the characteristic of the shake/vibration/ oscilation but again this not consistent. I've had the car in about 6 -8 times to get this looked at by the HSV dealers service dept including sending it to Bridgestone to have the wheels and tires matched for high and low points/ Balancing/ Wheel alignment to try and correct the problem (Made no noticeable difference)..

I have always thought that it felt more like the suspension/MRC playing up as it also feels like the car sometimes wants to launch itself into another lane when it skips over potholes and seams on differing road surfaces. It feels downright dangerous at times.

The service guy's until yesterday were telling me categorically that it was a tire problem whiule I have been adament that it wasn't as all of the tire tweaks done haven't eased the vibration through the steering whatsoever. They have now tested 3 more GTS's at thier dealership and another of thier customers GTS's and have had me drive one of them and they have found that these cars have got the same problem. They the HSV dealers service team now believe that the MRC is the problem and not the tires.

As a result they are now arranging a meeting between themselves, myself and the QLD head of HSV to discuss this issue. They are telling me that HSV are saying that thats how it is however with the MRC. I don't know about you guy's but I have never driven a sports car capable of 250+kph that has steering stability issues @ 250kph's let alone 85kph and up through the range.. I have been driving standard VE loan cars whilst mine's been in the shop and they have not at all shown up with any steering vibration whatsoever.

My question is to all of you other VE GTS owners is have you experienced this same or similar issue?
Have you experienced it or similar and been told that it's anything but the MRC giving the problem?
Have any of you that have experienced this actually had it rectified?
Have any of you that have experienced this still have the issue and are still waiting for a fix?

If any of the above is familiar to you and you would like me add your name to the list of complainants that I can take along to this meeting then please respond and send me you details via PM so I can build on the list.

As it stands, I fear that there could be a design flaw in the VE GTS's MRC system or MRC/Wheel/Tire combination that HSV are knowledgable of and that they don't have a fix or if they do they don't want to make it public as it would be an extremely expensive recall.

So if any of this rings a bell please PM me and also respond to this post so that others will know that they are not alone here.

Cheers

Chris

[Dickie Knee]

They would not be cheap..........


Fronts are about $1600.00 ea
Rear are about $860.00 ea

[planetdavo]

There have been some noise complaints from the odd customer to do with MRC alcamie, but nothing like what you describe.
I would be a litlle surprised if it ends up being the MRC, as the suspension design is still basically the same as a Commodore, with coil springs and wheel bearing hubs attached to knuckles and control arms. If the MRC is somehow altering it's settings on the run, it really doesn't have any real effect on the geometry or anything else that might cause a vibration. This is more likely to cause a ride that varies from harsh to soft back to harsh etc etc.
Maybe it's just as simple as a rim that is too far out of round to be balanced properly, as the road speed you say this starts at is a classic rim or tyre balance issue start point.
Has the car EVER had an on-car balance done, or just the regular off car type?

[alcamie]

Has the car EVER had an on-car balance done, or just the regular off car type?

Bridgestone took it to balance and match on car so they could be balance under load etc.

As I mentioned before this has not made any ioto of differrence to the vibration.

Chris.

[IEVLV8]

i am just ondering when hsv is going to put a miniture aigbag setup in there cars sot work with the MRC

so them you can adjust the height to get up steep driveways and such

why haven't HSV put all 3 settings in each car Normal, Performance and Track i know some senator and grange drivers that would love to get them out on the track as well

[skip100]

G'day,
I'm a chauffeur driver looking to buy either a Caprice or Grange, and I'm very curious about the difference in ride quality over Sydney's terrible roads.

So far, the dealers have done NOTHING whatsoever to persuade me to buy the Grange, which I find a bit surprising. As soon as I ask about ride quality, they say the Grange is a LOT firmer than the Caprice. One dealer said that another chauffeur driver who did buy a Grange actually replaced his wheels with 18s, to try and improve the ride.

From reading the earlier posts in this thread, I'm beginning to wonder whether the dealers are being completely honest. If I'm not mistaken, most folks here seem to think that the MRC (in comfort mode) is very smooth. Could it be that the dealers simply don't make as much from an HSV sale as a Holden sale?

