Lowering mod using onboard diagnostics?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 432
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From: Savannah GA
2020 G550
Lowering mod using onboard diagnostics?
Who hear know about lowering our E55's using the onboard diagnostics.
My MB mechanic says it can't be done, or at least that he has never heard of it. I need to put him in touch with someone who can tell him how it's done.
Regards
Josh Keller
My MB mechanic says it can't be done, or at least that he has never heard of it. I need to put him in touch with someone who can tell him how it's done.
Regards
Josh Keller
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 263
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From: Bay Area
e55211 traded in for CLS55
Originally Posted by E552006
Who hear know about lowering our E55's using the onboard diagnostics.
My MB mechanic says it can't be done, or at least that he has never heard of it. I need to put him in touch with someone who can tell him how it's done.
Regards
Josh Keller
My MB mechanic says it can't be done, or at least that he has never heard of it. I need to put him in touch with someone who can tell him how it's done.
Regards
Josh Keller
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 303
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From: Ponte Vedra, FL
'10 E63 AMG
Call my Service Advisor (Vincent) at Brumos Mercedes in Jacksonville, FL (904-724-1080, ask the receptionist for "Mercedes Service" and then when they answer on the transfer ask for Vincent). They lowered mine. No problems, no questions, they just did it - so apparently they do it all the time.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 263
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From: Bay Area
e55211 traded in for CLS55
Originally Posted by E552006
My dealer will do it with the understanding that "it never happened" 
How do I contact Steve?
Do you think he would talk to a tech at my dealership?
How do I contact Steve?
Do you think he would talk to a tech at my dealership?
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From: El Paso, TX
'03 G500, '13 G63, '17 GLS63,
I had Steve do mine. It doesn't look difficult, but I'm sure a lot of experience is involved when choosing the voltage values to make sure it sits evenly. Regardless of who you choose to do it, make sure they have experience.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 263
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From: Bay Area
e55211 traded in for CLS55
Originally Posted by oblax4
Call my Service Advisor (Vincent) at Brumos Mercedes in Jacksonville, FL (904-724-1080, ask the receptionist for "Mercedes Service" and then when they answer on the transfer ask for Vincent). They lowered mine. No problems, no questions, they just did it - so apparently they do it all the time.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 432
Likes: 40
From: Savannah GA
2020 G550
Originally Posted by oblax4
Call my Service Advisor (Vincent) at Brumos Mercedes in Jacksonville, FL (904-724-1080, ask the receptionist for "Mercedes Service" and then when they answer on the transfer ask for Vincent). They lowered mine. No problems, no questions, they just did it - so apparently they do it all the time.
Thanks Everyone
Josh
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,143
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From: Sydney, Australia
2017 S63 Coupe Iridium Silver
Originally Posted by E552006
Who hear know about lowering our E55's using the onboard diagnostics.
My MB mechanic says it can't be done, or at least that he has never heard of it. I need to put him in touch with someone who can tell him how it's done.
Regards
Josh Keller
My MB mechanic says it can't be done, or at least that he has never heard of it. I need to put him in touch with someone who can tell him how it's done.
Regards
Josh Keller
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 432
Likes: 40
From: Savannah GA
2020 G550
Originally Posted by Rafal
Why bother? Half the guys here have lowered their cars by the link method (or washer method) for 80c. Look up a long thread "Lower your E55 for 80c ...." You will hear a lot of "horror "stories from all those who spent $2000 on electronic modules and rave reviews from the rest of us who spent 80c...
I appreciate all of your research and effort in seeing that this mod is fairly safe. While I agree that 80 cents is less money than $100, I would rather have the dealer do it within the confines of the ECU.
just my 2 pennys (in a bucket, F$*# it).
No big deal.
I have worked on more cars than I care to count and have done MAJOR work on engines, turbos and suspensions....so I am not afraid to take a car apart and put it back together again...but I feel if it can be done with factory software instead of mechanics that it will be a better product in the end. (with all variables considered).
Once again, thank you for the link and post.
It was very informative.
