triggaice

To lower the E Class, is having the sport package with the airmatic better than standard springs? Is it cheaper? And whats the difference? I heard you could decompress the stock airmatic module and have it bottomed out, is this true?

Joseesq

I prefer lowering the car with the sports package since you still have the option of increasing the height and adjusting the suspension if the ride is too harsh for you after lowering. If you have the springs replaced, then you will need to live with the ride quality after lowering. Depending on the lowering module you get, it would cost about the same of buying the springs and having them installed. BTW, there is a thread a month or two ago about the bottoming out on the airmatic. Short version of the thread is that it happened when airmatic first came out, but now it is tried and true--no bottoming unless you get some guy who doesn't know how to install the airmatic module properly.

triggaice

Ok so let me get this straight. Airmatic controls the entire car not just the rear? So when I purchase this module i can lower it as low as I want? How low can u go approx with a module? Whats a estimate on a module alone?

Joseesq

Yes, you lower the entire car not just the rear and you can lower it as low as you want or dare. The installer will adjust to your specifications and the kit/installation cost me about $500. I don't know how much it would cost just for the kit/module. I had mine installed at www.d2technik.com Ask for David or Collins.

tbone

yes lower your car on the sport package. the ride quality is almost like factory, just a little rougher. If you lower your car on the spring setup, it will be quite harsh. Lowering the car on airmatic is about a 20 minute process for an experienced tech.

triggaice

Hey Jose, I read a previous forum saying u wanted 20s instead of your 19s? Can you go 20x8.5 in the front no problem with that lowering module? If this is the case with airmatic, thats the best way to go.

tbone

you can easily fit a 20x8.5 on the front. you actually have more room for a 20" rim on airmatic setups.

triggaice

Wow. If thats the case....thats unbeliveable. Can anyone else verify that?

tbone

i'm actually looking to lower my E500 and run 20's. i called several wheel shops in southern cal...globe, TWS, etc...they have lowered many E's,and have found more room for a 20" rim on an airmatic setup. you may need to shave the bolt on the control arm a bit depending on what type of tire you end up using. you can also do a forum search on lowering and/or 20" rims. there is some info there as well. good luck

triggaice

Thanx alot, your help is very inspiring for a 20inch setup =) 19s just arent doing it for me anymore, it gets boring. I was looking into the new Lowenhart LDR's 245 front and 275 rears. What rim were u looking into?

tbone

you're welcome. 19's look nice, but i think 20's are the perfect size for the new E. not too big, not too small. the only thing to consider is the ride quality when u go big. not much rubber to absorb bumps. but i must admit, riding in sf49ers' car, which is on 19's, the ride is quite comfortable. very close to stock. i haven't decided on rims yet, but i like the brabus VI a lot. i also like the AMG CL rims, but those only come in 19's. let us know what u decide on!

jl88

From my experience and with talking to others, a 19" setup with 245/40 and 275/35 has very good ride quality. I had a 255/40/19 setup all around and the ride was very good.

HOWEVER, going to the 20" 245/35 and 275/30 setup is a big change. The ride SUCKS. Sure, it can handle smoothly paved streets with ease, but once you hit a stretch of highway with cracks, potholes, etc, you will suffer.

For all your LA folks, driving on the 5 is a good test of the ride quality

tbone

hey jl, i'm not sure if the tire setup is different on the SL/S vs. E's, but the 19" and 20" setup are the same...i believe both require a 245/35 and 275/30. so it is basically the same amount of rubber. if so, would it affect the change in ride quality? if i remember correctly, sf49er is running 245/35's all the way around. his car felt pretty nice. then again, we didn't take it down I-5...

sf49ers79

If you really want your car to look nice, then i'm suggesting to go with 20 coz 19 is just too small. but if you don't want the bumpy ride than got with 19. I got 19 and it's not that bumpy. For me i definitely go with 20 much nicer

Joseesq

Trig: You can actually go 20x9 front and 20x10 in the rear. Here is a link to some pix I took at the D2technik.com's E500. https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=35520

triggaice

Guys...My back is against the wall. I got the mercedes dealership trying to get me in a 03 Black/black CLK320 E2 package. What do you guys think? Big negative? 19s are the highest on the clk? (not that im basing my decision on a car by the diameter of the wheel or anything )

Joseesq

Trig: Do you need the extra room for kids/passengers or not? If not, then stick with the CLK. I guess you can't go wrong with either car, it is all just a matter of preference, need and price.