awiner

Thanks to Brabus and their fine lowering module, my CL55 is no longer a 4x4 .. Lowered it about 7/8" .

t-bone

Hey Adam, I'm thinking of maybe lowering my E55. Can I ask why you decided on the Brabus module instead of maybe the Eibach, or Kleemann or Carlsson module?

Thanks.

awiner

I did a lot of research into lowering modules. Here is my unbiased opinion of the 4 main modules.


#1 Kleemann - Kleemanns module is the best of the bunch as it allows the most adjust ability in ride height. The Kleemann module also allows you to adjust each axles height individually. The downside is, because of all this adjust ability, it is the most expensive. If you need to lower your car a lot (Up to 35mm with a swing of +15mm/-15mm this is the module to get. Also the Kleemann module comes with a fail over bridge (blanking plug) so you can return the ABC system to stock without rewiring.

#2 Carlsson - The Carlsson module in my opinion is tied with the Brabus module for second place. While not as adjustable as the Kleemann (Carlsson lowers the car approx 0.7" ~ 1.1-inch) the Carlsson allows a 4mm swing in adjust ability (+2mm/-2mm) as well as adjust ability at each axle much like the Kleemann. The Carlsson also comes with a fail over bridge system. The Carlsson module is the 2nd most expensive.

#3 Brabus - At first it was thought that the Brabus module did not offer adjust ability, however it does. The Brabus module has 3 settings, Low (Approx 20mm), half low (Approx 13mm) and off (Deactivated, ABC to normal heights). Although Brabus DOES NOT advertise these settings and recommends you leave the units switch in the position it was set when received, our expert sleuths have uncovered the settings of the mutil position switch on the side of the Brabus unit. The Brabus module does not have a fail over bridge, however, as posted before can be deactivated but the modules needs to stay wired into the vehicle for this setting. I found the Brabus module to be the most non intrusive module to wire. I was able to wire the Brabus module into the system WITHOUT cutting any factory wiring and I can return the vehicle to stock and there will be no trace it was ever messed with. Additionally, Peter from Wheel Experts made me a great deal on the Brabus module and since he is in Texas and I am in California there was no tax involved which made the deal even better. The Brabus module is the 3rd most expensive.

#4 Eibach - The Eibach is really a Brabus module at heart, however, rumor has it these are the 1st generation Brabus modules that are re-labeled with Eibachs label. I am told they do not lower that much and have spoken to 2 people that have used them and had problems. Both now use the Brabus module. The Eibach module is the least expensive.

The install took me 45 mins. While I would not say this is a Do It Yourself project, moderate DIY'ers that have a good electrical background and know how the OE Mercedes harness carriers come apart will have no problems.

With all modules the factory dash mounted raise/lower switch still works, however, the highest position will now be what you lower position was before.

I know that with the Carlsson and Brabus modules, when you reach 70-80mph the vehicle will no longer lower the additional .04" .

So in the end it comes down to what you are looking for.

For me, I only wanted about an inch drop. While adjust ability would be nice, it was not that important for me. While a fail over bridge connector would have been nice, the price for a module with that feature would have been hundreds more and in all honesty, would I ever use it ? Probably not.

I would recommend the Kleemann, Carlsson or the Brabus. They all have a great reputation in the tuning community. What you need from them will dictate which one you should choose.

Also keep in mind I am about the most **** person you will ever meet when it comes to my vehicles. Keeping things looking and running stock is of utmost importance to me. If I had to cut into the factory wiring I would have not pursured the lowering modules.

t-bone

Thanks for the reply Adam.

All posts should be as informative.

awiner

No prob T. I added a little to the above msg. You may want to re-read it. If you have any questions let me know.

G Unit

Have you got any before and after pictures?

awiner

I have updated the post above. It appears the Brabus DOES have not only adjust ability but also a deactivation mode.

And yes I will psot some before and after pictures this weekend.

lee2375

Leave it to adam to write such an informative post!

We sell both the Kleemann and the Brabus modules with a great deal of success. I would say that Adam is on point in his analysis of the 2 modules. Personally, I do not have any experience with the other 2.

absent

Thanks for your input,ordered Kleemann.

KtZ

One more way to lower the car, is to trick the computer by making the sensors think the body is way high up and lower it.
works well for me

AndrewEclipse

Can you elaborate on this for me please?

vraa

Going through the Star Diagnostics (IIRC) and tricking the ABC height sensors that they are actually higher then reality.

ABC is amazing.

awiner

I think what KtZ is alluding to is using 'the washer' method or lowering brackets. These methods lower the height sensors, thereby making the ABC control unit believe the car is riding higher than it really is. The control unit then will modulate the pressure in the hydraulics to lower the vehicle.

You can also use DAS to re set the inclinometer values in the sensors, however, few dealers will actually do this, at least that I have found.

In Germany, AMG refers to this (The DAS option) as "Ride Height Optimization". They place the car on the alignment jig and work the values. AMG says it can take up to 6 hours (!?!?!) to get it right !

KtZ

awiner explained everything

victoryroad

If one is not familiar with the MB wiring harness, or for that matter any wiring harness, what are the installation options other than bringing the car to a Brabus dealer? I also want to be able to return my car to stock without a problem, so certainly do not want anyone cutting into the stock wiring.

awiner

The install is not very difficult for a trained MB technician.

davepl

Would it be possible for you to post the wiring information? I'm tinkering with some programmable Atmel AVR chips, and I think it'd be possible to remap the voltages from the ride height sensors (which is all I assume the aftermarket units do).

Knowing the pinouts on the harness would be a big head start!

awiner

The modules also stop the vehicle from progressively lowering once they reach speed. Stock the active suspension will progressively lower .4" between 35 and 85mph. So if you traveling down the freeway you will drop .4" . Likewise if you were traveling at say 40 mph for a distance without slowing you would get the same .4" drop.

There are several pin reconfigurations the module make. I can at least point you in the right direction. Email me and I will give you some info.

awiner

Pictures to follow as promised, however here is a quick shot showing the stock vs lowered 7/8" gap in the front fender after the drop.


STOCK




LOWERED

EM25

hey awiner,

I am instrested to try lowering my CL with the module this time. and by any chance do you have a pic of your 55 on the full side profile with the lowering module installed? By the way, those are some nice rims on your CL! are those 19's?

thanks in advance,
EM

awiner

Yes, they are HRE 19" 847R's...

I will have some full side pictures up soon. I was going to take some this weekend however ran out of time and good 'light' to take pictures in.

I will try to snap some pictures later this afternoon.

EM25

thanks

it will give me a better idea to make the decission.
but already leaning towards Brabus

ThisFlyGuy

can you please list a range of the prices for these modules? thanks

awiner

$1400 and up.

BadaBingMan

anyone have any info on the h&r lowering module