I am having TWS lower my SL55 where I read on a post that someone else had it done with good results.

My question is, would it change the ride to a more harsher quality?

When I called them, they said it actually improves the ride to make it more "softer."

I had both my SL500 and SL55 lowered, by moving the height sensors. It's a cheap mod. However, the lower you go, the harsher the ride. Saying it would be softer is just not correct - it's the opposite. Lowering by about 1" or more will give a noticably bumpier ride (but not terrible). Lowering by 1/2 to 3/4 inch is still almost stock feeling.

The logic tell me that is correct what raygr says.

Is there a tutorial of how to lower the body by moving the sensors somewhere in Internet? I might be interested in lowering a bit my SL500.

That's pretty interesting. But I understand that's better tu use a module to lower the car.

You sure it wasn't because you put bigger tires/wheels on them?

Most people lower their rides while putting lower profile tires, making the illusion that the lowering part made the ride harsher, when it reality, the lower profile tires are to blame. Just a thought? When I put 19" low profile tires on my Porsche, the entire ride changed. I feel every little rock that I run through, and when I hit a pothole, feels like armageddon.

They brought up the same thing when I asked them.

Agree that's why I stay with my 18' wheels.

i think there are several modules for sale...a few of them are:

brabus, kleemann, carlsson, and rbtech. i think Awiner posted a review on these before. if i remember, i think the Kleemann has the most adjustability. i'd go with the Kleemann if i had the choice.

Good comments, I also remember to read something about the lower modules but I am not interesting in doing it so I did not have the data but if you ake a search on this forum you will find good info.

I haven't lowered mine, but I do have 19s and there is a bit of a ride difference. I like it!! I think that what you guys are feeling is more communication with the road. Whatever it is, the car bites better and allows me to attack the corners on the road and the track a bit better!

You think that 19 wheels handle better the corners that the 18?

Just got it done. Not much of a difference in the ride. When I put on the 20s, there was a huge difference in the ride, then had it lowered, and you barely feel anything if anything. I am almost positive that the difference is felt in the wheels, NOT the lowering.

Looks so much better, I would highly recommend it. Cost was $450. Can't be beat.

I'm going to 20's for my SL55 on Tuesday and plan to drop the car a Brabus recommended 15mm. From what I understand on the SL (and I may be totally wrong), you can lower the car 2 ways. You can 'trick' the sensors via a programming mod (very expensive) or physically lower the car by installing shorter springs (or cutting the originals) or bolting in a set of drop spindles. If you lower your car using shorter springs or cutting them, you can expect a harsher ride as cutting a spring immediately increases the spring rate, which will increase ride stiffness slightly. With drop spindles or sensor mod, the ride should remain exactly the same.

I'll let you know how mine turns out later this week.

~ Ian

The 19's (being wider as well as taller) allow you to fit wider tires. More contact patch + stiffer side walls of lower profile tires = better stick!

No, I kept the same tires and wheels - 18". You can feel the difference in ride by clicking the ride height adjustment to the middle setting - it gets smoother as the car raises (on my lowered SL55).

Your car doesn't have "springs". They either relocate the level sensors or they reprogram the ABC control module to a lower ride height.

I was actually being general to all cars but I must admit - I didn't even know that... I stand corrected thanks!

~ Ian

no problem

I had my car done at the local dealer using the sensor adjust method. Car is plugged into the Star System computer and the ABS system is accessed from there. Mine was lowered by 30mm and could go lower, still looks to high with the 19"s. The car's ride might have stiffened a bit, but I don't notice it as it's still way softer than any of my other cars, even the CSI. I am also investigation the full Nurburgring suspension pack out of AMG Germany for the ultimate upgrade.

Oz, a picture please? I'm debating how much I want to bring mine down. Brabus recommends 15mm but if I eyeball it it looks like I can go down a lot more...

~ Ian

only image I have right now from my phone, rear shot:



My good camera went on the fritz before Christmas and I haven't bought a new SLR yet, so I have been taking no car pics etc. for ages now. Can't do any more a camera phone pics right now as SL is home in the garage, not driving it today....

Here's the GAP on mine stock w/ 20".



Looks to me I can drop it about 2 inches easily.

~ Ian

Stock doesn't look too bad actually. 2" drop should be a piece of cake. I'm going to take my car back in next week and get them to take it down a bit more..

I think the wheels will appear even larger if the car is dropped a little. I'm hoping to have it done later this week and will upate with pictures.

~ Ian

I had mine dropped about 1 1/2 inch on the back and 2" on the front. There is basically no space between the tires and the fenders/bumpers. Looks really good and aggressive, but the back does rub here and there when I hit a high area. Mainly on the freeways where you are at high speeds, I have to take it up one by using the sensor button. I think I went real aggressive on mine.

Does anyone know if rubbing on the back will cause any harm to the tire? The guys that did it said it would not cause any damage because there are no sharp objects in the rear, just plastic against tire and I should be fine with minimul rubbing. Any thoughts?

I don't want to go any higher.