RT2010

I have been debating this and also reading some online articles. I know bunch of guys on this forum have done it on their w221.

From what I gather

THE GOOD: Looks, Handling.
THE BAD: Stiff ride, wear to suspension and struts in long term.
THE UGLY: If you run into a pothole or speedbump, damages to underbody.

I wanted to hear personal opinion of folks that have already done this - after the initial thrill of lowering, is it worth the effort and would you recommend it?

Finally, this product seem to be best in terms of price ($325) and reviews: http://www.adjustableairride.com/


Your feedback would be appreciated!

V12toHybrid

i love it lowered. looks much better especially if you have larger wheels. handle the same. ride quality the same. not sure about the wear and tear part. only lowered about 3months ago. not sure about the damages to the underbody but you definitely have to worry about scraping the curb/concrete parking block with your front bumper when you park.

604benz

I lowered my S500 W220 5 years ago with adjustable air ride and no problems to this day, My S550 W221 was lowered a year ago and no problems either.
I do find the ride a bit stiffer than stock but still smoother than most luxury cars out there.

rominl

- handling? i doubt anyone has any real gain on handling when lowering the airmatic / abc
- the s class is very high to begin with, unless you lower a lot, you shouldn't have to worry about speed bumps.

jadeethan

very happy with my lowered w221 even with 20's as you can see in my signature..but do get 22's as I will do as well.

Like what everyone said...rides the same..looks bad! and I have no issues after 10k miles.

jadeethan

btw, if you do lower it be careful during your turns into gas stations or drive ways. If you happen to hit a bump or dip while your wheel is turned, you can hit the front fender with the top of your tire and do some damage to your fender...this happened to me luckily it wasn't too bad...

Just go slow into the driveways, gas, etc...

leodangelo

I am really surprised with all the people saying that it rides the same... I lowered my 2005 CL65 (admittedly it may be a little too low)... It definitely rides harder/stiffer... Before lowering even in sport mode it was smooth as glass... After lowering... not so much... even on the highest setting in comfort mode it does not ride as smooth as pre-lowering in sport mode.

-LeoD

rominl

my w221 is lowered by 1.5" front and almost 1" rear, the ride definitely got harsher. it's not drastic, but enough for me to notice

jadeethan

probably should reword...it's not bone jarring ride...

say you lowered a civic or some other car with springs..you will notice a difference like it's bouncing.but you won't get that from the S (that's from my assessment)

My wife takes it to work..she doesn't notice that it's hard or even lowered..

So really depends on where you live too..if you live in NYC where you're riding the cross bronx or BQE sure expect your car is gonna be harsher....

phatisfy

Lowering the S class within 2 inches is nothing. Just hit the raise button when you're on roads that are not perfect?

RT2010

Thanks for your comments guys. I am going to take the plunge based on what I read.

Do you have to align the wheels after lowering?

jadeethan

Yes you should align.

s600ed

Lowered my W221 with the renntech module, every now and then ABC malfunction message comes up and goes away. A year ago the hydraulic hose bursts and dumps the big pile of fluid on the ground with the car about 3 inches from the ground. By the time I had it to the dealer my lorinser front now has massive scrape marks. Dont know if the ELM had anything to do with it but luckily had warranty but now I have scars that reminds me everyday....