I am looking to lower my 03 SL55 and wanted some help and advice. I should also mention that I am planning to get the Brabus Monoblock VI 9.5, 10 x 20's.

I know about the Brabus unit and the Kleemann unit. I was also told that the Kleemann unit actually lowers the car more than the Brabus unit. Is this correct?

Furthermore, I was also told that H&R also has a lowering module. This is news to me. And also told that this unit is actually the same as the Kleemann unit, but slightly cheaper ($1400?). Does anyone know about this?

Thanks in advanced.

 

See https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-cl65-amg-cl63-amg-c215-c216/71313-cl55-lowered.html for further.

 

Thanks Awiner.

But do you or anyone else know about the H&R system? I went through the posts and could not dig up anything on this unit. EVOSPORT apparently carries them but cannot give me a full description. I know that sounds kind of silly since all it does it lower the car, but after studying the different brands, there seems to be a difference amongst them.

So far I have Kleemann in the lead. Anyone one know what the cheapest price is for this one?

Thanks.

 

I do not know anything about H&R's unit. The Eibach is the cheapest at around $1,100 however if you read my review I would stay away from it.

Next to that, the Brabus and the Carlsson are the next lowest in price.

 

Not sure that I would recommend the Brabus 20" monoblock wheels due to their weight.

In summary, the 18" 22-spoke wheels which come with most SL55's weigh 29 lbs each. However, the Brabus 20" monblock wheels weigh about 45 lbs each. This leads to a total difference of 57 lbs in UNSPRUNG weight.

Now it's well known that unsprung weight has a big impact on steering response, ride and handling. When I drove a demo car shod with 20" Brabus, I noticed that the handling had taken a turn for the worse, but the ride in particular suffered quite badly by comparison to the car equipped with 18" wheels.

As for the use of 20" wheels in general, I would refer you to the following experiences of somebody who has used the Brabus 20" monoblocks. Basically, he's had about 6 different blowouts due to rubbing of the inner tyre wall.

Also bear in mind that he's had these issues even without the use of a Lowering module

http://www.amg-owners-club.org/board...tuser=0&page=1

 

Please see the comments below about the functionality of the Carlsson lowering module, particularly the issue about how it raises back up to the normal Mercedes ride height at speeds above 86 mph

Might be worth checking to see if the Kleeman and Brabus modules offer the same features

• The ABC on the regular, non-lowered SL55 lowers the car automatically by up to 15mm while travelling at speeds in excess of 80km/hr
  
• This 15mm drop STARTS at 80kph and progresses relatively linearly between 80 and 140km/hr, (50mph to 86mph) where the car is now fully lowered by 15mm. (Other Mercedes cars with Airmatic suspensions lower in one step at 140km/hr)
  
  
• In Mercedes cars fitted with ABC and the Carlsson Lowering Module results in the car being lowering by 30mm while stationary and at speeds below 80km/hr
  
• At speeds in excess of 80km/hr, the car will begin to RAISE.
  
• The car will RAISE by up to 15mm (again in a fairly linear manner) between speeds of 80km/hr and 140km/hr
  
• It can be seen from the above that the Carlsson equipped and regular Mercedes car will ride at the SAME ride height at speeds in excess of 140kph or 86mph

For the SL55, when using the recommended 19” wheels and tyres (255/35 R19 front and 285/30 R19 rears), you can see that the overall wheel diameter and width is the same as the standard 18” wheels (255/40 R18 front and 285/35 R18 rears)

Therefore Lowering with the Carlsson Lowering module is not a problem as long as the (minimal) Carlsson recommendations are carried out for fitting 19” wheels. These involve minimal changes to the wheel arch areas.

Using the 20” wheels is significantly different however, particular at the rear, where the 305 section tyres are obviously much wider than the 285 tyres using on 18” and 19” wheels. Again 20” wheels can be accommodated (different offsets) and even incorporated with a Carlsson Lowering Module, but the bodywork changes are much more comprehensive and the lowering is also slightly different

Carlsson will sell, fit and provide recommendations for fitting 20” wheels, but they are not overly enthusiastic about fitting them. They stress that 19” wheels and tyres provide the best combination of aesthetics, handling, steering response and smooth ride. In particular, 20” wheels result in a ride which is significantly more fidgety and uncomfortable on anything but smooth roads

 

Ronnie,

Thanks for the input. I have actually read that thread over a few times when it was first posted.

Though we do know for a fact that unsprung weight is adverse for driving conditions and such, I have to admit to being spoiled in an area that has decent road conditions. As a measure, I have a 996 Carrera with PSS9 Coilovers set on "stiff" and have noticed a pretty smooth ride overall around town. This must be a testament to the upkeep of the road in my area.

Having said that however, I also factored in tires which were pointed out to be Continentals in the thread. Though I know Brabus NA recommends this tire, citing weight of car and fit purposes, others (stores) have told me one can also use Michelins, Pirellis, or even Bridgestones. If I recall correctly someone suggested using 275's for the rears. I'm not "size savvy" but that may be possible? And even if it were possible, then I am sure that opens up the issue of weight of car factored in. I remember when the SL55 first launched the issue of tires came up to handle a car with such power and weight. So it is definitely not an issue to take lightly.

I guess there are still some variables as far as wheels go before I can make a decision.

On the topic of lowering modules however, most seem to like the Kleemann and/or Brabus units. These seem to be the most "popular" and have the least issue from what I gather. I suppose it is safe to go with anyone of these. Carlsson unfortunately is not heavily distributed here in the US and if I am correct, do not have an office US office. Brabus and Kleemann on the otherhand both have US HQ's. Kleemann gets my nod for the fact that it lowers the car a bit more aggresively than the Brabus.

I do appreciate the input from you. Thank you Ronnie. Anymore insights, please share.

 

The only comment I would add is that whatever tyres you select, to make sure that they have an Extra Load (XL) rating to cope with the 1950kg weight of the SL55. Knowing that a 996 Carrera is about 1,350kg, you can see that selecting the right tyre rating becomes extremely important.

Obviously all of the tuners (Kleeman, Brabus, Lorinser and Carlsson) who sell 20" wheels for the SL55 all recommend 305/20 for the rear. Best to ask them about using a narrower tyre (e.g. 275) but I wouldnt be that confident

Best of luck with whatever you choose

Carlsson do appear to have a US office in Miami, but have no idea about their presence on the West Coast.

USA
Importeur
Carlsson North America, LLC


8805 NW 23 Street
Miami, Fl 33172

Telephone number: 001 305-717-3133
Telefax: 001 305-717-0199
E-mail adress: info@carlssonamerica.com
Internet: www.carlssonamerica.com

 

One more thing to add.

If you look underneath the front wheel arch of your SL55 (rasing the car helps, but not necessary) you will see that there is a suspension nut which comes quite close to the 18" tyre. Using a torch helps illustrate

Using a 20" tyre brings this MUCH closer to the tyre and when I've looked at cars fitted with 20" tyres, this suspension nut ends out being only about 5mm from the tyre. Lowering the car brings it closer still.

Now I know that the entire suspension unit will deflect and rebound as one unit and maintain a constant distance from the tyre, but just said that I'd mention it, as it does give one pause!!

 

I was going to purchase a Carlsson lowering unit for $A2900($2000), but decided to do some research on possible alternatives via my local tuning contacts. I found like KtZ did that the lowering can be done via the Star system service computer at your local dealership. I does not take hours, more like 1 to do and was explained to me by a senior MB mechanic. I had this done last week when I had my 19" AMG Style 4 replicas put. They took it down 30mm, which is perfect. It can go further but then you may be pushing it a bit.

The thing I really like was that it cost me nothing, they did at the same time as fixing a clunk in my steering system and were kind enough to call it all warranty work...

 

But what does the car then try to do at speed??

My understanding is that you basically "fool" the ABC system with the STar, into thinking that the new 30mm lowered position is the original position.

When it reaches 80km/hr, the car will then try to lower the car by a further 15mm (between 80 and 140km/hr) This is not ideal from a handling or aerodynamic view

Is this your understanding of what happens??

