Finally... after mulling my options for lowering the vehicle, I bought the links ($300USD) for my CLS500 and had it lowered 1.5". I won't hesitate to do it again. It looks AWESOME now, does not ride as stiff as I thought it would, and has plenty of clearance. Haven't had problems up driveways or speedbumps at all.

There was so much info on this board (thanks guys), so there was much to think about. First, the method. Either I do a flash, do the washer method, links method, or purchase a lowering module. Flash: you need to find someone with the module to do it, and there's limits to how low it could go. Washer method, well, let's just say it's not nearly as easy as it looks. After watching the guy install the links and show me how it's done, if I had to crawl under there to do the washers and break some pieces apart in the rear, if anything goes wrong, I'm screwed; also you can only drop it about an inch or so. And the lowering module... would have been last resort because it was just too damned expensive.

Links sounded like the best idea, so I found a lot of favorable reviews about adjustableairride.com. It was $300USD + installation, but I figured I could resell them for $100 or whatever if I got rid of the car. And you know what, he's a 20 min. drive from me and was willing to do the install as well. I was torn about how low to go. I didn't want to rub against large speedbumps or when I go up and down steep driveways, but I want the drop to be significant enough to look good. I found 1.5" might be the way to go.

And to the install. Ask for John. Straight up guy, I just watched him do the install and he showed me how it's done; less than 30 minutes. He gave me all the original pieces, said if I wanted it adjusted any time, bring it back, no extra charge. Selling the car and I want it removed, bring it back, no charge. Airmatic warranty or service problems, if I don't want them to see the links, he'll put back the originals, no charge. We let the airmatic settle down a bit, saw the drop, I said it looks good. He said no, let me adjust the front a couple millimeters for you once more, it's too high. Good guy. The links looked really solid, more solid than the original part from Mercedes.

The ride is great. Significantly better cornering; the car sways less than before when turning. It's not as stiff as one might think. And if it's too low, I just raise it and it's almost back to the original height. AIRMATIC ROCKS!!

Great experience, great product, and car looks *much* better. John even showed me how the washers method is done, and the downsides to it. Go with the links, trust me. Pics will follow. 604 guys are lucky that he has the products local and can do the install as well so quickly.

 

Thanks for the write up...I'm also looking to lower my CLS500. The biggest draw back is the camber..I have 20 inch wheels and I get about 12,000 miles on the tires. With lowering the car I was told I would be replacing the tires every 7k miles. Is is this true?

 

I've heard the same thing, because it wears down one side more. But 1.5 didn't look like too much, and I don't drive the vehicle hard. I think you can get them aligned, but personally I think it should be fine for me. Anyone have experience?

 

sounds good. yea i just got off the phone with john. Sounds like a good man. He requested me to see your forum. I'm planning to get the adjustable air ride for my E55 amg soon. Just too scared to put them on myself. but anywayz you should post some pics up asap.

 

See the pics. This is ~ 1.5" drop. Haven't had a prob with speedbumps or going up and down steep driveways yet. When I press the raise button it almost goes back to the original height, maybe another 0.5" lower. Not as stiff as I thought, but great cornering. I wouldn't go with a 2" dorp because you'll really be pushing it.

 

Seriously bro, when I saw him do it... spend the $50 to get someone to do it lol. It's not worth it. It's a pain to begin with, and you need a floor jack, and after that you gotta have a clue what you're doing. It only took him 20 min., a mechanic who hasn't done it before, probably 30 min. max. And a lot of that time was adjusting the height to my liking (which is pretty easy to do). The fronts took a couple min. It's the rear that's a ***** to do.

 

haha i know im gonna try to see if the mechanics at Mercedes know how to put them on. Your cls looks good. Whats a good ride adjustment so when you drive or turn it doesnt rub. 1'5" or less?

 

Yup 1.5 is good. I have 18" wheels though, I think even with 19s you'd be fine with 1.5.

 

I'll second that. The rear link is such a PITA! Took forever to get the rear link on - the space is so tight. Need lots of patience and small hands.