I read in a review somewhere (I forget where) that the Grange is actually at it's smoothest when the MRC is completely off - i.e - there is a third option which disables the MRC completely. Comments?

Greg.
p.s I am mindful of the report here about the possible vibration problems with MRC.

[eldan89]

why haven't HSV put all 3 settings in each car Normal, Performance and Track i know some senator and grange drivers that would love to get them out on the track as well

That would be nice as I'm sure some GTS drivers would like a comfort mode for those long boring drives as well as a track mode for the luxury models. But I think HSV wants the cars setup for their intended market (I.E Luxury, Sport) with no crossover inbetween.


I read in a review somewhere (I forget where) that the Grange is actually at it's smoothest when the MRC is completely off - i.e - there is a third option which disables the MRC completely. Comments?

To my knowledge MRC could not be disabled. We have a VE Senator and the ride quality in comfort mode is brilliant, MRC does a great job at smoothing out bumpy roads. But when sport mode is engaged the car rides much harder and everyone in the car can feel every bump.

[CarlFST60L]

I must have missed this tread

I guess I have to 'try' to validate an R8 purchase (Being an owner).

The suspension on the R8 is the softest most comfortable of any VE I have driven (VE SSV, VE SS, Calias, Senator, shot gun GTS). Its also much smoother than the Merc (CLK55, C200K) which I have spent alot of time in around Sydney. This best example of this smoohness in the R8 going over those big speed bumps in 50km/h residential areas (the ones in my area are pretty tame, have seen some where this test is impossible unless you have no respect for a car).

R8, 50km/h, smooth as, even 60km/h is ok, but wouldn't go any faster.
CLK55 Merc, you try the same speed at 50km/h and you dont ever do that again because you do feel it, but 40km/h is 'ok', 30km/h is 'smooth'.
Senator, it is smoother than the CLK for sure, but you can feel the edges of the bumps at 50, so you have to slow down another 10km/h to 40 to do it 'smoothly'. There doesn't seem to be much difference with MRC on (only tried once), maybe it knows its a bump and allows for it?

Plenty of people test drive my car and I make them hit these bumps at 50km/h, every one of them is very surprised that is just glides over them! For this reason alone I have not touched the suspension.

The other other main thing is the R8 is the first car I have been able to drift comfortably, and maintain confident controlled drifts. Its VERY easy to drive out either side window. Unfortunately the Senator or CLK55 have not offered me a drift :lol: From what I can tell, the GTS would be easier to drift but I will need Nicks keys to be sure :)

The GTS does certainly have the advantage with its MRC option, however, I do believe you will find that the time difference around a track would be on par, you would 100% half to be a bloody good driver to take advantage of it i.e. know how to drive perfectly on the limit.

I have spent a fair amount of time on the race track, and the R8 handles great, its VERY easy to drive, it very smooth, and heaps of fun. It does lack steering feel, and it does have to much body roll. It requires some concentration to make sure the transfer of weight is done smoothly to get the best time through a corner.

Is the MRC worth it, sure it is. And its only going to get better and better as they develop it more. I would have got a GTS, but, you then have to pay luxury car tax, so we spent the difference on making 300kwrw :)

[skip100]

I'm not concerned about speed bumps - what concerns me are just the average rough Sydney roads. (typically CBD and inner suburbs - seems the further out you go, the better the road surface)

A couple of standouts that come to mind are Bellevue Road (Woollahra & Bellevue Hill), and Edinburgh Rd (Marrickville), but the problem is widespread.

My current vehicle is a Fairlane G220, and it's simply too harsh for a limousine IMHO. Over speed bumps there's no problem at all - it's the rough road surface at moderate speeds which is the problem.

Had a couple of test drives of the WM Caprice, and fortunately it seems smoother than the Fairlane - I could definitely live with it.

Greg.

[CarlFST60L]

I'm not concerned about speed bumps

I just used those bumps as an example as its easy to compare, the same goes for all bumps big and small :)

The only other trouble with all VE's i find is that bumps on sharp corners tend unsettle the care more than I like, even though they stay stuck to the road, just a bit hard to get use to.

[skip100]

Ok thanks for the info.

Greg.
p.s (sorry for the rathole) Just on the subject of HSV salesman, a few years ago when I was just getting into the business of chauffeur driving, my experience was pretty much identical: the salesman immediately talked me out of the Grange, saying that it would be for drivers carrying only the top clientele. Bizarre.
Maybe I just don't look like an HSV driver. Drats.

[Jeffrey]

HI all readers and members. I purchased a new VE GTS September 2007. The vehicle has only travelled 2,000 km and has a suspension that one would describe as very noisy with clunking/banging from the rear end so frequently that 1,000 km posted on this vehicle is driving it to dealerships and test driving the car. I would like any other readers or if you can spread the word to contact me if you have a similar problem. HSV have sent an email saying this noise is standard in their vehicles with MRC which is disappointing and the comment was also made by the QLD service manager for holden. I have driven many VE GTS vehicles and none display my characteristics. I am going to pursue this matter so any feedback to me will be appreciated. There have been upgrades to the suspension but now they can not fix the noisy suspension HSV stated they will not spend any more time or parts to fix the issue and are walking away saying the noise is standard in what HSV claim as a world class performance vehicle that costs the world to buy. Please help if you can especially if you own a VE GTS. HSV is a bully who do not care about the product or performance and they think they can push their supporters and customers around.:vpo:
thanks Jeff

Thank you for your support and assistance. Jeff

[skip100]

FWIW, I've had a test drive of an 07 Grange. I did not hear any objectionable suspension noise at all, and I did drive over some rough roads. Also, these same roads were simply too harsh in my G220 Fairlane - not so in the Grange - the Grange was firm, but pleasant.

Off topic perhaps, but the very best thing about the Grange in my short test drive were the brakes. I'm truly astonished. Easier to bring the car to a very graceful halt than the S-Class Mercs & 7-series Beamers I have driven, yet they are still extremely powerful. I was very surprised indeed.

Greg.
p.s The last time I felt this good driving a car was in my R33 GTSt. :)

[clubbie]

HI all readers and members. I purchased a new VE GTS September 2007. The vehicle has only travelled 2,000 km and has a suspension that one would describe as very noisy with clunking/banging from the rear end so frequently that 1,000 km posted on this vehicle is driving it to dealerships and test driving the car.

Jeffrey..tell your HSV dealer to pull their finger out. Other members on here have posted that there is a tech bulletin on exactly the problem you have described and a fix for the problem.

Do a search. This forum is your friend.

Clubbie

BTW welcome

[skip100]

To my knowledge MRC could not be disabled. We have a VE Senator and the ride quality in comfort mode is brilliant, MRC does a great job at smoothing out bumpy roads. But when sport mode is engaged the car rides much harder and everyone in the car can feel every bump.

This tallies with what the salesman who showed me over the Grange said - just one button and it's either in Comfort or Performance mode - no third option.

Greg.
p.s I've ordered a brand new V8 Caprice. I *loved* the Grange but unfortunately the coin came down on the "Be sensible" side, rather than the "I just want one" side. Bugger it.

[1HDT 05]

I have had my GTS since July 07 no issues with MRC, dont use the track mode much I find the standard setting firm enough, the car handles and brakes brilliantly.

In terms of whether it's worth it I would say maybe not on it's own but for the extra dough you get standard leather, 20 inch rims and rubber, and a more exclusive car.

When you have the R8 sitting next to the GTS at the showroom you know which one you want to buy.

[Ls1CorpCruiser]

My turn to throw 2c onto the pile...

:)

The MRC is fantastic, I leave it on all the time... I find with the added weight of passengers and their luggage and pretty much non stop fwy driving the car remains flatter on the road, much less body roll, better brakig ability and definitely more tactile.

The fact that I have now done 88,000ks and still on the ORIGINAL Bridgestone tyres is also a credit to the MRC IMHO. The fronts are about 40% to go the rears just about ready for replacement.

As a comparative, my WK is averaging 70-80ks per set of tyres. At 410,000ks in 4 years thank god for some economy in the equation.

:bow:MRC:bow::bow::bow:

[skip100]

When I test drove the Grange, the fact that the car was so very stable led me to EXPECT that the ride would be very firm, but somehow it wasn't. Sort of like sitting on a block of granite cushioned by air - hard to describe. Large bumps were harsh, but I'm not concerned about the odd bump here and there. It's the average rough Sydney road which I was concerned about, and it was fine over that. (technically, perhaps what I'm saying is that it absorbed high frequency irregularities well?) I'm not experienced enough to know whether it was the MRC that was doing the trick or not.

Greg.

[CarlFST60L]

It would be good if there was a pro driver out there that could do some hot laps with it on and off and see what, if any, gains to the lap times there are...

[Wonky]

The fact that I have now done 88,000ks and still on the ORIGINAL Bridgestone tyres is also a credit to the MRC IMHO. The fronts are about 40% to go the rears just about ready for replacement.

Wow! :shock: That's incredible from such a big heavy car!! What pressures do you run? I assume you can't go too high and risk upsetting your passengers?

[GDB]

When I test drove the Grange, the fact that the car was so very stable led me to EXPECT that the ride would be very firm, but somehow it wasn't. Sort of like sitting on a block of granite cushioned by air - hard to describe. Large bumps were harsh, but I'm not concerned about the odd bump here and there. It's the average rough Sydney road which I was concerned about, and it was fine over that. (technically, perhaps what I'm saying is that it absorbed high frequency irregularities well?) I'm not experienced enough to know whether it was the MRC that was doing the trick or not.

Greg.

Yes that was my feeling/experience too when I test drove GTS; you can feel the bumps but it's all "smoothed out very nicely".

me: "Damn, I was expecting GTS to be a little on the harsh side, this is a very acceptable ride!"
salesguy: "Er.... you're on TRACK mode now..."
me: "......"

The NORMAL setting was even more comfortable. Can't imagine what the Grange would feel like; riding on clouds?

[Ls1CorpCruiser]

Wow! :shock: That's incredible from such a big heavy car!! What pressures do you run? I assume you can't go too high and risk upsetting your passengers?

38psi front and rear!!!

thank god for the tyre pressure monitoring system too...

it has saved me suffering under inflation a couple of times already :bow::bow:

[the voice]

Interested in knowing what causes the noise in the rear of the gts. Mine also suffers this problem especially in track mode which I usually use. If you could edit the suspension tunes I would love to have a very soft setting for the occasional crappy road cos sometimes even the performance tune is too harsh. One thing I have noticed is over speed bumps at slow speed like 5kph and even on some roads at 60-100kph is the tendancy for the car to feel like a highly sprung ute with no load in the rear. the car's rear end practically launches into the air! This does not feel like the best suspension money can buy when this happens but in general the car makes me feel like a much better driver than I am.

[nickgts]

I have had my GTS since July 07 no issues with MRC, dont use the track mode much I find the standard setting firm enough, the car handles and brakes brilliantly.

In terms of whether it's worth it I would say maybe not on it's own but for the extra dough you get standard leather, 20 inch rims and rubber, and a more exclusive car.

When you have the R8 sitting next to the GTS at the showroom you know which one you want to buy.

i agree i test drove both and ended up going the gts the only thing is i could only lower it with the walky springs 15mm but it looks like its lower than that. but overall the interior and wheels set the car apart.


Interested in knowing what causes the noise in the rear of the gts. Mine also suffers this problem especially in track mode which I usually use. If you could edit the suspension tunes I would love to have a very soft setting for the occasional crappy road cos sometimes even the performance tune is too harsh. One thing I have noticed is over speed bumps at slow speed like 5kph and even on some roads at 60-100kph is the tendancy for the car to feel like a highly sprung ute with no load in the rear. the car's rear end practically launches into the air! This does not feel like the best suspension money can buy when this happens but in general the car makes me feel like a much better driver than I am.

once i lowered my gts it changed it dramatically

[VX255]