 

Personally, I don't know if the car will still try to lower further at 80kmh or not. However, looking at my car standing still, it doesn't appear that low even with the 30mm as compared with other cars I've lowered with properly designed spring kits (ie A/C Schnitzer). I am told though that using this method to fool the ABC system does result in better handling than stock. I would tend to think even if the car did go down again while travelling by say 15mm it wouldn't detract from the handling probably the opposite. I'm also pretty sure that modifying the ABC that way is also not that far off the way AMG do their revised ABC setup in the F1 safety car factory option package for the SL55.

 

I think for the F1 package they have completely modified the ABC for better track handling. Not just height or firmness, but adjusted rebound, compression and all the electronic logic stuff.

 

FYI,

Carlsson North America just opened up an office in Huntington Beach CA.

You can get the install done at Shoreline.

Here's the number.

Carlsson - GGI
(714) 847 4009

 

HI,
I was told by several mercedes benz dealer mechanics as well as
some guys that race them on the tracks locally here in california
that all seem to like the RENNTEC the best for following reasons..

it is the only one that uses 4 seperate microprocesors that digitally control the ride height and check it periorically, and also can adjust each wheel seperately.. and has 7 heights I am told..

it is also around 11-1200 dollars and is pretty inexpensive..

the guys I talked to race with it, so they have tested it at well above 160 miles an hour on a track abusing it..
and the mercedes mechanics at 2 deales said of all the lowering units they have seen, the RENNTEC has had no direct problems related to it, and does not interfere with other electric settings.. etc..

that is not to say the other units from KLEEMAN, and BRABUS are not good,,
but seems the RENNTEK is most adjustable, is complete DIgital and reprogrammable, and track tested and inexpensive..

hope that helps

C

 

For the SL55, when using the recommended 19” wheels and tyres (255/35 R19 front and 285/30 R19 rears), you can see that the overall wheel diameter and width is the same as the standard 18” wheels (255/40 R18 front and 285/35 R18 rears)


actually that is not quite true, I have the SL wheels and got the 19" version from the 18"

the 18" tires in front are 255 40's , so taking 40% aspect ratio of 255 mm you get a tire height of 102mm

the 19" tires are 255 35 series in front so taking 35% of 255 you get aspect of 89.25 mm which is approx 13mm lower

when you add the extra inch of the 19" rims height and subtract the lower 13 mm tires you get a difference of 12mm or approx 1/2 inch added to the total wheel height

the same formula applies to the rear

the rear 18" tires with 285 35's is 99.75mm tall at sidewall
the rear 19 tires with 285 30's are 85mm tall at sidewall

difference is 14.75 mm shorter for tires.. but when you add the extra inch of the 19" rim you get a net increase of wheel diameter of about 10.25mm in the rear..

so getting a lowering module and dropping it 1 inch would lower the car
1 inch, but the distance between the top of the tire and wheel well would actually be 38mm smaller, or about 1/12 inches which would make the car appear even lower ven though in reality it was only lowered by the module by 25mm so keep that in mind..

hope that helps
C

 

All that knowledge does an awesome job of rebadging an E350 into an E63:

No AMG Bumper, No Brakes, No Airmatic

 

well, the guy asked a question and I thought I would help him..
its not like you knew any of that, you probably need your GPS unit in your
cheese mobile to find your personality

at least I offered something of value, unlike you mr busted cylinder head who merely flames people like the flamer you are and criticises and seems be just be a negative miserable SOT.. who does not seem to know crap about cars since you keep saying the same incorrect things.. lol

what a maroon..

 

Actually I've contributed more to this forum than you will manage in your rather short tenure. You'd know that if you'd been around.


Enjoy my new sig!!!

 

I just got some adjustable links installed.. Ordered them from adjustableairride.com for $299 and I love em! Way better alternative (financially speaking) IMO. Same result too.. Plus, I can still raise and lower via the standard button.. Just throwing that out there FWIW.

 

Carlsson is the only company making an intelligent true plug and play lowering module also being able to select seven different ride height combinations. I'm attaching pictures of the module on my vehicle. It took 10 minutes to install the unit

 

We do custom lowering as well. We have a MB master tech who uses the MB Star diagnostic system (like AMG) to do it straight through the car's own computer to reset the ride height to where the client wants it.