Lowering
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Lowering
Had my car in the dealership today, I asked If they lowered cars via star diagnose, he said they do not, he went on to say do not waste your money on module, or even star diagnose. He said to just use the washer method. He said it was real easy. My question is has anyone done this and how do you do it?
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From: Melbourne - Australia
2004 E320 with AMG bodykit
I thought the max lowering possible through washers is 8mm since stocks are 13mm and the smallest are 5mm
Whereas with StarD you can lower upto 40mm from what i've heard
I could be wrong though
Whereas with StarD you can lower upto 40mm from what i've heard
I could be wrong though
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From: Brisbane, Australia
2003 E55
Originally Posted by AMG-fanatic
I thought the max lowering possible through washers is 8mm since stocks are 13mm and the smallest are 5mm
Whereas with StarD you can lower upto 40mm from what i've heard
I could be wrong though
Whereas with StarD you can lower upto 40mm from what i've heard
I could be wrong though
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From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
Originally Posted by Kev04C320
so is the Star Diagnose method, and it's within factory specs too
And I'm going to get some links to allow for a 1.25" drop (not sure how many mm that is).
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2004 E55
I used the spacer lowering kit from Altered Atmosphere in MD. These are machined spacers that lower the car precisely avoiding the potential for washer unevenness. The car was lowered about an inch. It is very easy and I've driven a year on them with no problems. Their web site is www.alteredatmosphere.com.
Last edited by dsc; Jan 25, 2007 at 12:50 AM.
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From: THE Orange County, California
2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS
Originally Posted by newton22
Yes, washer method for the win all the way, I did it. It's not about being cheap, its about how it works and how its done. The washer method is completely reversible.
This is not to say that a failure via a lowering module or the star system would not be covered by warranty but the probability of failure from these systems is basically zero.
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From: Southern California
2003 E55
Anyone have the Star Diag method done by Steve_BenzNL? How low is this method as opposed to Carlsson, Brabus etc.? I heard the Star diag gives you approx. 3/4" drop but don't know about the other methods. And is 3/4" drop pretty noticeable? Would this give you a tuck or 'flush' look with 19s or 20s or does it need to be lower to get it tucked? I know stock I have roughly two fingers of gap between tire and well. How much of a gap do you guys have with what module and what size wheels? And what is the difference between buying a $1000+ module as opposed to going with the less expensive Star diag?
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Star diag does not void your warranty if for some odd reason your aftermarket module fails and your local dealer is not friendly to mods. And it is alot cheaper than 1000+ for the aftermarket module.
I had star diag done on my E500 and was running 19's and there was a 1 finger gap. Dean said we could go lower but I thought was plenty. I have yet to do the E55 as I am deciding if i should wait until i upgrade wheels or just do it now. Washer method or Star Diag are both great and the prices can't be beat.
I had star diag done on my E500 and was running 19's and there was a 1 finger gap. Dean said we could go lower but I thought was plenty. I have yet to do the E55 as I am deciding if i should wait until i upgrade wheels or just do it now. Washer method or Star Diag are both great and the prices can't be beat.
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From: Melbourne - Australia
2004 E320 with AMG bodykit
Originally Posted by OzE55
My 6mm of washers = (about) 20mm drop.
P.S. I could be wrong since I'm no expert with suspension!
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Here is another method (TWS lowering brackets).
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=43817
I lowered my front end by changing the links (If you follow the link, the link is black, and is attached to the TWS lowering bracket).
You can buy fixed or adjustable links if you want to play with your ride height.
I lowered my rear end by moving the sensor.
I've been on this setup for almost 3.5 years now w/o any problems.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=43817
I lowered my front end by changing the links (If you follow the link, the link is black, and is attached to the TWS lowering bracket).
You can buy fixed or adjustable links if you want to play with your ride height.
I lowered my rear end by moving the sensor.
I've been on this setup for almost 3.5 years now w/o any problems.
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From: SoCal
W221
Here is a pic of my car with the Star D drop. Front I would say, is about a one finger drop if that and the rear sits flush with the tire...
Here is another angle when I had my wheels...
Here is another angle when I had my wheels...
Last edited by BenzoBoi; May 4, 2006 at 04:29 PM.
