Vito lowering

[leemus]

Hi,

I have a vaneo, which I will be keeping, and I want to buy a Vito 120. My problem here is that my garage door height is just a bit too low for a Vito (I got one almost in before it hit the roof). I have read about lowering springs but wanted to speak to an owner who has done it.

Admin, thanks for getting a PM to baschurchbill because I see that he has done it.

My questions are as follows:

1. Does it really drop the van by 30mm. Has anyone actually measured?
2. Any recommendations?
3. Anyone live near Sheffield?

 

[BTB 500]

30mm isn't much to play with IMO if the clearance is that tight. Height will vary slightly anyway depending on how much fuel on board etc. and to some extent from van to van (depending on what options, how many seats, etc.).

Plus if you have phone wiring there's an aerial on the roof ...

 

[leemus]

I know that it seems fine but I tried an unladen, unfuelled vito and was about 10mm short of it fitting in. My ML used to fit and the vaneo has a bit of clearance. If the lowering really does drop it by 30mm then it will fit but I'd like to find a van to measure and be certain.

 

[Gollom]

I know that it seems fine but I tried an unladen, unfuelled vito and was about 10mm short of it fitting in. My ML used to fit and the vaneo has a bit of clearance. If the lowering really does drop it by 30mm then it will fit but I'd like to find a van to measure and be certain.

My be a dumb idea, but are you able to drop the garage floor level a little?

Just a thought

 

[whitenemesis]

My be a dumb idea, but are you able to drop the garage floor level a little?

Just a thought

Or is it just the opening / door the problem.

Perhaps safer to change the door type? Up 'n over to side hung??

 

[leemus]

Guys,
Thanks for your ideas. My problem is getting the vito in to my garage - the garage doors are quite low. Believe me I have thought about altering my garage, looked at all ways but it would cost too much. I will have to do it as a final resort if I can't lower the vito but thought that 4 springs for £200/300 would be easiest.

 

[timskemp]

Client of mine recently bought a Viano, specced it with air suspension to solve the same problem!

 

[leemus]

I read about air suspension in the manual but thought is was only on the rear, wasn't sure by how much it would lower, if at all.

Of course I'd pm you my details but stil need to get to 30 posts.

Don't supose you know how much it lowered it by?

Thanks anyway, at the very least I can speak to MB about it.

Ta ;-)

 

[timskemp]

I read about air suspension in the manual but thought is was only on the rear, wasn't sure by how much it would lower, if at all.

Of course I'd pm you my details but stil need to get to 30 posts.

Don't supose you know how much it lowered it by?

Thanks anyway, at the very least I can speak to MB about it.

Ta ;-)

I don't know exactly as I've not actually played with the van (I just installed mobile broadband into it) - but he had the dealer fit extra buttons inside the car to lower it from the drivers seat.

 

[leemus]

Found some specs that show +/- 50mm. Would be ok if I can leave it lowered by 50mm but having to drop it just to park it sounds like an accident waiting to happen -someone will forget and then.....bang.

Will ask MB on tuesday

 

[BTB 500]

Vito/Viano air suspension is only at the rear ... £1300 as a factory option.

 

[BTB 500]

The other point about lowering is that AFAIK the springs take a little while to settle (after fitting)?

There's no M-B lowering option (unlike VW, who do offer this for the T5) so be careful about warranty etc.

 

[leemus]

Yes, the warranty is an interesting issue. I think I'll be ok so long as I don't claim for springs ;-)

I'll report back what I find out on the air option. MB don't exactly flood the web with detail on this stuff. I'll virtually guarantee that the dealers don't know that much either, it'll be one for MB tech. support.