S550 4 Matic Lowered + New Wheels
04-07-2014, 08:50 AM
#51
MBWorld Fanatic!
Fat in-laws. They're both retired and they like riding around. I never use the rear seat anyway. Or links. Haven't decided. I'll make sure there are no issues with the spacers before I commit to the drop.
04-07-2014, 07:59 PM
#53
MBWorld Fanatic!
I know this has been argued & beat to death on several threads, and MOST people say it wont cause any damages as long as you maintain overall diameter.. It still scares the $h!t outta me tho... I called my local benz shop and spoke to their shop manager. He STRONGLY recommended I NOT do it.. He listed all the things I'd be putting stress on, even if I maintained OD. I'm SO tempted to do still do it, but don't want to regret it.
Here's a pic of my old w221 with 21" Staggered, & my new w221 4matic with 20" OEM AMG wheels..
Here's a pic of my old w221 with 21" Staggered, & my new w221 4matic with 20" OEM AMG wheels..
It's designed to compensate in quick bursts, but operating in that mode constantly will prematurely burn it up. He said keep the rolling diameters under 3% and your AWD system will be perfectly happy. I say go for it.
04-07-2014, 09:48 PM
#54
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
s550 4matic Key To The Cure Edition, Can-Am Spyder RSS
Spoke to my brother the mechanic. An inch or two of extra tire width in back is not a factor. Rolling diameter is. The problem with an AWD system is that it works by sensing slip and engaging itself to compensate. (The rest of the time it distributes power according to a fixed percentage front and rear) It senses slip by monitoring wheel speed, and for wheels with different rolling diameters one set will continuously and incorrectly be reporting a higher speed, and the system will constantly be compensating for a "slip" condition that doesn't exist.
It's designed to compensate in quick bursts, but operating in that mode constantly will prematurely burn it up. He said keep the rolling diameters under 3% and your AWD system will be perfectly happy. I say go for it.
It's designed to compensate in quick bursts, but operating in that mode constantly will prematurely burn it up. He said keep the rolling diameters under 3% and your AWD system will be perfectly happy. I say go for it.
I didn't get the extended warranty with this one.. I was planning on selling the 21's & putting it towards the extended coverage. Now you got me thinking again.... decisions, decisions. We'll see what happens...
04-07-2014, 10:17 PM
#55
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yikes. If you love the 21's I'd say run them and find another way to buy the warranty. Your OEM 20's should bring decent money on EBay, especially if you're selling rims and tires. If you can take or leave the 21's, I'd sell them and use the cash. How attached to that Brabus look are you is the question.
04-08-2014, 10:27 PM
#56
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Posts: 91
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
08 S550 4Matic AMG Package
In reference to the lowering links. Like in the following ebay ad
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BEN...944fb7&vxp=mtr
What does Without ABC Sport Suspension refer to and how do I find out if I have it?
I want to lower my S 4matic. I purchased it with 19" AMG factory wheels that were chromed. I like the look of the wheels but not all the space between the fender and tire of course.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BEN...944fb7&vxp=mtr
What does Without ABC Sport Suspension refer to and how do I find out if I have it?
I want to lower my S 4matic. I purchased it with 19" AMG factory wheels that were chromed. I like the look of the wheels but not all the space between the fender and tire of course.
04-08-2014, 10:39 PM
#57
MBWorld Fanatic!
ABC is Active Body Control. Works in concert with Airmatic to apply counter force to keep the car flat when cornering. Stock on S600 and on the AMG cars and a fairly rare option on the other W221's. There will be a button in the little vertical stack to the immediate right of the instrument cluster labeled "ABC" if your car has it.
Those EBay links look like a highschooler made them in metal shop. Try www.adjustableairride.com or www.ghostmotorsports.com (Ghost Links)
Twice the money and worth it. As the car is lowered the tops of the rear wheels will begin to tuck themselves inward more, so you'll want spacers on those wheels to flush out the wells.
Those EBay links look like a highschooler made them in metal shop. Try www.adjustableairride.com or www.ghostmotorsports.com (Ghost Links)
Twice the money and worth it. As the car is lowered the tops of the rear wheels will begin to tuck themselves inward more, so you'll want spacers on those wheels to flush out the wells.
Last edited by Mike5215; 04-08-2014 at 10:56 PM.
04-08-2014, 11:10 PM
#59
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
s550 4matic Key To The Cure Edition, Can-Am Spyder RSS
I had the Adjustable Air Ride links on my last w221, & decided to try the ghost links for my new w221 this time around, (Just to give them a chance). I only chose the Ghost links this time, cause they decided to upgrade from plastic shafts to all aluminum, & they looked solid as hell based on the pics. I'm gonna be perfectly honest.. If I could jump back in time, I would go with the AAR links again. Even though the Ghost links are all aluminum now, they still feel like the damn things will unthread & fall apart. Especially the rear link, since you have to extend that one to drop, vs the front's where you have to shorten them to drop. The AAR links are solid as hell and much easier to dial in both sides perfectly IMO.
04-08-2014, 11:12 PM
#60
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07 Mercedes s550 11 Cadillac Escalade
I had the Adjustable Air Ride links on my last w221, & decided to try the ghost links for my new w221 this time around, (Just to give them a chance). I only chose the Ghost links this time, cause they decided to upgrade from plastic shafts to all aluminum, & they looked solid as hell based on the pics. I'm gonna be perfectly honest.. If I could jump back in time, I would go with the AAR links again. Even though the Ghost links are all aluminum now, they still feel like the damn things will unthread & fall apart. Especially the rear link, since you have to extend that one to drop, vs the front's where you have to shorten them to drop. The AAR links are solid as hell and much easier to dial in both sides perfectly IMO.
04-08-2014, 11:26 PM
#61
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
s550 4matic Key To The Cure Edition, Can-Am Spyder RSS
These are the AAR links when I had them:
These were the ghost links when they were plastic:
I didn't take a pic of the new Ghost Links before I installed them, but basically, the blue shaft is now aluminum. and thicker looking. Everybody raves about them cause you can adjust them without removing the link, where you would have to pop one side off each link of the AAR to make it shorter or longer. Like I said... If I could do it over, I would to the AAR again. You'll see what I mean when/if you get the ghost links. They feel flimsy... I keep thinking I'm gonna wake up one day & the rear end is gonna be sitting on the ground cause the rear link fell apart.
That would be EFT-up...
Here's a perfect description of what I'm talking about... If you where to hold the Ghost link between your thumb & your pointer finger, the long way... Then pinch the shaft with your other hand and and try to move it,.. it would wobble. It's like threads from both ends have WAY too much play when they thread into the shaft. Maybe it was tighter when it was plastic, but it sure as hell is WAY too loose now.. Feels very unstable IMO
These were the ghost links when they were plastic:
I didn't take a pic of the new Ghost Links before I installed them, but basically, the blue shaft is now aluminum. and thicker looking. Everybody raves about them cause you can adjust them without removing the link, where you would have to pop one side off each link of the AAR to make it shorter or longer. Like I said... If I could do it over, I would to the AAR again. You'll see what I mean when/if you get the ghost links. They feel flimsy... I keep thinking I'm gonna wake up one day & the rear end is gonna be sitting on the ground cause the rear link fell apart.
That would be EFT-up...Here's a perfect description of what I'm talking about... If you where to hold the Ghost link between your thumb & your pointer finger, the long way... Then pinch the shaft with your other hand and and try to move it,.. it would wobble. It's like threads from both ends have WAY too much play when they thread into the shaft. Maybe it was tighter when it was plastic, but it sure as hell is WAY too loose now.. Feels very unstable IMO
Last edited by ramos226; 04-08-2014 at 11:34 PM.
04-08-2014, 11:49 PM
#62
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07 Mercedes s550 11 Cadillac Escalade
These are the AAR links when I had them:
These were the ghost links when they were plastic:
I didn't take a pic of the new Ghost Links before I installed them, but basically, the blue shaft is now aluminum. and thicker looking. Everybody raves about them cause you can adjust them without removing the link, where you would have to pop one side off each link of the AAR to make it shorter or longer. Like I said... If I could do it over, I would to the AAR again. You'll see what I mean when/if you get the ghost links. They feel flimsy... I keep thinking I'm gonna wake up one day & the rear end is gonna be sitting on the ground cause the rear link fell apart. That would be EFT-up...
