CL55 AMG, CL65 AMG, CL63 AMG (C215, C216) 2000 - 2014 (Two Generations)

lowering 2003 cl 55

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Dec 8, 2008 | 02:34 AM
  #1  
chino702's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
cl 55
lowering 2003 cl 55

whats the best way to lower my benz???
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2008 | 04:01 PM
  #2  
MJ50's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,057
Likes: 972
From: MBworld
bone stock E55 AMG
if u have airmatic, then either SDS from local dealer or ELM from RENNtech, BRABUS, Carlsson, etc...
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 04:35 PM
  #3  
chino702's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
cl 55
thanks for that. looked into lowering modules, but heard of a washer method? any opinions?
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 04:39 PM
  #4  
MJ50's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,057
Likes: 972
From: MBworld
bone stock E55 AMG
Originally Posted by chino702
thanks for that. looked into lowering modules, but heard of a washer method? any opinions?
from what i know, it's the least recommended route....
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 06:39 PM
  #5  
IngenereAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I lowered my SL55 using the STAR Diagnostic system from MB.

Brilliant system! A bit complicated to learn, but is capable of going into and through the entire car.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2008 | 06:51 PM
  #6  
D-5's Avatar
D-5
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
2003 E55
I lowerd my E55 with the washer method. Not a single problem but I would recommend lowering the car using the STAR Diagnostic system from a Mercedes Benz dealer if you just want to lower your car a bit. However if you are planning to put on big wheels size 20" or bigger then you should consider the washer method to dramatically reduce the gaps between the tires and wheel fenders.
Reply
Old Dec 26, 2008 | 11:30 AM
  #7  
Patentmat's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Davis
put on big wheels size 20" or bigger then you should consider the washer method to dramatically reduce the gaps between the tires and wheel fenders.
I second this, I did exactly this over a year ago and am very happy with it.
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2008 | 04:18 PM
  #8  
chino702's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
cl 55
lowering cl55

Originally Posted by Patentmat
I second this, I did exactly this over a year ago and am very happy with it.
thanks guys for all the information on best route to lower my benz. already have 20's on it. just want a sick lowered look. think i may go with washer method... today !!! question? what size washers did you use? where did you go for the washers? how much did it lower your 04 cl? and does it still ride nice? thanks
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 29, 2008 | 04:41 PM
  #9  
DMW2's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: NY
CLS55, R350
Originally Posted by chino702
thanks guys for all the information on best route to lower my benz. already have 20's on it. just want a sick lowered look. think i may go with washer method... today !!! question? what size washers did you use? where did you go for the washers? how much did it lower your 04 cl? and does it still ride nice? thanks

My buddy had a 03 CL55, and he got some lowering links instead of washers. It was a longer bracket that holds the sensor. So bascially you put the longer new one in the front and bend the bracket in the rear. This fools the car into going REALLY low.

He never had any problem with them either. And I drove the car, it was still really smooth. (the w215 CL is just a smooth car all around I guess). I believe he paid 400 or so from a company he found online.

If you want I can ask him for their contact info.

FWIW I have a lowering module on mine (its a CLS but you get the point.)

Last edited by DMW2; Dec 29, 2008 at 06:33 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2008 | 04:43 PM
  #10  
OPALW208's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 0
From: The Bay
SL55, C63
Originally Posted by chino702
thanks guys for all the information on best route to lower my benz. already have 20's on it. just want a sick lowered look. think i may go with washer method... today !!! question? what size washers did you use? where did you go for the washers? how much did it lower your 04 cl? and does it still ride nice? thanks

w/ the washers or link method, your ride quality will be effected quite dramatically.....almost to the point where you feel like you are riding on a car w/ cut springs (depending on how low you slam it.)

w/ the star method, it's all good until your dealer updates your software, or reflashes your ECU.

