SL/R230: Lowering an SL500 (R230)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Lowering an SL500 (R230)
What options are there for lowering an SL500 please. I've seen the Brabus "lowering module" but that's about all I can find. Anyone got experience of this - advisable or not ?
Thanks !
Thanks !
Junior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Porsche and GLC63
I am going through this search also. The options I have found so far are:
1. Physically relocate the height sensors - about a $500 job. There are places around that have done it successfully.
2. Kleeman also makes a lowering module that gets spliced into the the wiring under the dash. It's about $2K.
3. Brabus has a lowering module that requires a M-B star-diagnostic machine to setup (i.e. dealer installs it). I'm going to order this one through my dealer.
4. There may be a way for the dealer to get in and make some software changes, but my dealer was not able to confirm they could do this. Another person on this board says their dealer was successful at this. I suggest you start with talking to your dealer about it. You may be able to get it done with minimal cost.
Good luck!
1. Physically relocate the height sensors - about a $500 job. There are places around that have done it successfully.
2. Kleeman also makes a lowering module that gets spliced into the the wiring under the dash. It's about $2K.
3. Brabus has a lowering module that requires a M-B star-diagnostic machine to setup (i.e. dealer installs it). I'm going to order this one through my dealer.
4. There may be a way for the dealer to get in and make some software changes, but my dealer was not able to confirm they could do this. Another person on this board says their dealer was successful at this. I suggest you start with talking to your dealer about it. You may be able to get it done with minimal cost.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks for that helpful reply. I actually spoke to a mechanic at the dealership where I bought my car who said the dealership wouldn't install the Brabus lowering (for warranty reasons) but offered to do it "from home" so to speak. If you are having success having a dealer do it (which is my preference for my brand new $100k car) then perhaps this chap was misleading me. Please let me know if your dealer will install the Brabus kit.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Porsche and GLC63
My dealer was already setup as a reseller for Brabus and Renntech, so they were happy to sell to me and install it. They had Brabus fax the instructions to them, and then the service manager approved it. (warranty and liability issues) It's probably up to the discretion of the dealer. I guess they have other customers who like to do third-party add-ons.
I decided to go the Brabus route because the dealer was involved, and I know they won't goof it up, plus they will be aware of it on future shop visits. I'll probably have the unit installed early next week.
I decided to go the Brabus route because the dealer was involved, and I know they won't goof it up, plus they will be aware of it on future shop visits. I'll probably have the unit installed early next week.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
I had my SL lowered again using the TWS lowering kit. About one finger gap all around.
WAY cheaper than alternatives offered by Brabus or Kleemann.
The TWS lowering kit will not alter the functions of ABC/Airmatic nor will it cause suspension failure. I have seen it installed on many cars with zero problems.
WAY cheaper than alternatives offered by Brabus or Kleemann.
The TWS lowering kit will not alter the functions of ABC/Airmatic nor will it cause suspension failure. I have seen it installed on many cars with zero problems.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
I did not have to get my fenders rolled.
The car is not that low actually. Plus, the offset for the HRE is very conservative. There is about a 1-2 cm horizontal gap between the tire and the fender well.
If you stick with a german tuner that makes wheels specifically for the SL, you probably won't have fender rolling issues. However, if you either drop the car really low or go with a more offbrand wheel, you might have rubbing issues.
The car is not that low actually. Plus, the offset for the HRE is very conservative. There is about a 1-2 cm horizontal gap between the tire and the fender well.
If you stick with a german tuner that makes wheels specifically for the SL, you probably won't have fender rolling issues. However, if you either drop the car really low or go with a more offbrand wheel, you might have rubbing issues.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
crap, i forgot to put up the contact information
www.thewheelsupply.com
909 468 1311
Ask for Sander
If you're in SoCal, you're in luck!
www.thewheelsupply.com
909 468 1311
Ask for Sander
If you're in SoCal, you're in luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 36
From: Carefree az usa
2020 S560,14 ml350, 03 sl55, silver, pano, slr cams, evo headers, lsd, 2019 s63 cab.
does anyone know a email address for the wheel supply. i got into their site but now way to contact shown. thanks
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
http://www.thewheelsupply.com/contactUs.shtml
909 . 468 . 1311 ... tel
909 . 468 . 1331 ... fax
talk2tws@aol.com ... email
The kit consists of the modifed bracket and the hardware needed to adjust the height. TWS sells the lowering kit plus installation. I don't think they will sell you the part by itself.
909 . 468 . 1311 ... tel
909 . 468 . 1331 ... fax
talk2tws@aol.com ... email
The kit consists of the modifed bracket and the hardware needed to adjust the height. TWS sells the lowering kit plus installation. I don't think they will sell you the part by itself.
