Which lowering module????

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

Merlin13

Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
36
Hi,
I have a 2005 SL500 (R230) and have been researching "lowering modules" as I prefer the stance of the car a little lower.
I am new to Mercedes ownership and would like to know if anyone is using such a module and what are considered the pro's and con's?
They seem popular in the US and Carlsson, Renntech, Kleeman and Brabus appear the forerunners.
Any thoughts and advice you could give would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Jason
 
You could try an independent specialist with the STAR software / diagnostic setup.

There is about 15-20 mm of adjustment that can be done via this without a module - just resetting the height of the AIRmatic suspension

Have had this done with my S Class and no issues so far ( 1 year on ..)
 
Thats very interesting and good news. I have a friend who happens to have a star machine.

Maybe by putting on 19" wheels and lowering a little may do the trick!

Great advice thanks.
 
Very interesting! I have not used my S Class for the past 8 days as I have been on the bike or in the other car. Noticed that as it has been sitting in the garage that it was looking better and a little lower. (and I could easily reach the centre of the roof to clean it!) Measured the arch height to the floor at about 690mm. Started the car up and it returned to a more normal 710mm.
Now I think I want it to stay slightly lower, not only to clean the roof...
Anyone got any feedback on the effect of lowering on cambers and tyre wear? Does the ride quality suffer?:)
 
Very interesting! I have not used my S Class for the past 8 days as I have been on the bike or in the other car. Noticed that as it has been sitting in the garage that it was looking better and a little lower. (and I could easily reach the centre of the roof to clean it!) Measured the arch height to the floor at about 690mm. Started the car up and it returned to a more normal 710mm.
Now I think I want it to stay slightly lower, not only to clean the roof...
Anyone got any feedback on the effect of lowering on cambers and tyre wear? Does the ride quality suffer?:)

The handling does not change so the the average person would notice, saying that any advantage of being lower slung you would gain, If you do do it, then you must always remember to park up with the wheels facing ahead as you would damage the wings as the car sinks.

Interesting in the workshop manuals "alway park ABC cars with the wheel facing ahead to avoid body damage"
 
Thats very interesting and good news. I have a friend who happens to have a star machine.

Maybe by putting on 19" wheels and lowering a little may do the trick!

Great advice thanks.

Will he be my friend too? :bannana:

Don't suppose he is 'oop north? :D
 
I ordered these.

Fully adjustable, easy installation, easy to take off if required,available for most vehicles including MBs with airmatic.
Arriving early next week via ups.Better than star lowering imo.
 
Last edited:
I ordered these.

Fully adjustable, easy installation, easy to take off if required,available for most vehicles including MBs with airmatic.
Arriving early next week via ups.Better than star lowering imo.

I think you are right! I had a look under the S class yesterday and was thinking about making something very similar! But now I know someone has already done it, I'll wait to see how you get on with yours. Thanks!:D
 
Having thought this through there are three methods on offer to lower the Airmatic equiped cars.
1. Star re-set of the static ride heights
2. Adustable sensor arms.
3. Ride height electronic modules.

Each have their own merits. The first two effectivly just put an offest into the suspension 'map'. The first electronically, the second physically.
These have the advantage of retaining all Mercedes hard won Airmatic software. I do think that there is some stiffening of the settings as the ride height reduces, but this is not obvious in the speed related 20mm reduction on the S class.
The star method is restriced in range, but that is a positve benefit in warranty and comfort areas. The shorter arms offer more adustability but also the possibility of getting it out of range and possible warranty issues.
The modules on sale mostly have 'revised settings' to give a more sporty drive.
This normally means although the ride comfort may be acceptable in Germany, it will be too firm for most in GB.
Not sure which way to go yet, I might need to find a freindly indy with the right Star equipment for a start:)
 
, I might need to find a freindly indy with the right Star equipment for a start:)

This is a cheaper way to start, and you can always put it back to where it was.
Anyone know by how much the car raises on the 2 height settings, could one of them be set to return to normal if the car was lowered
 
This is a cheaper way to start, and you can always put it back to where it was.
Anyone know by how much the car raises on the 2 height settings, could one of them be set to return to normal if the car was lowered

I have spent ages researching into which method was most suitable for lowering airmatic cars, although the Electronic lowering modules seemed very appealing the fact that you had to splice into your wiring harness really put me off for obvious reasons.

The star way was quite difficult even if you could find an indie that would do it as it is not that simple and requires a few hours spent on the car adjusting each parametre to get all for corners aligned/set the same,very much trial and error.

With either method you use to lower your vehicle you wont be loosing out to much if you require to use the button to upper the height, it will still raise the car suffice enough to clear and bumps youll come across.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom