W215 ride height adjustment....Atlanta?
03-19-2014, 12:08 AM
#1
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E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
W215 ride height adjustment....Atlanta?
Just picked up a nice earlier cl55, but the ride height is in bad need of adjustment. Does someone have a recommendation for someone to the job with Star? I don't want to be ground crawling, but she does need to come down a bit. I used to let the guys at Atlanta Classic do this regularly, but last time I checked, they won't do it anymore. Can someone make a suggestion? Thanks in advance...
03-19-2014, 09:33 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lowering-Links-for-2000-2006-Mercedes-Benz-W215-CL-Class-CL500-CL600-CL55-AMG-/281289734055?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item417e2cb7a7&vxp=mtr
03-19-2014, 11:58 AM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Just picked up a nice earlier cl55, but the ride height is in bad need of adjustment. Does someone have a recommendation for someone to the job with Star? I don't want to be ground crawling, but she does need to come down a bit. I used to let the guys at Atlanta Classic do this regularly, but last time I checked, they won't do it anymore. Can someone make a suggestion? Thanks in advance...
Star lowering won't work. It eventually resorts back to stock height. Save your money and either buy a lowering module (recommended) or lowering links.
R.K.
03-19-2014, 12:33 PM
#5
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E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Uh, OK...
seeing as I've used Star lowering on a coule dozen Benz cars with no issues, I'm gonna have to to take that one with a grain of salt. But for this purpose, the links do appear to work fine....
03-19-2014, 02:40 PM
#6
Super Moderator
STAR ride height optimization works great on air ride benzes, but has issues and it not recommend on ABC equipped vehicles.
03-19-2014, 03:42 PM
#7
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Trending Topics
03-19-2014, 04:54 PM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
03-22-2014, 06:34 AM
#10
Senior Member
There are many documented cases of successful ride height adjustments wit STAR but you will not be able to get things much beyond a 1.25 to 1.5 inch drop. An an ABC car make sure to do a load calibration when complete.
Here is also some additional info from the MB training manual. Sorry the format is so jacked up. If you do not have access to STAR the links are by far the easiest choice.
Ride height check and calibration must be performed on a level alignment rack or MKS compliant alignment rack.
STEP 1 -
STEP 2 - STEP 3 -
A.) Vehicle on level alignment hoist, remove pins from slip and turn plates.
B.) Be certain that the “Emergency Brake” is not applied and a brake pedal depressor has not been installed.
C.) Settle the suspension using the “Ride Height” switch. (Raise the vehicle using the ride height switch and wait 2 minutes. Lower the vehicle using the same switch and wait 2 minutes )
Using WIS, find the ride height specifications for the front and rear axles and record. Also find the specification for side to side height deviation and record.
Raise the vehicle on the lift and, using Romess, measure and store the
ride height data. Starting at the left front wheel, measure the ride height and select “SAVE”. Move to the right front wheel, measure the ride height and select “SAVE”. Measure the left rear and right rear ride heights, selecting “SAVE” after each one. After all 4 corners have been measured, selecting the “MEMORY” button will display all 4 readings simultaneously. Check the readings against the specifications that you previously recorded, in STEP 2. If all 4 readings are within specifications, and the side to side deviations are within acceptable limits, no further calibration is necessary. Document your measurements on the Repair Order.
If any of the measurements are out of specification proceed to STEP 4.
Connect SDS/DAS to the vehicle. Navigate to”Main Groups / Control Units / Chassis / AIRmatic / Control Unit Adaptations / Level Calibration” The next screen displays information regarding when level calibration is necessary, what equipment should be used, the specified voltage ranges for each of the level sensors and a brief description of the calibration process. Record the specified voltage ranges for the level sensors.
Select “F2” to continue.
The “Actuation of level valves” screen is now displayed. You will see the set values for front and rear axle inclination angles. If you are working alone it will be necessary to maneuver SDS/DAS beneath the vehicle. Using the “F3” or “F4” keys on SDS/DAS, raise or lower the vehicle, while measuring the left front ride height with Romess, until you obtain a reading within the set value range for the front axle as indicated by SDS/DAS. Go to the right front axle and use the “F5” or “F6” keys until you obtain a reading within the set value range, and within the permissible
STEP 4 -
side-to-side deviation specification. Adjust the left rear ride height using Job
the “F7” or “F8” keys until it is within the set value range for the rear axle. Do the same for the right rear, being certain that the readings are within the acceptable side-to-side deviation range.
Double check your measurements with Romess at all four corners starting at the left front. If all four measurements are within the set values in SDS/DAS, and the side-to-side deviations are within tolerances, “SAVE” the measurements into Romess. Check the voltage values being displayed
for the level sensors and compare them to the values that you recorded earlier in this STEP. If they are within specifications select “F2” in SDS/DAS.
The “Entry of values stored in the inclination measuring instrument” screen is now displayed. Using the numeral keys, enter the left front axle inclination reading that you stored in Romess, being sure to enter the decimal point. Once the angle is entered, press the “Tab” key and the cursor will move to the right front angle inclination box. Enter the Romess angle reading for the right front and press “Tab” again. The cursor moves to the left rear inclination angle box. Enter the left rear angle stored in Romess, being sure to enter the – (negative) symbol, and press “Tab”. Enter the right rear inclination angle in the same manner as the left rear and press “F2”.
The next screen is a measurement verification screen and asks you to verify that you have entered the correct values. If the readings are correct, press “F3”.
If the Romess angle readings, side-to-side deviations and sensor voltages are within specifications, the next screen will display “Level Calibration Successful”. Select “OK”.
VERY IMPORTANT! THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE MUST BE PERFORMED IN THE LISTED ORDER OR THE FINAL RIDE HEIGHT MAY NOT BE WITHIN U.S. SPECS.
A.) Exit SDS/DAS, then disconnect SDS/DAS from X11/4.
B.) Cycle the ignition switch OFF.
C.) Restart the engine.
D.) Raise the vehicle using the ride height switch and wait 2 minutes.
E.) Lower the vehicle using the same switch and wait 2 minutes.
F.) Re-measure the ride height with Romess and compare the results with the specifications that you looked up and recorded in STEP 2 above. If your ride height is within U.S. specifications, your calibration procedure is completed. Document the final angles on the Repair Order for future reference if necessary.
If your ride height is not within U.S. specifications, check that all of the items in STEP 1 above are completed and perform actions “B – F” of STEP 5 again. If the ride height is still out of U.S. specifications it may be necessary to perform the entire calibration procedure again
Here is also some additional info from the MB training manual. Sorry the format is so jacked up. If you do not have access to STAR the links are by far the easiest choice.
Ride height check and calibration must be performed on a level alignment rack or MKS compliant alignment rack.
STEP 1 -
STEP 2 - STEP 3 -
A.) Vehicle on level alignment hoist, remove pins from slip and turn plates.
B.) Be certain that the “Emergency Brake” is not applied and a brake pedal depressor has not been installed.
C.) Settle the suspension using the “Ride Height” switch. (Raise the vehicle using the ride height switch and wait 2 minutes. Lower the vehicle using the same switch and wait 2 minutes )
Using WIS, find the ride height specifications for the front and rear axles and record. Also find the specification for side to side height deviation and record.
Raise the vehicle on the lift and, using Romess, measure and store the
ride height data. Starting at the left front wheel, measure the ride height and select “SAVE”. Move to the right front wheel, measure the ride height and select “SAVE”. Measure the left rear and right rear ride heights, selecting “SAVE” after each one. After all 4 corners have been measured, selecting the “MEMORY” button will display all 4 readings simultaneously. Check the readings against the specifications that you previously recorded, in STEP 2. If all 4 readings are within specifications, and the side to side deviations are within acceptable limits, no further calibration is necessary. Document your measurements on the Repair Order.
If any of the measurements are out of specification proceed to STEP 4.
Connect SDS/DAS to the vehicle. Navigate to”Main Groups / Control Units / Chassis / AIRmatic / Control Unit Adaptations / Level Calibration” The next screen displays information regarding when level calibration is necessary, what equipment should be used, the specified voltage ranges for each of the level sensors and a brief description of the calibration process. Record the specified voltage ranges for the level sensors.
Select “F2” to continue.
The “Actuation of level valves” screen is now displayed. You will see the set values for front and rear axle inclination angles. If you are working alone it will be necessary to maneuver SDS/DAS beneath the vehicle. Using the “F3” or “F4” keys on SDS/DAS, raise or lower the vehicle, while measuring the left front ride height with Romess, until you obtain a reading within the set value range for the front axle as indicated by SDS/DAS. Go to the right front axle and use the “F5” or “F6” keys until you obtain a reading within the set value range, and within the permissible
STEP 4 -
side-to-side deviation specification. Adjust the left rear ride height using Job
the “F7” or “F8” keys until it is within the set value range for the rear axle. Do the same for the right rear, being certain that the readings are within the acceptable side-to-side deviation range.
Double check your measurements with Romess at all four corners starting at the left front. If all four measurements are within the set values in SDS/DAS, and the side-to-side deviations are within tolerances, “SAVE” the measurements into Romess. Check the voltage values being displayed
for the level sensors and compare them to the values that you recorded earlier in this STEP. If they are within specifications select “F2” in SDS/DAS.
The “Entry of values stored in the inclination measuring instrument” screen is now displayed. Using the numeral keys, enter the left front axle inclination reading that you stored in Romess, being sure to enter the decimal point. Once the angle is entered, press the “Tab” key and the cursor will move to the right front angle inclination box. Enter the Romess angle reading for the right front and press “Tab” again. The cursor moves to the left rear inclination angle box. Enter the left rear angle stored in Romess, being sure to enter the – (negative) symbol, and press “Tab”. Enter the right rear inclination angle in the same manner as the left rear and press “F2”.
The next screen is a measurement verification screen and asks you to verify that you have entered the correct values. If the readings are correct, press “F3”.
If the Romess angle readings, side-to-side deviations and sensor voltages are within specifications, the next screen will display “Level Calibration Successful”. Select “OK”.
VERY IMPORTANT! THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE MUST BE PERFORMED IN THE LISTED ORDER OR THE FINAL RIDE HEIGHT MAY NOT BE WITHIN U.S. SPECS.
A.) Exit SDS/DAS, then disconnect SDS/DAS from X11/4.
B.) Cycle the ignition switch OFF.
C.) Restart the engine.
D.) Raise the vehicle using the ride height switch and wait 2 minutes.
E.) Lower the vehicle using the same switch and wait 2 minutes.
F.) Re-measure the ride height with Romess and compare the results with the specifications that you looked up and recorded in STEP 2 above. If your ride height is within U.S. specifications, your calibration procedure is completed. Document the final angles on the Repair Order for future reference if necessary.
If your ride height is not within U.S. specifications, check that all of the items in STEP 1 above are completed and perform actions “B – F” of STEP 5 again. If the ride height is still out of U.S. specifications it may be necessary to perform the entire calibration procedure again
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ChrisVannoy (03-01-2018)
03-24-2014, 09:47 AM
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
There are many documented cases of successful ride height adjustments wit STAR but you will not be able to get things much beyond a 1.25 to 1.5 inch drop. An an ABC car make sure to do a load calibration when complete.
Here is also some additional info from the MB training manual. Sorry the format is so jacked up. If you do not have access to STAR the links are by far the easiest choice.
Ride height check and calibration must be performed on a level alignment rack or MKS compliant alignment rack.
STEP 1 -
STEP 2 - STEP 3 -
A.) Vehicle on level alignment hoist, remove pins from slip and turn plates.
B.) Be certain that the “Emergency Brake” is not applied and a brake pedal depressor has not been installed.
C.) Settle the suspension using the “Ride Height” switch. (Raise the vehicle using the ride height switch and wait 2 minutes. Lower the vehicle using the same switch and wait 2 minutes )
Using WIS, find the ride height specifications for the front and rear axles and record. Also find the specification for side to side height deviation and record.
Raise the vehicle on the lift and, using Romess, measure and store the
ride height data. Starting at the left front wheel, measure the ride height and select “SAVE”. Move to the right front wheel, measure the ride height and select “SAVE”. Measure the left rear and right rear ride heights, selecting “SAVE” after each one. After all 4 corners have been measured, selecting the “MEMORY” button will display all 4 readings simultaneously. Check the readings against the specifications that you previously recorded, in STEP 2. If all 4 readings are within specifications, and the side to side deviations are within acceptable limits, no further calibration is necessary. Document your measurements on the Repair Order.