Regards
Josh
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From: El Paso, TX
'03 G500, '13 G63, '17 GLS63,
I'd much rather have it lowered within MB specs than some $.80 shims. Think about it. Lowering with non-precision parts you buy for less than a dollar at any corner hardware store (plus a few minutes with a dremel, IIRC) vs. lowering with the Official Mercedes-Benz diagnostic computer and keeping it within factory specs. If there ever was a no-brainer regarding E55 mods...
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From: Sydney, Australia
2017 S63 Coupe Iridium Silver
Originally Posted by E552006
, I would rather have the dealer do it within the confines of the ECU.
None of those maneouvers compare in magnitude to the 5mm adjustment...
I guess it's like adjusting the volume on your car stereo: you like to press the digital button on the steering wheel , I like the mechanical approach of physically turning the knob with my hand.
Last edited by Rafal; Sep 15, 2005 at 05:08 AM.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
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From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
Originally Posted by Rafal
It is far better to break ILLEGALLY into the factory ECU codes to electronically alter voltages to all four wheels
I am so totally loosing you here...how did keeping a car WITHIN factory specs with the use of factory tools get translated into illegally braking into factory ECU codes???
greetingz,
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Sydney, Australia
2017 S63 Coupe Iridium Silver
Originally Posted by MBenzNL
I am so totally loosing you here...how did keeping a car WITHIN factory specs with the use of factory tools get translated into illegally braking into factory ECU codes???
greetingz,
Good luck, I am not trying to convince you either way and I do respect your reported track record. Not all technicians are as skilled as you.
PS. I will never have the opportunity to test your undoubted skills on my car.
However, the members of this Forum have the unfortunate track record of recommending, in good faith, the services of many vendors or tuners, including the likes of Harris. Therefore, we encourage everyone to think for themselves and do their own research before embarking on any project involving their cars. That, sometimes, presents opposing views.
Last edited by Rafal; Sep 15, 2005 at 08:08 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Brisbane, Australia
2003 E55
Cost me $2.
I used stainless steel washers.
Whether the voltages are altered electronically via star diagnostics or indirectly via washers seems irrelevant. The end result is exactly the same - the car sits lower.
IF lowering the cars centre of gravity and changing the angles of various suspension components increases the risk of suspension failure - both methods will lead to the same outcome.
The electronic method is neater. The washer method is cheaper. Take your pick!
By the way - I do note that some of those critical of the washer method have other mods - like non standard airfilters, wheels and tyres not "recommended" by MB.
Any changes from stock standard comes with some inherent "risk".
To each his own.
I used stainless steel washers.
Whether the voltages are altered electronically via star diagnostics or indirectly via washers seems irrelevant. The end result is exactly the same - the car sits lower.
IF lowering the cars centre of gravity and changing the angles of various suspension components increases the risk of suspension failure - both methods will lead to the same outcome.
The electronic method is neater. The washer method is cheaper. Take your pick!
By the way - I do note that some of those critical of the washer method have other mods - like non standard airfilters, wheels and tyres not "recommended" by MB.
Any changes from stock standard comes with some inherent "risk".
To each his own.
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
2005 E55 Black
Originally Posted by OzE55
Cost me $2.
I used stainless steel washers.
Whether the voltages are altered electronically via star diagnostics or indirectly via washers seems irrelevant. The end result is exactly the same - the car sits lower.
IF lowering the cars centre of gravity and changing the angles of various suspension components increases the risk of suspension failure - both methods will lead to the same outcome.
The electronic method is neater. The washer method is cheaper. Take your pick!
By the way - I do note that some of those critical of the washer method have other mods - like non standard airfilters, wheels and tyres not "recommended" by MB.
Any changes from stock standard comes with some inherent "risk".
To each his own.
I used stainless steel washers.
Whether the voltages are altered electronically via star diagnostics or indirectly via washers seems irrelevant. The end result is exactly the same - the car sits lower.
IF lowering the cars centre of gravity and changing the angles of various suspension components increases the risk of suspension failure - both methods will lead to the same outcome.
The electronic method is neater. The washer method is cheaper. Take your pick!
By the way - I do note that some of those critical of the washer method have other mods - like non standard airfilters, wheels and tyres not "recommended" by MB.
Any changes from stock standard comes with some inherent "risk".
To each his own.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 432
Likes: 40
From: Savannah GA
2020 G550
Originally Posted by OzE55
Whether the voltages are altered electronically via star diagnostics or indirectly via washers seems irrelevant. The end result is exactly the same - the car sits lower.
IF lowering the cars centre of gravity and changing the angles of various suspension components increases the risk of suspension failure - both methods will lead to the same outcome.
The electronic method is neater. The washer method is cheaper. Take your pick!
IF lowering the cars centre of gravity and changing the angles of various suspension components increases the risk of suspension failure - both methods will lead to the same outcome.
The electronic method is neater. The washer method is cheaper. Take your pick!
This is where I disagree, if the computer "knows" that the vehicle is lower it should adjust all other permameters to match. The vehicle height would be a known perameter if done within the factory computer. I am not worried at all about mechanical failures due to this mod by either means.
I just think that things like roll angle, traction control and ABS could be effected if the computer does not know the true ride height.
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From: El Paso, TX
'03 G500, '13 G63, '17 GLS63,
Originally Posted by Rafal
How? Why won't most officially accredited MBZ dealers do this mod, or any other electronic or mechanical mod for that matter? Why is it not an approved MBZ option or upgrade? Why do most MBZ not know anything about it? Let's face it, both methods are equally bootleg, and therefore "illegal" in the eyes of Mercedes Benz. With the link method at least, you get the desired effect immediately. With the voltage method, I hear, if done by a less experienced technician, it's trial and error with all four corners needing several adjustments before they sit right, not lopsided.
Good luck, I am not trying to convince you either way and I do respect your reported track record. Not all technicians are as skilled as you.
PS. I will never have the opportunity to test your undoubted skills on my car.
However, the members of this Forum have the unfortunate track record of recommending, in good faith, the services of many vendors or tuners, including the likes of Harris. Therefore, we encourage everyone to think for themselves and do their own research before embarking on any project involving their cars. That, sometimes, presents opposing views.
Good luck, I am not trying to convince you either way and I do respect your reported track record. Not all technicians are as skilled as you.
PS. I will never have the opportunity to test your undoubted skills on my car.
However, the members of this Forum have the unfortunate track record of recommending, in good faith, the services of many vendors or tuners, including the likes of Harris. Therefore, we encourage everyone to think for themselves and do their own research before embarking on any project involving their cars. That, sometimes, presents opposing views.
Also, it is adjustable by three points: the front right, front left and the rear, not all corners.
If the range is set per Mercedes-Benz specifications and you cannot deviate from this range, I don't see how it could be "illegal". You are not tricking the computer, simply providing new settings which, as I said, are a range specified by M-B. If anything would be "illegal" in M-B's eyes, it is using cheap hardware to TRICK the computer to do something that can be done without tricking it if you use the Star Diagnose computer.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,797
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From: Richmond Hill, Ontario
2003 E55 AMG
Originally Posted by Rafal
How? Why won't most officially accredited MBZ dealers do this mod, or any other electronic or mechanical mod for that matter? Why is it not an approved MBZ option or upgrade? Why do most MBZ not know anything about it? Let's face it, both methods are equally bootleg, and therefore "illegal" in the eyes of Mercedes Benz. With the link method at least, you get the desired effect immediately. With the voltage method, I hear, if done by a less experienced technician, it's trial and error with all four corners needing several adjustments before they sit right, not lopsided.
Good luck, I am not trying to convince you either way and I do respect your reported track record. Not all technicians are as skilled as you.
PS. I will never have the opportunity to test your undoubted skills on my car.
However, the members of this Forum have the unfortunate track record of recommending, in good faith, the services of many vendors or tuners, including the likes of Harris. Therefore, we encourage everyone to think for themselves and do their own research before embarking on any project involving their cars. That, sometimes, presents opposing views.
