S430MB

I wanted to get my 04 S430 lowered and I just wanted to see if anyone had any inexpensive suggestions without violating the warranty. Currently I'm sitting on 19s (245/40ZR19). Does anyone have any pictures of what the profile would look like?

my06clk

Washers, Star, links,or Module are your options.. in cost order..
Lowering has nothing to do with the overall warranty. Soon as you change the height, alignment mat not be covered, but everthing else should be okay unless you slam the thing and bust the struts..

Otherwise I wouldn't worry too much. here is mine dropped with washers and sitting on 19's
see post #7
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/189418-exhaust-muffler-tips-look-flush.html

S430MB

my06clk,

That profile is sick, that's exactly the profile I'm looking for. I'm a novice in lowering vehicles with anything other than springs, so forgive me if I ask a few simple minded questions. What do I need to do to lower the vehicle using the same washer method that you used? I'm not mechanically incline so is it some thing that's simple enough to do myself? I've never heard of any of the methods you mentioned, where can I find some info on them? I realize that the ride will be affected some, but I don't want it to ride like a tank, lol, how's your ride?

my06clk

Lowering has nothing to do with the ride when you have airmatic. It's not like you installed stiffer lower springs as you would with Eibach for example.

You can search this forum for detailed instruction on how to lower using the washer method. A member Fusion has posted a lot of info in this.

If you are not mechanically inclined as you state, you should find someone who can do the work for you using the posted instructions. Otherwise you might mess up your clothes...

I am running 19's with 275/35's in the rear. the ride is good. I like it. I rum my car in Sport 2 mode 24/7 because the other settings makes it feel too much like a town car for my taste.

My only gripe is that I am running RFT ( runflat ) tires. I hate them. They are quiet, but also fat, and hard like riding on concrete but they will be coming off soon.

S430MB

Thanks my06clk, I'll start doing my research, I just needed a start point.

Vader55

Size: 19x9.5 19x8.5
Offset: 35 32
Tires:Nitto 275/30 & 245/35
555 Extreme

if you want a taller sidewall you can run what they call a fat setup 275/35/19 and a 245/40/19 also if you want it dropped like mine I recommend toyo t1'r's because the they have a nice rounded track that tucks nicely.. I run nittos now which are the widest 275/30 (very square) but my fenders are rolled and upper rear wheelwell metal is grinded off.

Vader55

fkong777 wrote:

Since most people use the RBTECH or TWS kit to drop the car. those kits seem so simple. hardly worth the $200-$300 they list for.

I was experimenting using washers to drop the front end. I remove the OEM ball joint bracket that is connected to the upper A arm and airmatic sensor arm. I find that the bracket stud is plenty long enough for a few washers. Since i have about 6 of them in my tool box. I put 3 washers on the bracket stud on each side and bolt it back on.

After turning the key.. I hear a bunch of air servo adjustment. I measure the fender and it is near a 1" drop. pretty sweet.

measuring from floor to top of fender arc. Stock tires 225/60/16. before washer it was 28.5" after 3 washer it was 27.5" apx. NEAR 1" drop with 3 washer..

Also when I push the "raise" button. the car goes up to about 28.25". so the button will give it about 3/4" raise.

There should be enought stub for 1 to 2 more washer. I will leave it for now to see how it goes. I haven't play with the rear adjustment yet.. I will when I get my 19" rims on.

We Can lower the car for pennies.....

Not that I'm too cheap to get the bracket kits but there just isn't any reason to. : end quote fkong777


benznodubz says

You can contact TWS or RBTECH to buy the kit
https://mbworld.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=161779

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/91797-using-washers-drop-car.html

you can try these guys too

http://adjustableairride.com/

S430MB

Thanks benznodubz,

You guys sure know how to make a newbie's first day in the forum a great one. I look forward to communicating with you guys.