If any of the measurements are out of specification proceed to STEP 4.
Connect SDS/DAS to the vehicle. Navigate to”Main Groups / Control Units / Chassis / AIRmatic / Control Unit Adaptations / Level Calibration” The next screen displays information regarding when level calibration is necessary, what equipment should be used, the specified voltage ranges for each of the level sensors and a brief description of the calibration process. Record the specified voltage ranges for the level sensors.
Select “F2” to continue.
The “Actuation of level valves” screen is now displayed. You will see the set values for front and rear axle inclination angles. If you are working alone it will be necessary to maneuver SDS/DAS beneath the vehicle. Using the “F3” or “F4” keys on SDS/DAS, raise or lower the vehicle, while measuring the left front ride height with Romess, until you obtain a reading within the set value range for the front axle as indicated by SDS/DAS. Go to the right front axle and use the “F5” or “F6” keys until you obtain a reading within the set value range, and within the permissible
STEP 4 -
side-to-side deviation specification. Adjust the left rear ride height using Job
the “F7” or “F8” keys until it is within the set value range for the rear axle. Do the same for the right rear, being certain that the readings are within the acceptable side-to-side deviation range.
Double check your measurements with Romess at all four corners starting at the left front. If all four measurements are within the set values in SDS/DAS, and the side-to-side deviations are within tolerances, “SAVE” the measurements into Romess. Check the voltage values being displayed
for the level sensors and compare them to the values that you recorded earlier in this STEP. If they are within specifications select “F2” in SDS/DAS.
The “Entry of values stored in the inclination measuring instrument” screen is now displayed. Using the numeral keys, enter the left front axle inclination reading that you stored in Romess, being sure to enter the decimal point. Once the angle is entered, press the “Tab” key and the cursor will move to the right front angle inclination box. Enter the Romess angle reading for the right front and press “Tab” again. The cursor moves to the left rear inclination angle box. Enter the left rear angle stored in Romess, being sure to enter the – (negative) symbol, and press “Tab”. Enter the right rear inclination angle in the same manner as the left rear and press “F2”.
The next screen is a measurement verification screen and asks you to verify that you have entered the correct values. If the readings are correct, press “F3”.
If the Romess angle readings, side-to-side deviations and sensor voltages are within specifications, the next screen will display “Level Calibration Successful”. Select “OK”.
VERY IMPORTANT! THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE MUST BE PERFORMED IN THE LISTED ORDER OR THE FINAL RIDE HEIGHT MAY NOT BE WITHIN U.S. SPECS.
A.) Exit SDS/DAS, then disconnect SDS/DAS from X11/4.
B.) Cycle the ignition switch OFF.
C.) Restart the engine.
D.) Raise the vehicle using the ride height switch and wait 2 minutes.
E.) Lower the vehicle using the same switch and wait 2 minutes.
F.) Re-measure the ride height with Romess and compare the results with the specifications that you looked up and recorded in STEP 2 above. If your ride height is within U.S. specifications, your calibration procedure is completed. Document the final angles on the Repair Order for future reference if necessary.
If your ride height is not within U.S. specifications, check that all of the items in STEP 1 above are completed and perform actions “B – F” of STEP 5 again. If the ride height is still out of U.S. specifications it may be necessary to perform the entire calibration procedure again
Here is also some additional info from the MB training manual. Sorry the format is so jacked up. If you do not have access to STAR the links are by far the easiest choice.
Ride height check and calibration must be performed on a level alignment rack or MKS compliant alignment rack.
STEP 1 -
STEP 2 - STEP 3 -
A.) Vehicle on level alignment hoist, remove pins from slip and turn plates.
B.) Be certain that the “Emergency Brake” is not applied and a brake pedal depressor has not been installed.
C.) Settle the suspension using the “Ride Height” switch. (Raise the vehicle using the ride height switch and wait 2 minutes. Lower the vehicle using the same switch and wait 2 minutes )
Using WIS, find the ride height specifications for the front and rear axles and record. Also find the specification for side to side height deviation and record.