Good luck, I am not trying to convince you either way and I do respect your reported track record. Not all technicians are as skilled as you.
PS. I will never have the opportunity to test your undoubted skills on my car.
However, the members of this Forum have the unfortunate track record of recommending, in good faith, the services of many vendors or tuners, including the likes of Harris. Therefore, we encourage everyone to think for themselves and do their own research before embarking on any project involving their cars. That, sometimes, presents opposing views.
The reason that no MB dealer will do the changes with Star Diagnostics is for LIABILITY reasons. Lowering the vehicle alters the ride height and that affects front & rear impact safety.
In North America our impact safety guidelines are much more strict than in Germany.. (ie. We have to have 5mph bumpers, etc..).
If the car is lowered by MB and you are involved in an accident you COULD hold MB responsible.
That's the only reason they won't do it. It doesn't meet North American Safety standards.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 3
From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
Originally Posted by Rafal
How? Why won't most officially accredited MBZ dealers do this mod, or any other electronic or mechanical mod for that matter?...Why do most MBZ not know anything about it?
greetingz,
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,143
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From: Sydney, Australia
2017 S63 Coupe Iridium Silver
Originally Posted by medici78
Star Diagnose is not "illegal" in M-B's eyes. There are no codes or red flags, whereas one can easily see the washers or links and know the suspension was tampered with. It is not out of spec if you were take it in for service. The computer specifies a range of voltage values. All you do is change the values. The range is M-B specified and you cannot deviate from the range. Some cars have more adjustability than others. Mine was only able to be lowered .75" while others can go twice as much. .75" was enough to eliminate the fender gap on my particular car.
Also, it is adjustable by three points: the front right, front left and the rear, not all corners.
If the range is set per Mercedes-Benz specifications and you cannot deviate from this range, I don't see how it could be "illegal". You are not tricking the computer, simply providing new settings which, as I said, are a range specified by M-B. If anything would be "illegal" in M-B's eyes, it is using cheap hardware to TRICK the computer to do something that can be done without tricking it if you use the Star Diagnose computer.
Also, it is adjustable by three points: the front right, front left and the rear, not all corners.
If the range is set per Mercedes-Benz specifications and you cannot deviate from this range, I don't see how it could be "illegal". You are not tricking the computer, simply providing new settings which, as I said, are a range specified by M-B. If anything would be "illegal" in M-B's eyes, it is using cheap hardware to TRICK the computer to do something that can be done without tricking it if you use the Star Diagnose computer.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,143
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From: Sydney, Australia
2017 S63 Coupe Iridium Silver
Originally Posted by vrus
Rafal,
The reason that no MB dealer will do the changes with Star Diagnostics is for LIABILITY reasons. Lowering the vehicle alters the ride height and that affects front & rear impact safety.
In North America our impact safety guidelines are much more strict than in Germany.. (ie. We have to have 5mph bumpers, etc..).
If the car is lowered by MB and you are involved in an accident you COULD hold MB responsible.
That's the only reason they won't do it. It doesn't meet North American Safety standards.
The reason that no MB dealer will do the changes with Star Diagnostics is for LIABILITY reasons. Lowering the vehicle alters the ride height and that affects front & rear impact safety.
In North America our impact safety guidelines are much more strict than in Germany.. (ie. We have to have 5mph bumpers, etc..).
If the car is lowered by MB and you are involved in an accident you COULD hold MB responsible.
That's the only reason they won't do it. It doesn't meet North American Safety standards.
I measured them all. My E500 sat 10mm lower than my stock E55!
The only liabilty issues are due to people scraping their cars on ****ty driveways and claiming warranty replacements of their front spoilers.
Also, the ride comfort changes to more firm as you lower the suspension(less air volume in the air springs). Many buyers do not want to sacrifice their plush ride, especially in the land of the soggy suspensions... which happens to be the second biggest market.
I recently drove my friend's E55 with stock suspension and, I swear, it made me sea sick, it was floating and rolling so much on Sport 1!
Last edited by Rafal; Sep 15, 2005 at 11:33 PM.