the best, and MOST RECOMMENDED way would be to install a Electronic Lowering Module. I like the Renntech one the best, as you can opt for the optional wired I-pod looking remote control =)
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2008 | 07:25 PM
  #11  
D-5's Avatar
D-5
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
2003 E55
No matter which lowering method you use, washer or lowering module, the lower the car the harsher the ride.
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2008 | 09:25 PM
  #12  
jicl55's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Dago, CA
2003 cl55 (sold)
have 20s lowered on washers.... If you have the cash get the module without a doubt..... we couldn't lower the CL55 with Star because the CL55s are known not to take the lowered programing. It works much better for Es, SLs, but not the CL for some reason. Now I do have rubbing in the back (285/30/20s). Had the fenders rolled, but it still rubs, but not too bad and you still have full control of the up and down ABC buttons.... actually, will probably try to lower the front just a tad more... so far no issues.... ride quality? I really did not notice any difference, but I always keep it in sport mode anyway..... still extremely smooth and it just sits so much better.... you could do it yourself, but I took mine in to a shop to get it done.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2008 | 07:34 PM
  #13  
duc&tlrsammy's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 280
Likes: 1
From: NOR-CAL
Benz and Beemers
Originally Posted by D-5
No matter which lowering method you use, links, washer or lowering module, the lower the car the harsher the ride.
X2 . How is the module going to make it ride any better compared to the other methods?
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2009 | 07:57 PM
  #14  
chino702's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
cl 55
idiot question... HELP ! i got the 'how to' on how to lower benz with washer method. had wheels taken off, but couldnt figure out where nut for sensor is? ANBD does anybody have any visual aids ??? thanks again everybody...
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2009 | 07:59 PM
  #15  
chino702's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
cl 55
silly question??? got ' how to ' on how to lower benz. still very confused? took wheels off to find sensors. does anybody have any visual aids?
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 04:05 PM
  #16  
Army_AMG's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
anyone having tire wear issues. had mine lowered and the new tires wore out in 4 months (all on the inner side of front and rear tires). took it back to the shop and they said since i had the ABC system and the car was lowered that there was no way to adjust the tires to wear evenly. is this true? thanks for any replies.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2009 | 11:29 AM
  #17  
Patentmat's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Davis
Welcome to the forum Army - mine is lowered with the washer method and yes mine wore unevenly as well, but for me it only the fronts and was over the course of a year and not four months. (maybe you drive three times as much as me?). I ended up switching to Nitto Neo Gen tires, which are specifically made for lowered cars so they do not wear as fast on the inside edge. They actually worked out really well for me. The sizes in 20s are sort of limited with the Nittos so there may be other tires by other companies that do the same thing.

Other than that, perhaps someone knows more about camber kits as that would be the only way I could imagine you would be able to fix the camber.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2009 | 05:20 AM
  #18  
John V.'s Avatar
Former Vendor of MBWorld
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver B.C.
2007 CLK63 Cab
Adjustable Air Ride Lowering Links are fully adjustable so you set the vehicle to whatever height you like. For the CL and every other vehicle except the E & CLS there is no unbolting and the wheels don't have to come off. Simply pop off the stock Links and pop the fully adjustable 1's on. Really that easy!!!!
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 05:56 AM
  #19  
sound 8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
What about the fact that the Benz lower's itself up to 30mm when travelling
over 60mph?
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 01:12 PM
  #20  
Patentmat's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Davis
Mine still lowers further at speed. This is partially what makes the brief rubbing that can occur on just the right freeway undulations. To counter this, you can raise the car actively with the button on the dash, which almost removes any brief rubbing completely, although very large freeway bumps can still cause it. I have no way to know if what I am experiencing is caused by the car being lowered or my wide tires, or even the combination of the two. So far this has not seemed to have caused any problems, about 18 months in from the time I made the mods.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 04:30 PM
  #21  
awiner's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
Originally Posted by sound 8
What about the fact that the Benz lower's itself up to 30mm when travelling
over 60mph?
Only way to avoid that is by using a Electronic Lowering Module.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 11:31 PM
  #22  
brokenstunter's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Calgary,Alberta, Canada.
2003 CL500
Do a search on the CL500 forum for lowering. I did mine for less then $80.00 and its fully adjustable manually without even removing the wheels.
Ill get some pics on here asap
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2009 | 01:54 PM
  #23  
sound 8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Originally Posted by awiner
Only way to avoid that is by using a Electronic Lowering Module.
Surely if the car lowers itself in a proper way when doing over 60mph,
it must be vanity to want to lower it when it's at standstill.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2009 | 03:26 PM
  #24  
brokenstunter's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Calgary,Alberta, Canada.
2003 CL500
Originally Posted by sound 8
Surely if the car lowers itself in a proper way when doing over 60mph,
it must be vanity to want to lower it when it's at standstill.
It sure is!
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2009 | 02:13 PM
  #25  
sound 8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Originally Posted by brokenstunter
It sure is!
Point taken!!
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:35 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE