To Lower or Not To Lower?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
s550
To Lower or Not To Lower?
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!
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!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 275
Likes: 3
From: Wyomissing, Pa
Kia Sedona
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 319
Likes: 16
From: Vancouver, BC
2015 S550V
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.
I do find the ride a bit stiffer than stock but still smoother than most luxury cars out there.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 408
Likes: 29
From: Orange County
16 GL550
- 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.
- the s class is very high to begin with, unless you lower a lot, you shouldn't have to worry about speed bumps.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: New York
toyota sienna, S550, Subaru Outback
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.
Like what everyone said...rides the same..looks bad! and I have no issues after 10k miles.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: New York
toyota sienna, S550, Subaru Outback
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...
Just go slow into the driveways, gas, etc...
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 3
From: Flower Mount TX
2005 cl65 AMG, 2014 e63s AMG
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
-LeoD
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: New York
toyota sienna, S550, Subaru Outback
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....
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....
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
2007 s600 2007 cls63
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....