Here's a perfect description of what I'm talking about... If you where to hold the Ghost link between your thumb & your pointer finger, the long way... Then pinch the shaft with your other hand and and try to move it,.. it would wobble. It's like threads from both ends have WAY too much play when they thread into the shaft. Maybe it was tighter when it was plastic, but it sure as hell is WAY too loose now.. Feels very unstable IMO
These were the ghost links when they were plastic:
I didn't take a pic of the new Ghost Links before I installed them, but basically, the blue shaft is now aluminum. and thicker looking. Everybody raves about them cause you can adjust them without removing the link, where you would have to pop one side off each link of the AAR to make it shorter or longer. Like I said... If I could do it over, I would to the AAR again. You'll see what I mean when/if you get the ghost links. They feel flimsy... I keep thinking I'm gonna wake up one day & the rear end is gonna be sitting on the ground cause the rear link fell apart.
That would be EFT-up...Here's a perfect description of what I'm talking about... If you where to hold the Ghost link between your thumb & your pointer finger, the long way... Then pinch the shaft with your other hand and and try to move it,.. it would wobble. It's like threads from both ends have WAY too much play when they thread into the shaft. Maybe it was tighter when it was plastic, but it sure as hell is WAY too loose now.. Feels very unstable IMO
04-09-2014, 09:25 AM
#63
MBWorld Fanatic!
I've had the AAR links and they are nice pieces. To adjust them you need jack up a wheel, pop it off the car at both ends, loosen one of the nuts, shorten or lengthen the link, tighten the nut, and pop it back on the car, then let the car down and repeat for the other side.
It looks like with the GL's you'd still need to jack up a wheel, but by rotating the middle section you could adjust the length while it's still attached to the car. On a drop you're never going to settle on the first height you try...it's always a bunch of trial and error, so being able to adjust them in place is a benefit. Given that the link is not a load bearing part of the car's working suspension, the GL's lack of heft is probably not an issue. You literally could cut a pair of links out of stiff cardboard and they'd work until they got wet.
It looks like with the GL's you'd still need to jack up a wheel, but by rotating the middle section you could adjust the length while it's still attached to the car. On a drop you're never going to settle on the first height you try...it's always a bunch of trial and error, so being able to adjust them in place is a benefit. Given that the link is not a load bearing part of the car's working suspension, the GL's lack of heft is probably not an issue. You literally could cut a pair of links out of stiff cardboard and they'd work until they got wet.
04-09-2014, 08:55 PM
#67
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Posts: 91
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
08 S550 4Matic AMG Package
You can run them! It's not the rim widths that can cause an issue, it's just having too great a variance in rolling wheel diameters (the diameter of the rim plus the tire) between the front and rear axles. Just be careful when choosing tires to keep the variance under 3%.
Here's a couple of "safe" 21" fitments for your 4Matic:
F 21x9 255/30R21 R 21x10.5 285/30R21 (Variance of 2.60%)
And safer:
F 21x9 255/35R21 R 21x10.5 285/30R21 (Variance of 1.05%)
www.1010tire.com has a nice online calculator that lets you experiment with different front vs rear tire sizes and reports the difference in rolling diameters.
Here's a couple of "safe" 21" fitments for your 4Matic:
F 21x9 255/30R21 R 21x10.5 285/30R21 (Variance of 2.60%)
And safer:
F 21x9 255/35R21 R 21x10.5 285/30R21 (Variance of 1.05%)
www.1010tire.com has a nice online calculator that lets you experiment with different front vs rear tire sizes and reports the difference in rolling diameters.
Sooo i like the calculator thing on that website but i just cant get it to work like i want with my limited car knowledge.
I'm thinking about 22" vossen cv3 for my s550 4matic but of course they come staggered. What would be a couple suggested fitments with tires to keep that variance under 2%. Think you can spit out a couple examples for me using that tool?
Also what would anyone suggest with those wheels on what to do with the offset and Adjustable lowering links with that setup??