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From: Seattle, WA
'09 911 C4S
I was only able to get 1/2" drop with the Star Diagnose method. Steve said that every car has different potential for drop using the computer method. He would have to hook up the computer to your car before he can tell you how much drop he can give you.
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From: Brisbane, Australia
2003 E55
Originally Posted by AMG-fanatic
I haven't installed my new washers yet but how come a 6mm washer (which should be 7mm lower since stocks are 13mm) possibly lower your vehicle by 20mm?
P.S. I could be wrong since I'm no expert with suspension!
P.S. I could be wrong since I'm no expert with suspension!
The ride height is determined by a sensor arm and its angle.
6mm induces enough change in the sensor arm angle to drop the car 20mm (about).
The washers dont lower the mechanical parts of the suspension. The washers trick the sensor into reducing the volume of air in the airmatic suspension and therefore lowering the car.
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From: Melbourne - Australia
2004 E320 with AMG bodykit
Originally Posted by OzE55
Easy answer.
The ride height is determined by a sensor arm and its angle.
6mm induces enough change in the sensor arm angle to drop the car 20mm (about).
The washers dont lower the mechanical parts of the suspension. The washers trick the sensor into reducing the volume of air in the airmatic suspension and therefore lowering the car.
The ride height is determined by a sensor arm and its angle.
6mm induces enough change in the sensor arm angle to drop the car 20mm (about).
The washers dont lower the mechanical parts of the suspension. The washers trick the sensor into reducing the volume of air in the airmatic suspension and therefore lowering the car.
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From: strip bar in Oregon
211 E55(sold) & 80cc shifter kart
I used to be against the washer method but bought a spacer kit from AAM and installed it in 20 min and BAM my 55 was slammed. it was a qaulity kit and would recommend it to anyone. comes w/ excellent directions.
www.alteredatmosphere.com
www.alteredatmosphere.com
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From: Brisbane, Australia
2003 E55
Originally Posted by BMWEATR
I used to be against the washer method but bought a spacer kit from AAM and installed it in 20 min and BAM my 55 was slammed. it was a qaulity kit and would recommend it to anyone. comes w/ excellent directions.
www.alteredatmosphere.com
www.alteredatmosphere.com
Can you post the web-page address, please?
How much?
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From: Sydney, Australia
2017 S63 Coupe Iridium Silver
Originally Posted by AMG-fanatic
I haven't installed my new washers yet but how come a 6mm washer (which should be 7mm lower since stocks are 13mm) possibly lower your vehicle by 20mm?
P.S. I could be wrong since I'm no expert with suspension!
P.S. I could be wrong since I'm no expert with suspension!
It works. The rear is more complex. Do a search, there is a very long thread here which begins with "Lower your E55 for 80c..."
This will start another lengthy and pointless debate, I can just feel it...
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From: strip bar in Oregon
211 E55(sold) & 80cc shifter kart
Originally Posted by OzE55
I can't find it on the web-site.
Can you post the web-page address, please?
How much?
Can you post the web-page address, please?
How much?
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From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
Originally Posted by Rafal
Stock sensors on the front suspension have no washers =0mm, and they fit directly under the aluminum suspension arm. When you fit 6mm worth of washers in between the sensor and the arm (any more and you will not have enough thread left to put the top nut back on), you get a 3.2x multiplier effect through the leverage of the electronic sensor. That translates into 18-20mm drop or 0.8".
It works. The rear is more complex. Do a search, there is a very long thread here which begins with "Lower your E55 for 80c..."
This will start another lengthy and pointless debate, I can just feel it...
It works. The rear is more complex. Do a search, there is a very long thread here which begins with "Lower your E55 for 80c..."
This will start another lengthy and pointless debate, I can just feel it...
In the front, the washers themselves do nothing. It's just a method of permanently fixing the the sensor's new position. Airmatic suspensions come with adjustable sensor's. You just have to find the best way to fix them in any position you want. Washers apparently worked the best, so that's how we did them. Make sure the nut is tight when you put it back on. If you want to be like me and be extra cautious, check the nut every couple month to make sure its tight. Or if you plan to fix it at that height, use LocTite.
