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There are a few options available and I'm wondering what's the best current way to lower these car. I'm not looking to slam it. Just lower it down to a "1-finger" gap on stock wheels.
The options I'm aware of are:
Calibrate the system lower using STAR/Autel.
Free if you have access to these systems.
Pay for a 1-time calibration maybe 0.5-1hr labor.
Lowering Links
$100-150 plus installation.
Renntech Lowering Module
$1,400
Some minor rewiring required to install the piggy-back system.
Is this worth it? I don't hear much chatter about it.
ProGrama Lowering Unit
Same style as the Renntech unit (or Renntech is the same style as ProGrama, not sure who was first)
So, I'm looking for advice. What's considered the best way these days with these old cars?
These old cars work on the same tech as new cars, namely sensors and CAN. You broke…Get the links. If not, spend the money on the lomo m1. Clean and reliable way of doing it and adjusting it from your steering wheel. No issues with it on my end years after putting it in.
Xentry would be easiest. Links would be cheapest but with some work (couple hours), Lomo M1 for on-the-fly convenience.
"Best" is very subjective.
I'm using Autel (in place of Xentry) and it's finicky. Sometimes it'll hold for a couple of days other times one of the sensors will trigger an out of bounds value and then it stands up high.
I just ordered a Renntech unit. We'll see how that works.
I have not had an issue with my links. I don't have to adjust them and would not see myself ever adjusting if I had a module to adjust it.
If I ever need to raise the car for some reason, I can use the lift button in the dash and that puts it back to about oem height.
I'm using Autel (in place of Xentry) and it's finicky. Sometimes it'll hold for a couple of days other times one of the sensors will trigger an out of bounds value and then it stands up high.
I just ordered a Renntech unit. We'll see how that works.
UPDATE:
The Renntech unit works as expected.
I suggest switching to metric units where the height adjustments happen in 1mm increments. If you use SAE (inch) units, the incremental adjustments will jump around a bit as they are really measured in mm and are being converted for the user interface.
‘16 Mercedes GLE450 amg,’15 Mercedes gla, coupe,’07 Mercedes w221,’12 Audi A
Hello,
So a while ago I bought the first version renntech lowering module. I ended up going with the lowering links. With that said I am willing to sell the unit for $250.00 it was previously installed in my friends car and I bought it at the time for $500. My loss is someone’s gain. I take PayPal if anyone is interested.
I also have install instructions..
‘16 Mercedes GLE450 amg,’15 Mercedes gla, coupe,’07 Mercedes w221,’12 Audi A
When you press the suspension button on the dashboard it’s not going to oem height but higher than stock. Remember by installing the links you are tricking the car suspension computer to think that its the stock height with the links installed. When you press the button and drive the car may automatically start to lower back down cause the car will be sitting to high.. trust me I know cause I’ve done it before. The links come preset to I think 1.5” drop for both front/rear.
QUOTE=WHPH28;8731826]I have not had an issue with my links. I don't have to adjust them and would not see myself ever adjusting if I had a module to adjust it.
If I ever need to raise the car for some reason, I can use the lift button in the dash and that puts it back to about oem height.[/QUOTE]
I'm using Autel (in place of Xentry) and it's finicky. Sometimes it'll hold for a couple of days other times one of the sensors will trigger an out of bounds value and then it stands up high.
I just ordered a Renntech unit. We'll see how that works.
Replying to my own post here.
I still got wonky behavior once the Renntech unit was installed. I learned how to watch for issues with the voltages using my Autel. I was able to diagnose that one of my ride height sensors was giving wonky values. Basically, it wasn't reporting when it was higher than normal...then I think it would suddenly report the correct values, thus throwing all sorts of errors all over the place.
I lifted the car and pulled the offending unit from the rear left and saw that it was dated July 2007. I replaced it and the one on the opposite side and now everything works as expected. I intend to replace the pair on the front when I get time.
On a related note, I watched Legit Street Car's ABC videos regarding his CLS 65 with ABC and he sort of overlooks his Renntech lowering module. What's interesting is that it looks exactly like the ProGramma unit. I wonder if ProGramma made (makes) the units for Renntech.
When you press the suspension button on the dashboard it’s not going to oem height but higher than stock. Remember by installing the links you are tricking the car suspension computer to think that its the stock height with the links installed. When you press the button and drive the car may automatically start to lower back down cause the car will be sitting to high.. trust me I know cause I’ve done it before. The links come preset to I think 1.5” drop for both front/rear.
QUOTE=WHPH28;8731826]I have not had an issue with my links. I don't have to adjust them and would not see myself ever adjusting if I had a module to adjust it.
If I ever need to raise the car for some reason, I can use the lift button in the dash and that puts it back to about oem height.
[/QUOTE]
I'll have to test it. I have only ever raised it one time since I put the links in because I have no need to adjust or raise it. Mine is definitely lower than preset.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Current best way to lower W221 ABC cars?