I know all these little tweeks (wheels, tires, variance, lowering links, spacers, etc) can be modified to cause/have minimal damage to the system, but does anyone think it is a bit much or should i go for it? It is not my everyday driving vehicle but i still don't want any type of drivetrain issues 6 months down the road after riding like that.
SUGGESTIONS ......... INPUT .........!!!????
04-09-2014, 10:29 PM
#68
MBWorld Fanatic!
Vossen CV3 Available 22" Widths W221
22x9 +32 Offset F
22x10 +45 Offset R
This tire size combo has a rolling diameter difference of 2.19%:
255/30R22 / 275/25R22
These would give you a gentler ride, and has a difference of 2.75
265/35R22 / 275/30R22
Offsets should be fine as is. Rear might require a small spacer depending on how wide you go.
22x9 +32 Offset F
22x10 +45 Offset R
This tire size combo has a rolling diameter difference of 2.19%:
255/30R22 / 275/25R22
These would give you a gentler ride, and has a difference of 2.75
265/35R22 / 275/30R22
Offsets should be fine as is. Rear might require a small spacer depending on how wide you go.
Last edited by Mike5215; 04-10-2014 at 12:31 AM.
04-10-2014, 09:46 PM
#69
Super Member
20" wheels with a lip look smaller like a 19" wheel, u should have went at least 21-22".
Last edited by wilassasin; 04-10-2014 at 11:26 PM.
04-10-2014, 09:51 PM
#70
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07 Mercedes s550 11 Cadillac Escalade
19" wheels with no lip (cast) , will always look bigger than a 20" with lip. My cast 21" I have now, look bigger than 22s. Due to the full spread out design.
04-10-2014, 10:08 PM
#71
MBWorld Fanatic!
If you want the wheel to look as tall as possible a concave design that bleeds right into the tire bead is a good choice. I'd stay away from lips. On the other hand, if you want the car to look really low with a nice wide, fat stance, his wheels do the trick. Tall wheels are cool from the side, but look skinny from behind. Knowing what he was going for, I think he picked the right set up and ended up with a unique look.
04-11-2014, 11:03 AM
#72
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
6 Posts
W215 V12TT Build by Speedriven, W221 S550 4Matic
I like the way these 20s fit I will take more pics today since I will be installing my white LEDs for the license plate 
04-14-2014, 07:11 PM
#75
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Posts: 91
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
08 S550 4Matic AMG Package
Which ones did you order and did they "error". I am watching several ebay ads and collecting info on lighting (cause i'm new to this whole car thing, got a new toy now and eager to play) so I know which to get and what color they actually give off. I am also looking at replacing all the interior bulbs to LED from that amber/yellow color look AND the fog light bulbs so they match the color or the headlights. Sometimes i just roll downtown with the fog lights on just for the look! LOL
what's the evaluation on some of these products:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/White-18-SMD-No-Error-LED-License-Plate-Lights-Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-W221-05-E-/170876097655?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27c9025477&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Error-Free-LED-License-Plate-Lights-Mercedes-W204-W212-/130509533436?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e62f970fc&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Error-Free-LED-License-Plate-Lights-Mercedes-W204-W212-/130509533436?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e62f970fc&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290771814761?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/H11-SMD-LED-Fog-Light-Bulb-Lamp-Mercedes-Benz-S-W221-/270765573204?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f0ae2c45450WATT RESISTOR? COST? WHERE TO PURCHASE AND GET INSTALLED? DIY JOB?
what's the evaluation on some of these products:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/White-18-SMD-No-Error-LED-License-Plate-Lights-Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-W221-05-E-/170876097655?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27c9025477&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Error-Free-LED-License-Plate-Lights-Mercedes-W204-W212-/130509533436?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e62f970fc&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Error-Free-LED-License-Plate-Lights-Mercedes-W204-W212-/130509533436?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e62f970fc&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290771814761?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/H11-SMD-LED-Fog-Light-Bulb-Lamp-Mercedes-Benz-S-W221-/270765573204?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f0ae2c45450WATT RESISTOR? COST? WHERE TO PURCHASE AND GET INSTALLED? DIY JOB?