Raise the vehicle on the lift and, using Romess, measure and store the
ride height data. Starting at the left front wheel, measure the ride height and select “SAVE”. Move to the right front wheel, measure the ride height and select “SAVE”. Measure the left rear and right rear ride heights, selecting “SAVE” after each one. After all 4 corners have been measured, selecting the “MEMORY” button will display all 4 readings simultaneously. Check the readings against the specifications that you previously recorded, in STEP 2. If all 4 readings are within specifications, and the side to side deviations are within acceptable limits, no further calibration is necessary. Document your measurements on the Repair Order.
If any of the measurements are out of specification proceed to STEP 4.
Connect SDS/DAS to the vehicle. Navigate to”Main Groups / Control Units / Chassis / AIRmatic / Control Unit Adaptations / Level Calibration” The next screen displays information regarding when level calibration is necessary, what equipment should be used, the specified voltage ranges for each of the level sensors and a brief description of the calibration process. Record the specified voltage ranges for the level sensors.
Select “F2” to continue.
The “Actuation of level valves” screen is now displayed. You will see the set values for front and rear axle inclination angles. If you are working alone it will be necessary to maneuver SDS/DAS beneath the vehicle. Using the “F3” or “F4” keys on SDS/DAS, raise or lower the vehicle, while measuring the left front ride height with Romess, until you obtain a reading within the set value range for the front axle as indicated by SDS/DAS. Go to the right front axle and use the “F5” or “F6” keys until you obtain a reading within the set value range, and within the permissible
STEP 4 -
side-to-side deviation specification. Adjust the left rear ride height using Job
the “F7” or “F8” keys until it is within the set value range for the rear axle. Do the same for the right rear, being certain that the readings are within the acceptable side-to-side deviation range.
Double check your measurements with Romess at all four corners starting at the left front. If all four measurements are within the set values in SDS/DAS, and the side-to-side deviations are within tolerances, “SAVE” the measurements into Romess. Check the voltage values being displayed
for the level sensors and compare them to the values that you recorded earlier in this STEP. If they are within specifications select “F2” in SDS/DAS.
The “Entry of values stored in the inclination measuring instrument” screen is now displayed. Using the numeral keys, enter the left front axle inclination reading that you stored in Romess, being sure to enter the decimal point. Once the angle is entered, press the “Tab” key and the cursor will move to the right front angle inclination box. Enter the Romess angle reading for the right front and press “Tab” again. The cursor moves to the left rear inclination angle box. Enter the left rear angle stored in Romess, being sure to enter the – (negative) symbol, and press “Tab”. Enter the right rear inclination angle in the same manner as the left rear and press “F2”.
The next screen is a measurement verification screen and asks you to verify that you have entered the correct values. If the readings are correct, press “F3”.
If the Romess angle readings, side-to-side deviations and sensor voltages are within specifications, the next screen will display “Level Calibration Successful”. Select “OK”.
VERY IMPORTANT! THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE MUST BE PERFORMED IN THE LISTED ORDER OR THE FINAL RIDE HEIGHT MAY NOT BE WITHIN U.S. SPECS.
A.) Exit SDS/DAS, then disconnect SDS/DAS from X11/4.
B.) Cycle the ignition switch OFF.
C.) Restart the engine.
D.) Raise the vehicle using the ride height switch and wait 2 minutes.
E.) Lower the vehicle using the same switch and wait 2 minutes.
F.) Re-measure the ride height with Romess and compare the results with the specifications that you looked up and recorded in STEP 2 above. If your ride height is within U.S. specifications, your calibration procedure is completed. Document the final angles on the Repair Order for future reference if necessary.
If your ride height is not within U.S. specifications, check that all of the items in STEP 1 above are completed and perform actions “B – F” of STEP 5 again. If the ride height is still out of U.S. specifications it may be necessary to perform the entire calibration procedure again
03-24-2014, 10:58 AM
#12
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W215 V12TT Build by Speedriven, W221 S550 4Matic
I have seen this 1000 times people lower their cars they are unhappy and end up using links at the end. Why are people so affraid of the links? I have used these on my SL55 for 3 years with no issues and on my CL going on 2 years and now my S Class.
03-24-2014, 11:09 AM
#13
Senior Member
Links work great and don't cost much at all. I already had a Star set-up and I thoroughly enjoy doing things that people say can' t be done. If you want more than a modest drop go with the links.
Using Star takes time and patience on a ABC setup.
Using Star takes time and patience on a ABC setup.