I have had a VE GTS since Sept 07 and have to say that the MRC seems to work as most have described (very noticable when you change between settings)

my previous car was a VYii clubbie with very low suspensions and adj konis set midway (most people felt that the ride was a bit harsh, but i was happy)

however after expressing my dissatisfaction regarding the suspension on the GTS with C4B he mentioned there were a few threads regarding GTS suspension (i dont normally go trolling through the forum, just a quick flip at few areas)

My comments on the GTS MRC Suspension are (and use it on soft setting

1. when going over speed bumps at low speed the shocks make a lot of noise and bumping of compressing and expanding again - like there is blocks still in the springs and there is no travel (I have looked but could not find the transport delivery spacers just to be sure)

2. hitting small potholes (low speed) feels so rough i have stopped a couple of times to check the tyre pressure or see if i had a flat and pressure has been OK 36psi -

3. sometimes it does seeem as if it wants to skip laterally across the road with the lightest of road deformities - (i call it - tram tracking)

4. not a big fan of the auto either - sport mode holds gears too long after gunning it and releasing the acellerator to cruise, (i used to have a rip shifter (loved it) and was usually 1,2 when had reached the speed limit slot into 4th)
also dont like pulling into garage putting into park, getting out, take foot off the brake and car lunges forward another 3 inches (powertorque say a tune would help this problem (and after a drive in Marks Calais, it definately feels a lot better) - BUT I am trying to be strong and resisting the urge to start mods on the GTS - Given I have previously paid for quite a bit of Walkinshaw performance setup - predelivery - only to change my mind and do further mods to VY clubbie (which is now gone to new hands)

Anyway these are my gripes with MRC (and the auto) which I have had to the dealer to look at - but no fix to problem as yet

VX255

[gmeup]

does anyone know much about the hsv spring in the gts ? how are the ve hsv/gst springs different to the the regular ve SS fe2 springs? are they tuned differently or perhaps a different brand?

[JohnW]

I rarely take mine out of sports mode as it rides so well in this setting. Heaps of people comment on how smooth the car is and how compfortable it is to be in. But it does crash over speed humps to a point you think something is hitting under the car. The trick is to just tap and release the brakes before you hit the speed bump. As long as you are going reasonably slow, it seems to reduce the crashing to a minimum.

On the auto box, I found the standard calibration not responsive enough in Normal mode, and as mentioned above, holding too long in sports. Also is very hard not to hit the limiter in first when trying to drive hard in manual mode.

I spent a heap of time re calibrating my settings especially in normal mode and the car is alot or responsive now without holding gears too long at part throttle and kicking back to easyly.

Also in manual mode, I set mine up to auto change from 1st to 2nd but only at red line and regardless of the throttle position. The rest of the gears need to be changed manually as it will still hit the limiter if you dont. I hated taking off at a corner then gunning it once around the corner only to already be in second. Now I just knock the stick across, take off and turn the corner at a sensible speed, and then giving it to it. Car launches like a rocket out of the corner with the first change taken care of and both hands on the wheel. Then with plenty of time to think and react, its manual changes from there on.

This might not suit everyone but I much prefer it like this.

[auzgts]

Jeffrey..tell your HSV dealer to pull their finger out. Other members on here have posted that there is a tech bulletin on exactly the problem you have described and a fix for the problem.

Do a search. This forum is your friend.

Clubbie

BTW welcome

Hi Guys,

Just came across this thread as I am now having that same clunk noise from my left rear. I have tried searching everywhere for a TSB on this but can't find anything. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[Troutman]

Had a couple of test drives of the WM Caprice, and fortunately it seems smoother than the Fairlane - I could definitely live with it.

Greg.

The WM Caprice is fitted with FE1.5 semi-sports suspension which was criticised for firmness in a recent used car review by David Morley (discussion link (http://www.wmcapriceforum.com/index.php?/topic/94-wm-statesman-caprice-used-car-review-by-david-morley/)). The now defunct Statesman was more biased towards ride comfort. No idea how the Grange compares as I haven't driven one.

Steering wheel shudder and suspension clunks (neither of which bother me much but I will fix eventually) are relatively common on VEs including my WM. The shudder has been a huge issue with the Pontiac G8 too. Interestingly, I found that during heavy towing the shudder completely disappeared. But I would feel very confident that it is unrelated to MRC.

Cheers.